Dragonborn Rising Ch. 63

Chapter 64 -- Crowning Glory

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I think the word to describe my return to Solitude would be triumphant. No doubt the city had been told of what had transpired at the Moot. The road leading up the gates was lined with well-wishers, and once I entered the city on horseback, alongside the Emperor, the other Jarls following us, the crowds... roared. Elisif may have been loved but the chant of my name was almost deafening.

Dragonborn.

We stayed on horseback until we reached the Blue Palace, the crowds being kept back a distance so we could dismount and peace and head in. It appeared preparations were already underway for our coronation. During our journey back north, we hadn't talked business at all. Once we were inside, the first thing I did was excuse myself, take Elisif by the hand, and lead her to her private quarters. Asking for privacy before shutting the doors, I took her in my arms and held her tight.

"Ragnar, I'm fine," she murmured, "It's... actually a relief, in a way."

"Eli..."

She leaned back, one of those grins I loved. "Ragnar, I knew they were going to make that decision. I made the best choice for both of us, but also the people of this city. I know the city will be safe hands with you in charge. And... I want you to marry Mirabelle. I know how much you love her. And you are her heart and soul. I know you love me in your own way, as much as I love you, but trust me, all of us know what Mirabelle means to you."

"Will you stay within the court?"

"Of course. I don't plan on moving out exactly. I'm sure you have plans for us."

"I do," I admitted, "Been thinking about it for a little while, just in case."

"So while this may no longer be my permanent bedroom, I appreciate knowing I can still call this palace home." She paused before adding, "And I'd love a child. I'm still taking potions, of course. I'm sure we can all come to an agreement, how it will all work."

"Are you sure you don't want to find a man to call your own?"

"I may do one day, Ragnar, but right now, I'm happy." She grabbed both my hands with hers. "And please believe me. I know you have doubts about all of this. Mirabelle tells me you often express reservations about this arrangement. Trust me, the six of us love you and we know how much you love all of us in return. None of us are jealous, or if we do feel it, we don't feel it for long. We are all with the Dragonborn because you chose us, but more importantly, we choose to be here. If we didn't, we would have left."

"Hmmm. Maybe I should look at it like that."

The smile on her face only broadened. "Exactly. I'm here because I love being with you, Ragnar. Whenever we are alone like this, you make me feel like the most special woman in the world, like the only woman in the world. And it would be my pleasure to continue my service to both Solitude, its Jarl and also the High King."

I gave her a hug, holding her tight against my chest for what felt like a long time, before there was finally a knock at the door, asking if we were available.

The first matter of business was the abdication of Elisif. It was only after she finished signing the paperwork that she showed the first real signs of emotion, needing to wipe her eyes after she had signed the final page. I got down on a knee next to her chair and gave her a hug. She didn't sob but only the hardest of hearts wouldn't have understood what she had just given up. But I know she had the respect of everyone in that room. Even Ulfric...

Solitude would now be leaderless until my coronation as both Jarl and High King. It was agreed that it would take place the very next day. Therefore, the only question I had was about the fact I was still a bachelor... technically, at least. And then there was the question of the life I did leave. I sat down with the Emperor, Balgruuf and Elisif to raise my concerns.

"You can marry after you've taken the crown," the Emperor stated, "You won't be the first nor the last to become a ruler as a single man."

"As for your lifestyle, no-one will really care if you deliver what you promise," Balgruuf added, "It will only be if the people are hungry and afraid that they will turn on you."

"Again, won't be the first or last," the Emperor added.

"You are intending to marry?" Balgruuf asked.

"Aye."

"It would certainly be cause for celebration after your coronation. Who would you marry, if I may ask?"

"Mirabelle Ervine. She was once a member of the College of Winterhold."

"Hmmm...." Balgruuf stated, stroking his chin, "She's Breton, yes?" I nodded. "Positives and negatives to such a marriage. You can marry whoever you want, of course, but there will always be a political element. Marrying a Breton will please the rulers of High Rock. And if she's a mage, that will hopefully change the minds of some of those who have a real dislike for those with expertise in magic."

"I'm marrying her because I love her, Balgruuf," I stated.

Moving away from my private life, the trio explained the procedure of how I would be crowned. I would leave the city the night before, returning the next day, walking through the city through the crowds, before entering the palace. I would then take my place on the throne, where the High Priest from the Temple of the Divines would invoke the will of the gods before the Crown of Solitude would be placed upon my head, followed by the Crown of Skyrim. And that would be it. Solitude would have a new Jarl, and Skyrim would have a new High King.

My girls wanted to join me outside the walls the night before my coronation, but Mirabelle and Lydia would have found it far too uncomfortable, while Aela was just about starting to show now. I insisted they stay within the walls. Once the coronation was over, I would immediately make plans about moving all of them into the palace.

I didn't camp alone the night before my coronation. I happily built a small tent and sat by the campfire, enjoying what was definitely going to be my last ever night of peace. At least six soldiers patrolled around me, though stayed far enough away not to bother me. Not that they would have done so. I did tempt a couple of them to join me for at least a drink, but they were under orders to ensure no-one approached me, even if they looked like city guards or other soldiers. They were taking their roles very seriously.

Despite the impending coronation, I found sleep easy that night, rising with the sunlight the next morning, enjoying a simple breakfast before I dressed. I had been deciding between fine clothes or armour. Then I figured I was the Dragonborn. Most people who knew me as a warrior, so I would enter as one. I wasn't hoping to look like a conquering hero. I was arriving as the man the Jarls of Skyrim had voted for. I liked to think I had at least the respect of most people of Solitude, if not Skyrim.

I could have entered on horseback but I chose to walk towards the gates of Solitude, flanked by the six soldiers, three to either side. Not too tight to me, but I don't think anyone would have been dumb enough to try anything. I had my sword and shield regardless, and if desperate, a dagger I always kept sheathed.

The gates opened once I crested the hill, immediately greeted by a cacophony of noise. Guards and soldiers kept the crowds back as I slowly walked by them, though I quickly stepped to both sides, grasping the hands of the citizens. Colourful flowers were being thrown by well-wishers as I slowly made my way along. I recognised a few faces in the crowd, but I had a feeling people would have quickly made their way to Solitude from around Skyrim to catch a glimpse of what was happening.

The Emperor, the Jarls, and all my girls were waiting for me to arrive at the Blue Palace. Alongside them was the High Priest and other members from the Temple of the Divines. After greeting all of them with a handshake, I was led inside by the High Priest, only the local nobility waiting inside as I was led towards the throne. The High Priest asked to take the throne. Once I was comfortable, he invoked the will of the Divines before he took the first crown, that of Solitude, and placed it upon my head. I was then asked to repeat a sermon, where I promised to fulfil my obligations to the people of Solitude.

Once that was done, the crown was removed as the next ceremony took place immediately. I was certainly liking the fact it was taking place without any pomp and ceremony. I had suggested more than once that, if I was to be made ruler, I wanted it done with a minimum of fuss. Considering the carnage that had taken place across Skyrim, everyone had agreed, simply that it would keep costs down. An ostentatious, obviously expensive ceremony would have put many noses out of joint. Not the best way to start my rule of both city and nation.

There was a little more to becoming High King of Skyrim, at least in regards to the oath taken. Holding the crown in his hands, he held it high but did not place it on my head as he asked a series of questions.

"Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of Skyrim, according to the respective laws and customs?"

"Aye, I do."

"Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?"

"Aye, I will."

"Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of the Divines?"

"Aye, I will."

"Oh Akatosh, the crown of the faithful; bless we beseech thee and sanctify this thy servant our king, and as thou dost this day set a crown of pure gold upon his/her head, so enrich his royal heart with thine abundant grace, and crown him with all princely virtues through the Divines."

Gesturing for me to lower my head, I did so, feeling the crown places upon me as he added, "Divines crown you with a crown of glory and righteousness, that having a right faith and manifold fruit of good works, you may obtain the crown of an everlasting kingdom by the gift of they whose kingdom endureth for ever."

Sitting back, the High Priest bowed his head as he stepped aside. The Jarls of Skyrim then stepped forward to swear fealty to their new High King. An old friend obviously made sure he was the first to bend the knee before me.

"I, Jarl Balgruuf of Whiterun, do become your liege man of life and limb, and of earthly worship; and faith and truth will I bear unto you, to live and die, against all manner of folks. May the Divines bless you, King Ragnar of Skyrim."

All the other Jarls followed. Even those who had not voted for me did so willingly, or so it seemed. Maybe the fact I'd had such support had changed their minds, or they were willing to give me a chance. Or maybe they were hoping it would just blow up in my face. There was still a chance the second thing could happen if I made the wrong decisions.

Once fealty had been sworn by the Jarls and then the local nobility, I thought I'd have to swear fealty to the Emperor. When the High Priest suggested it, the Emperor actually waved it away. "I know King Ragnar is loyal to Empire and its Emperor. He is the one that ended the civil war on our behalf. I know where his loyalties lie."

"I serve Skyrim and the Empire, Your Majesty," I stated, standing from my throne and bending the knee in his direction.

"Rise and take your throne, King Ragnar. Today is a glorious day."

I looked around the room and immediately locked eyes with Mirabelle. I smiled at her as I announced the first order of business. "The High King of Skyrim is unmarried and that must be rectified." I looked at the gaggle of clergy. "Do any of you have an Amulet of Mara?"

I figured they all carried one and I was quickly handed one. Looping it around my neck, I stood up and walked straight towards Mirabelle, taking both her hands as I lowered myself down onto a knee. "I will keep this simple, Belle. Will you marry me?"

She burst into tears, of course. Being heavily pregnant had made her rather emotional, but I think the fact I'd finally asked caused some tears at the same time. She nodded as I immediately stood up, hugged and kissed her. There was applause and a few cheers, while someone suggested no-one would leave as there would be a wedding. "Tomorrow?" I asked Mirabelle, "I know it's quick, but then everyone can see you crowned as queen."

"I don't care when," she murmured into my chest, "I just want to be Mirabelle Dragonborn. I want to be married when I give birth to our child. I want to be a family. A weird family but it's what we both want."

I glanced at the High Priest. "How quickly can we organise a wedding?"

The Emperor answered for him. "Day after tomorrow, King Ragnar. It will give Solitude and Skyrim a cause for celebration. A new king, a marriage and a new queen, and the security of succession with the birth of your first child."

"Is that okay, Belle?" I asked softly.

"I'd do it right this minute if given the chance."

"Well..."

"Patience, both of you," Lydia stated next to us, glancing to see she was wiping her eyes with one hand, resting her other hand on her bump at the same time.

It was suggested any further celebrations be put on hold until after our marriage which was fine with me. The news was quickly passed to the crowd outside, and I was told later that the reactions was overwhelmingly positive. Using my new found power, I ordered that we take into account this would be an event for the entire city to experience. I wanted a party to celebrate not just my coronation nor my marriage, but the fact Skyrim was now secure and that hopefully it would all lead to a brighter future. Of course, I was told it would be done so immediately.

Elisif had already moved out of her private quarters, letting me know she would move into the house with the other girls. Mirabelle would obviously stay with me. As the other Jarls departed, even the Emperor choosing to stay at Castle Dour, the girls all shared a hug before I received one from all of them, whispering their congratulations at the same time, before Mirabelle and I were left alone. Stewards who had worked for Elisif remained, though after enjoying a simple dinner, we dismissed them for the evening. I made them chuckle, admitting it would take getting used to people waiting on us, and I promised immediately that I would always be polite.

Once we were alone, Mirabelle was eager for me. I think it was finally proposing that had heightened her mood. She didn't even give me an opportunity to help her undress, practically ripping off her clothes before leaping on me... well, leaping as much as a heavily pregnant woman can do. But my trousers were lowered quickly as I lay back on the bed, Mirabelle wasted no time in swallowing my cock. "Oh gods," I groaned, watching her head bob up and down so fast, she must have been desperate to get me off.

She added her own thoughts quickly. "I'm making you cum, King Ragnar. I'm going to swallow every drop. Then you are going to absolutely fuck your future wife and queen."

"Like that, is it?"

"I'm getting on my elbows and knees, Ragnar. I want you to just pound me senseless all night."

"Love it when you're in this mood."

She smiled before swallowing my cock. I didn't say anything else, simply leaning forward enough to stroke her hair, but I didn't last all that long. I warned her once, not that I needed to, falling back on the bed and groaning as I felt the first shot into her mouth. She kept her word, glancing to see her head bob up and down until I was clearly empty. She then helped undress me so I was as naked as she was, sitting on my lap as I lay back. "You still find me beautiful?" she asked.

I sat up and kissed her. "Belle, you are carrying our child. Of course I do."

"It'll be another month or two at most, all being well." She chuckled to herself. "I was told my emotions would be all over the place, but... I've been really horny lately too. Is that weird?"

"I'm not going to complain that my future wife and mother of my child wants me so badly all the time."

She slid off my lap and got on all fours, just as she said. I sat on my knees behind her before leaning forward on one hand, feeling her up with the other. She was incredibly wet. Placing my lips by her ear, I whispered, "Are you turned on right now?"

"Gods yes, Ragnar."

"Did sucking the cock of your future husband do that?"

"I just want you all the time at the moment," she whispered.

"So you want my cock right now?"

"Please, Ragnar," she pleaded.

"Not my fingers?"

She shuddered as I slid them inside her. "They feel wonderful too," she muttered, "But your cock is..." She shuddered as I found the spot I was looking for quickly, "Your cock is so hard and thick..."

"Queen Mirabelle. Do you like the sound of that?"

"Please, Ragnar... I want your cock. Please give it to me." I withdrew my fingers and slowly slid my cock inside her, taking my time until the entire length nestled in her tight, warm pussy. I think she nearly started to cry, feeling her breath catch more than once. "Fuck me. Please," she pleaded, "Make me cum constantly."

"Love you when you're in this mood."

"I just want to cum thanks to my future husband."

Once I was comfortable, as was she, Mirabelle Ervine, soon to be Queen Mirabelle Dragonborn, was well and truly fucked by King Ragnar Dragonborn, her future husband. And she must have been turned on, as she rarely enjoyed an orgasm in that position. I think she helped herself by rubbing her clit at the same time, but she came plenty. I didn't bother counting, just pounding her for what must have been quite a while before I finally came inside her again. I'd been going so long, now covered in sweat, that I needed to roll off onto my back, Mirabelle falling onto her side and immediately snuggling into me.

"Fucking hell, that felt good." I couldn't help chuckle. Even in the bedroom, she rarely cursed. "I love you, Ragnar."

"I love you too, Belle." I wrapped an arm around her, holding her close, her free hand running up and down my chest.

"I'm giving you around fifteen minutes, then I'm going to ride you. Can you still handle that?"

"Belle, I'm going to be inside you again. I can handle anything."

I grinned as she climbed onto my a little later, watching as my cock slowly disappeared inside her, before looking at her face, it lighting up with nothing but sheer delight as she got herself comfortable. To say she then rode me with abandon would be an understatement. I'm sure she worried about hurting me, as it was a hard, fast ride, but I thoroughly enjoyed every single second, eventually sitting up enough that I could kiss her at the same time.

When I moved my thumb to her clit, that just drove her wild, and made her ride me with desperation. "Gods, I want to cum so much," she murmured, "But I don't want to just yet."

I kissed down her neck, teasing her even more, before moving down to her now larger breasts. Her nipples were rather sensitive nowadays, and giving them a nibble while playing with her clit was simply too much, feeling her squeeze my cock as she enjoyed an orgasm. And I think it was a good one, as she needed to stop, only the sounds of her deep breathing, before she wasted no time continuing. "So horny," she murmured.

"I'll keep going as long as you can."

I'm not sure how long she rode me for. I didn't count how many times she had an orgasm. But she rode me for so long that she was falling asleep on me, managing to just about move. She even asked that I continue to play with her clit, her body shuddering at my continuous touching. "Don't want to stop..."

"Belle, you're exhausted."

"I just want you, Ragnar."

"I know, but I think you've had enough."

"Need to cum again?"

"No, this was about you, sweetie."

She slid off my lap, lay down next to me, and promptly fell asleep, much to my amusement. I hugged her tight to my body, resting a hand on her swollen belly, and fell asleep a little later. She was a little embarrassed the next morning, and also feeling very tender, something I did tease her about until there was a knock at the door, a steward announcing breakfast was ready.