It was not until the day of the coronation that I saw Leon again. Wearing a gold crown studded with jewels and diamonds, and holding in one hand the king's sceptre, the symbol of power, he sat impassive on his throne, his purple eyes still impassive.

The two below him were filled with richly dressed nobles, all of whom looked with anticipation and envy at me and Lydia, who were slowly approaching. My gaze was fixed straight ahead. In order to maintain a dignified posture, I could only walk slowly, step by step, while Lydia, who was next to me, walked deliberately in front of me.

She was dressed in...