Maximus had become king, but the day felt different from how he had imagined it.
The people had indeed chosen him as king. He still remembered the look on his brother's face when they did: utterly dejected, yet somehow relieved.
The other members of the Royal Family had wanted to rebel, but they were no match for the Osborn Group's forces.
With the people's choice backed by force, Black Bolt had no grounds or authority to cling to his ideals. His removal was inevitable.
So becoming king was only natural. It was just that... things were not quite what Maximus had expected.
Lena stood before Maximus and read from a prepared script.
"Do you solemnly promise to rule Attilan and its people, govern their lands, and respect their respective laws and customs in doing so?"
"...I solemnly promise."
"Will you do everything in your power to control the Terrigen Crystal fairly, justly, and openly, and follow the prophet's true teachings? Will you uphold and protect the Elder Council, along with its legally established principles and guiding role?"
For now, the Elder Council consisted of Lena alone. In principle, its leader was an Inhuman with precognitive powers; for this term, that was Lena.
Harry had considered making them a constitutional monarchy and bringing them "the light of democracy," but they seemed to prefer being ruled by those with powers.
The council was much like others on Earth. It held legislative power and was responsible for drafting and refining laws. The difference was that Lena had veto power.
"I promise to uphold all these commitments. I will honor and fulfill them. May the Terrigen Mist protect us all."
From New Attilan on the moon, the coronation was broadcast through relay and interstellar communications to every group the Osborn Group served.
Tens of