Sky by Aaron Ehasz

Author:Aaron Ehasz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Viren gazed over the cheering crowd and then back at his friend, the crown prince. Prince Harrow was kneeling on the grand balcony in front of the people. His head was bowed, and the low dusky sunlight shone on his jet-black dreadlocks. As the high cleric placed the crown on Harrow’s head, Viren breathed with excitement and clapped for the young monarchs.

The new king stood and grabbed Queen Sarai’s hand, then turned to face the crowd.

“I want to make a difference!” Harrow shouted to the crowd.

Viren believed that Harrow would do just that. He had the support of his wonderful wife. Viren watched as Sarai brushed a lock of hair from King Harrow’s face and cupped his chin in her hand. “You will,” she told her husband. “You’ll be a champion of love and justice. And I’ll be fighting by your side.”

Viren was proud to be the high mage to King Harrow. Though he had served the previous king, Viren had known the prince—the new king, rather—since they were teens. He knew Harrow to be humble, approachable, friendly, and funny. He seemed to truly care. Viren admired how Harrow paid attention to people no matter who they were, and showed them respect and kindness.

Katolis was on the brink of great things. Viren could feel it.

The energy of newness and possibility was still in the air days later, when the royal family posed for their first portraits together in the throne room. King Harrow was so giddy he could barely stand still. The artist was at his wit’s end trying to paint the king.

“Are we done yet?” Harrow asked through a frozen smile. “It looks pretty done to me.”

“Baby Ezran and little Callum have more patience for their portraits than you, My King,” Viren said.

“I don’t doubt that,” King Harrow said. “Can I move now?”

The painter shrugged. He was mostly finished.

“Phew,” King Harrow said. Everyone relaxed their portrait faces.

“Hold on, you’re not free yet,” Viren said. “The king must pose for one more.”

“Ah, my official portrait,” King Harrow said. “For the history books and whatnot.”

“You don’t care to impress the history books?” Viren asked. He would love to have his portrait passed down from generation to generation in venerable tomes.

King Harrow beckoned toward Viren. “Why don’t you join me, Viren?” he said.

“But … this is your official portrait as king,” Viren said. It wouldn’t be right for him to stand with King Harrow … as much as he wanted to.

“Yes. And you should stand next to me—as I know you will stand by me through anything,” King Harrow said.

Viren nodded and walked silently to stand next to the king. He stood up straight as a rod, looked directly in front of him, and was careful not to move a muscle for the entire session.

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