“I spent my life thinking I would be the King of Germania. Denying who I was — and who I loved — for fear that a monarch like me would never be accepted on the throne. Resenting that throne, even, for making something I cannot change about myself — my sexual orientation — something secret, and taboo, and wrong.”
A gasp moves through the crowd.
I stare at Henry, overcome by his bravery. His spine is straight, his profile proud. There is no hesitation in his voice. Each word rings out clearly.
“All over this country, young men and women wake up every day, fearing that they are somehow different. Somehowother. Fearing that something as basic as human attraction will hold them back from opportunities and limit their life choices.” Henry sighs. “I would not be a very good role model — or monarch, for that matter — if I was not brave enough to stand here and speak my own truth, on behalf of those like me, who struggle every day to live authentically.” He straightens his shoulders. “So today, I am here to set the record straight, once and for all. I am a Lancaster. I am a Germanian. And I am a proud gay man.”
I start the applause, this time. Chloe joins in at my back, cheering so loud it hurts my eardrums. And the whole room follows — thunderous applause filling the Great Hall, rattling the crystal chandeliers far overhead.
“I know this news comes as a shock to many of you,” Henry says, when it finally tapers off. “We are in uncharted territory. Never before has the monarchy had an openly gay ruler. And I know we will face opposition. But I believe a good ruler is defined not by who he or she loves; a good ruler is defined by how much he or she loves their country.”
He glances briefly at me, and I can’t help thinking he’s talking as much about himself as he is me and Carter.
“Here, here!” I cheer, feeling tears prick my eyes.
I don’t care what anyone says.
This man is a king.
Henry smiles at me fondly for another moment, then turns to continue his speech. “That said… these past few months have provided me with immeasurable time to think — not merely about the future of our great nation, but about my own future. About what I want from it.” He pauses, throat clearing. “The truth is, I have never aspired to rule. I have no aptitude for it. And yet, I never had any other choice. There was never another option for me besides the throne, because there was never an alternative who could occupy that seat in my place.”
He pauses for a long beat, and the room seems to hold its breath.
I’m certainly holding mine.
“But that is no longer the case,” he says softly. “We now have an alternative. A better alternative, in my humble opinion. One who has proven her worth time and again. One who makes mistakes, learns from them, and tries once more with new determination. One who will lead us into a progressive future — with or without a nobleman by her side. A ruler defined not by who she marries or how many heirs she produces… but in the changes she inspires within all of us, each day of her reign.”
I blink, hard. I must be dreaming. Or delusional.
Henry holds out his hand to me and, shaking, I step forward to take it.
“What are you doing?” I whisper under my breath.
“What’s meant to be done,” he replies simply. Turning to the microphone, his voice lifts to a crescendo. “I, Henry Lewis Lancaster, do solemnly abdicate any past, present, and future claims to the throne. From this day onward, Emilia Victoria Lancaster shall be considered by all the true heir. The Queen of Germania, by blood and by right. Long may she reign!”
“Long may she reign!” a voice calls back.
“Long may she reign!” another shouts.
“Long may she reign!” a third.
“Long may she reign!”
“Long may she reign!”
“Long may she reign!”
“Long may she reign!”
I turn to Henry, stunned. Crying.
“Why?” I ask, my voice breaking on the word. “Why would you do this?”
“Because you deserve it,” he whispers in my ear, smiling. “Your Royal Majesty.”
Reaching up, he steadies the wobbling crown atop my head. Planting a kiss on my cheek, he takes a step back… leaving me alone in front of the roaring crowd.
They are still cheering for me, showing no signs of stopping anytime soon. And as I look out over them, my eyes drifting across all the different faces, from the front row to the back…