The coronation of Davys Marjan, the thirty-fifth president of the Marjan clan, and ruler of all known lands, was a grand affair. The division leaders were all in attendance, as they were already present for the Meneer conference.
It was the first time Valerya would be attending a coronation. The previous coronation, for Oreli Marjan, happened when Valerya was but a toddler. She had watched excitedly from the television in her home while her mother scribbled beautiful nonsense on a notepad as usual. But now, Valerya could stand next to the future president as it happened.
She noticed that Auguri Anna was in attendance, her hair fiery and curly. The beautiful but evil-looking girl stood calmly at the podium beside her mother, offering assistance, as her mother performed the duties of the Volyrts, which was to carry out the coronation.
First, Davys was handed a sceptre. It was to signify the fact that he was the ultimate ruler of the empire. His every word was law. He was called the president, but he was more like a king. The only people who could check him were the Volyrts as a whole, and they never interfered. Interference would mean a civil war, so they only stayed in the shadows, maintaining the order of the land.
The next item Davys was handed was a crown. The crown was placed on his head by Auguri Rita which was to signify the fact that the burden of the empire was on his head, but he could always depend on the Volyrts for assistance. No president had ever depended on the Volyrts for anything, as a means to check their already growing power. The Volyrts were a powerful nuisance none wanted to deal with.
The third and final item Davys was given was a silver ring. The ring was to signify his wisdom and was a symbol of power. Auguri Anna placed the ring on his finger while her mother watched. The sly girl ensured to look him deeply in the eyes as she did so.
After he was given the objects, he stepped to a different area where a bucket of milk was poured on his head. Valerya knew it was to cleanse him of everything he was before. As he becomes president, he will begin his life anew.
He walked to his throne and stood before it, where Auguri Rita came with a knife. She cut both fingertips and stood back to watch as Davys shook his bloodied hand all over the throne. His blood touched the corners of the magnificent seat of power, which finally showed he would rule with his blood, even giving his life in the process. Till he dies.
He turned to face the congregation. For the first time since the coronation began, Valerya had a close look at his face. He looked very different. More mature, more…wicked, somehow. Everyone waited with bated breaths while the president said the long-awaited words, "Siakes diadem osmore friyam requiem."
He took his seat and everyone knelt in respect. "Long live the president," they all chanted thrice. He gesticulated for them to stand up, which they did. It was time to give his first order.
The first order a president gave usually symbolized the sort of president he would be. Some ordered food for the masses as soon as they took their seat. Their tenure was thus marked with abundance. Others, for taxes to be reduced, or even officials to be changed. Valerya heard Davy's great-grandfather ordered a marriage alliance between himself and the most beautiful woman in the empire when he took his seat.
"Vivien Claude would be executed in two days. Publicly. She would be hung in the market, and it would be televised across all levels. Failure to watch the execution means imprisonment. Her family which comprises her children and husband would be stripped of all their lands and titles, blinded on the left eye, paralyzed on their left limbs and sent to level three," he ordered.
Valerya glanced at him, shocked. He would be a blood president. Sebastian sidled next to her, and muttered, "What are you thinking? Your ward is now the president. You've gone several paces up."
"I don't recognize him," she replied sadly.
"I have a feeling it's going to get worse. But you shouldn't be worried. You're now the bodyguard to the president."
"Not anymore. I'm going to quit. He doesn't need me anymore. The person who was trying to kill him has been apprehended. There's no need to pretend."
"Would he let you go though?" Sebastian asked. Valerya didn't respond. She wasn't sure if he would, and the truth was, she wasn't ready to leave. She already missed him. Their fights, their banters, their conversations. She loved him, but the man standing in front of her wasn't the president's son whom she loved. He was irreversibly changed.
Davys cleared his throat. "Let this order serve as a warning to each and every one of you, division leaders included. During my reign, acts of rebellion would not be tolerated. If you commit treason, not just you, but your entire family would be executed. The only reason I spared Vivien's family is due to my benevolence. I recognize her husband's service over the years and that is why I gave a very light punishment."
"But that is the end of my kindness. All the division leaders would return back to their bases today. Anyone caught tomorrow out of his base would be given the hershoon punishment, which means being boiled to death in a pot if you have forgotten.
"And before you leave, there is to be no assembly of more than two division leaders in the same place at a particular time. All private security and armies for individuals are hereby dissolved, the only exception being for the prime minister and top four level one officials having ten armed securities each, and the bottom five for level one having five each. No more. Everyone else would have two at most. The remaining would be retained by the Empire, under my personal control.
"Any talk of treason or an uprising would lead to a very swift and very humiliating execution for the individual and their entire line. Follow these simple orders, and I guarantee each and every single one of you here, you will enjoy my reign. "Siakes diadem osmore friyam requiem."