The servants were bustling around the castle preparing for the coronation of the soon-to-be queen, Luna Grimaldi. Most describe her as the perfect leader, others say she is the kindest person they know. Luna's command says she is very skilled in fighting and strategizing for battles. But everyone agrees she is perfect for ruling the kingdom.
"I refuse!!!" Yelled a voice in the hall. "but please reconsider" pleaded a motherly voice.
These voices belong to Luna, and her mother; Seiko.
"As we discussed months ago, I will wear the dress I had made for me." Said Luna. Her mother wished for her to wear the dress she wore on her coronation day. But, Luna had told her mother countless times, she would have her own gown. Luna even honored her mother by having her dress in a similar style.
Arriving back in her room, the maids help Luna into her dress. The gown was a dark red and long. The sleeves covered her arms and flowed out past her hands. The neckline was a soft v shape from her sleeves to the top of her chest. Gold roses and thorns lining the bottom and the sleeves.
On her waist was a thick banded belt, with her family crest.
It was perfect for her coronation. Luna only wanted to be a fair ruler and not be above everyone else. And this ceremony felt like she was putting her title above the people she wished to protect. So Luna had requested that she could be crowned in front of the palace where everyone may see. Not in a room full of nobles only there for their own gain. There was one thing Luna was dreading though. She had to wear a large gold headpiece. Luna felt this was too extravagant.
But, it was a old tradition every King or Queen had taken part of since the beginning.
Just as they finished putting Luna in her dress, her mother walked in. Seiko looked at her daughter and put her hand on her heart and gave a soft smile. "You look beautiful, my little star," Seiko said fondly walking up behind Luna. "Thank you, mother." Luna smiled watching her mother look her over through the mirror. "Well let's go sit. I will help with the rest" Seiko stated.
Luna sat down at her white vanity full of the different makeup and jewelry she would have to wear. Honestly, she started to get overwhelmed by all the gold.
Seiko took Luna's hair-brush began putting up half of her hair into a bun. With the help of the hand-maidens, they then placed the golden headpiece on her head. The headpiece had a gold band across the forehead and had one red gem that was placed at the center.
More gold pieces stuck out behind her head giving her a god-like appearance. When Seiko was done, Luna put on her ceremonial makeup. They were painted on with golden paint. These markings symbolize various things a ruler should have, and or should achieve.
The first marking went across from one side of her cheek to the other side. The lines that went by her eyes curved out into half-circles with dots below the eye. They signified her to see all that lay before her and her kingdom.
The second marking went down from her lip to the bottom of her chin. This marking symbolized that she should be a speaker of truth and judgment. A great ruler must not lie to their people, but they also must give proper judgment when needed.
The final one was connected to the headpiece on her forehead. It looked like another part of the crown on her head. This marking signifies her royal blood and her burden of the crown.
Seiko also added golden eyeliner to balance everything together.
"There we go," Seiko said as Luna opened her eyes to see her mother tearing up.
"You're ready, starlight" a deep voice stated behind them
Both of them turned to the door to see Luna's father, Arlen. Also sporting the same makeup but it was black instead. Black paint signifies the passing of roles to the next of kin.
"Father," Luna breathed as she stood up to meet him at the door. Her father placed his hand on her unpainted part of her cheek. "You are going to be perfect" He continued "You think so?" Luna asked, looking up at Arlen.
"Oh I don't think so, I know so. After all, you are my daughter and you are a part of the Ceol Kingdom. You will do wonderful things for this Tribe and Kingdom." Arlen stated
There was a knock on the door.
"Sir, The royal family of Juro has arrived. Also Princess Violet has requested Princess Luna's presence." A guard announced at the door. Luna's smile widened at the mention of Violets name.
"We'll leave you girls be," said Arlen as Seiko took his arm and left to meet with King Oleander and Queen Amaranth.
The Juro Tribe neighbored the Ceol Tribe for many years and helped them fight Kahnum. Given their alliance, Violet and Luna had grown up together and considered each other sisters.
"Well hello, your majesty," said Violet in a formal tone as she bowed to Luna.
Luna couldn't help but laugh at Violets antics.
"Oh, stop, you're not my lady in waiting" joked Luna. Violet looked up to see Luna trying hard to not mess up her make-up. Luna then noticed Violets gown.
It was lavender colored gown. It had short see-through sleeves with flower details. The neckline went across her chest as flowers litters the top. The flowing fabric of the dress made her look whimsical and mysterious. And to top it all off, Violets surrounded her head, true to her name.
"Well, look at you" Luna taunted.
"What? Can't I dress up for your big day? At least I'm not the one looking like a goddess." Violet remarked.
Giggling the girls began to chat about the events unaware of Luna's sneaky brother, Zen. He decided to make his appearance known. He put up his arms, lowered his voice and- "BOO!" he shouted
"AH!" The girls shrieked as they flipped around to see Zen laughing at the girls' reaction.
"ZEN!" The girls yelled. "That was priceless!!' He chuckled wiping a tear from his eye.
Zen was only 2 years younger than Luna and Violet. So growing up being scared, teased, and downright annoyed was the day-to-day life.
"What do you need?" Luna deadpanned keeping her eyes on her giggly brother. He cleared his throat. "Well, your majesty, it's time," Zen teased as he stood tall a gestured towards the door. Looking at the open door, Luna took a long shaky breath. Noticing her friends hesitation, Violet grabbed Lunas hands and made her look at her.
"You'll be fine. You've been preparing for this day for as long as I can remember." Violet reassured Luna. "Yeah, if anyone is ready to rule. It's you Luna" Zen chimed in. Looking at her best friend and brother she nodded.
They all walked down the hall to the open balcony where she would be crowned. Through the stained glass window she saw the land covered with citizens to see the next Queen to be crowned. She heard the announcer call out, and watched Zen escort Violet out the door. The crowd began to cheer at the sight. Luna closed her eyes. Nerves working down her back once again. Although she had been preparing for this all her life, it still was nerve-wracking. "Luna" a voice called. She opened her eyes to see her father before her. He held out his arm. "Ready my starlight?" He asked. Luna smiled as she felt her nerves leave her body. She nodded as they prepared to walk out.
The horns sounded off. "Your King; Arlen Grimaldi." announced a guard. The pair walked out as the crowds cheers increased but were quickly ceased when her father put up his hand and began to talk.
"My fellow citizens, we are gathered here today to honor a new beginning. A new Queen. One I'm confident to take my place, I present, Luna Grimaldi" Arlen announced as the crowd roared back to life.
Walking out from behind her father. Luna turned to the priestess that would be performing the ceremony. Giving Luna a small smile, she turned to the crowd. Once more they went silent. "Luna Grimaldi, you stand before us today to take an oath. An oath to watch over this kingdom, and rule with an even mind and an open heart." She began, Luna watched as they brought out the book of Zyfindia. "This book holds all rulers who have come before us and will hold those who will be our future. Luna will place her hand on the book and repeat what I say." finished the Priestess.
Luna's hand touched the leather and silver book. But before the priestess could begin, darkness fell upon the land. The sky had grown black clouds. They began swirling around the castle.
A dark laugh resonated across the land. Many started to flee as screams were heard. Lighting struck in front of Luna. When the light faded there stood a dark figure behind her. Luna turned around to meet the man's stare.
Quickly looking back down he smiled at her reaction. He took his hand and made her look at him once more. "What a pretty little thing" he muttered. All the guards stood behind him with their weapons raised, ready to attack. "You get away from her!!" Arlen shouted, Seiko behind him ready to defend her love.
The man whipped his head at the familiar voice, letting go of Luna's face. He breathed out black smoke and began to lightly chuckle. "Ah, Arlen Grimaldi. Just the man I was looking for." He breathed out as Arlen's eyes had widened. "You were banished! How'd you escape!" Seiko yelled out. "And the priestess that helped him, this will make things easier" The man said.
Luna took in her father's words. This man was none other than Khanum. She was told stories as a child. But never thought they would come face to face.
Over the last 20 years, the shadow realm had changed his appearance. His skin was pale with various markings scarred across his arms. His eyes were black, and glowing purple. His hair had looked overgrown, with the color being black with white streaks running throughout his hair. A black gem was embedded in his chest.
"The realm you have banished me to was full of dark forces, and creatures. I've learned how to tame these beasts and use their power to release me from my prison." Khanum explained.
Suddenly various shadowy creatures emerged from the ground. Growls and screeches were surrounding the families. "You will return to your prison once again. You forget the power we hold." Arlen stated. Seiko stood behind him ready to cast the spell.
"Yes, but I have gotten stronger." He smirked as he sent the shadow creatures to attack. The guards had charged to help protect the families and their kingdom.
Luna sat still watching the chaos ensue. Khanum turned to her once again. What will she do? Should she run? Many questions ran through her head. "You were not here before. I sense something different in you." he talked. His hand was covered in black smoke as Luna felt her chest began to tighten. She couldn't breathe as his finger ran across her cheek.
Thankfully her brother had charged at the warlord, distracted him long enough to let Luna get away from his grip.
Spotting her friend Violet bolted to Luna and grabbed her hand. She turned to see her best friend with frightened eyes. "Luna, we have to get out of here," She said as a cry was heard. The girls turned to see Arlen, Seiko, Oleander, and Zen facing Khanum.
Behind them was the rest of the family trapped in by shadow beasts. He was overpowering their magic. They went to try to attack again but their power was too drained. Khanum laughed. "Well, well, well, how the mighty have fallen. Say goodbye to Zyfindia" He said as Khanum started to send a powerful spell.
Without thinking Violet and Luna had ran to their families' aid, crying out "NO!" The girls ran in front of the spell. After being hit with the spell they did not perish as Khanum thought.
A blinding bright light was seen as both girls had started to float off the ground. The shadow creatures retreated at the light and Khanum cried out!
"No! It cannot be!!" He cried covered his eyes and vanishing away with the storm in a cloud of black dust. All that was seen was the two princesses holding out their hands together to help defend their families
They were still floating in the air for all the Kingdom to see. Their eyes glowed and they had no expressions. When the sun was bright once again. They slowly descended until both girls feet touched the ground. Glowing gone and people astonished Violet and Luna opened their eyes to see the shocked faces of their families and their kingdom.