The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Eighty-Three
Overview
Mikail escorts Sora to her coronation, where she rejects courtly finery to be crowned as herself. The court, ambassadors, and guards kneel as she becomes the first Dragon Queen. Sora’s mercy toward Tiyung signals reconciliation, while Mikail and Royo commit to safeguarding her reign.
Summary
Mikail and Sora climb to the Qali Palace throne room for the formal coronation. Sora declines to change, choosing a simple commoner’s dress and braid, declaring she will take the throne as herself. Royo, still unsteady, joins them as trumpets announce their entrance.
Ambassadors from Khitan, Wei, and Gaya watch; Fallador and Gambria greet Sora’s choice with quiet approval. Sora’s freed ladies-in-waiting, Sun-ye and Rayna, react with displeasure and concern, yet remain loyal companions who share nights to stave off nightmares.
Tiyung, spared as Seok’s heir, stands in a place of honor, signaling Sora’s intent to end old feuds; Seok’s mother has been sent safely to her country house. Unspoken affection passes between Sora and Tiyung, hinting at a careful future.
The high priest performs the rite and crowns Sora as the first Dragon Queen. Unexpectedly, not only the guards but the entire hall, including foreign envoys, kneels. The acclamation of “Long live the queen!” seals her legitimacy.
Mikail notes his and Royo’s resolve to protect Sora’s reign. The three—bound by blood, loss, and mercy—commit to build a just future worthy of those who died.
Who Appears
- MikailPOV; escorts Sora, reflects on mercy, unity, and vows to protect her reign.
- Sora Daysum NaeriumTakes the throne in a simple dress; crowned first Dragon Queen; shows mercy toward Tiyung.
- RoyoStands with Mikail at the coronation, slightly unsteady; pledges support for Sora.
- TiyungSeok’s heir, spared and honored; his presence signals reconciliation and a tentative future with Sora.
- High priest of the Divine Temple of KingsConducts the coronation and proclaims Sora the first Dragon Queen.
- FalladorGayan ambassador; attends and approves Sora’s unadorned, unifying coronation.
- GambriaYusanian ambassador to Khitan; attends and supports Sora’s ascent.
- Sun-yeLady-in-waiting; disapproves of Sora’s simple attire yet remains loyal.
- RaynaLady-in-waiting; dismayed by Sora’s choice but stays to support her.