The sun rose high in the sky on the day of the coronation, casting a warm golden light over the sprawling kingdom. The streets were lined with people from all walks of life, each eager to catch a glimpse of the new queen. They had heard whispers of her beauty, her kindness, and her intelligence, and they hoped that she would be everything they had hoped for.
The coronation was held in the grand cathedral in the heart of the city. Its high arches and stained glass windows were breathtaking, and it was the perfect setting for such an important occasion. The pews were filled to capacity, and the air was thick with anticipation.
The new queen, dressed in a shimmering gown of gold and silver, entered the cathedral at the stroke of noon. She walked with grace and confidence, her head held high, and a smile on her face. She was flanked by her advisors, each one a trusted friend and confidante.
As Ysabel made her way to the altar, the choir began to sing a hymn of praise. The music filled the cathedral, echoing off the walls, and lifting the spirits of all who heard it. The queen took her place before the bishop, who was to preside over the coronation.
The bishop began the ceremony with a prayer, calling upon the gods to bless the new queen and guide her in all her endeavours. He then turned to the people and asked if they would support and defend their new queen, to which they replied with a resounding "Yes!"
He then presented the queen with a crown made of pure gold. It was encrusted with precious gems and glittered in the sunlight. The queen bowed her head as the bishop placed the crown upon her head, signifying her authority over the kingdom.
The people erupted into cheers and applause, and the bells of the cathedral rang out in celebration. The queen turned to face her subjects, and she raised her hand to quiet them.
"Thank you," she said, her voice strong and clear. "I am humbled by your support and your faith in me. I will do everything in my power to be a just and fair queen, and to lead this kingdom to prosperity and happiness."
The people cheered again, and the queen smiled. She knew that she had an enormous responsibility on her shoulders, but she was ready for it. She had the love of her people, the guidance of her advisors, and the blessings of the gods, and most of all she had her mother.
"Where did it actually turn out wrong?" Lane asked with a serious expression.
Elder Ivor smiled, "You are just like your mother. You lack patience."
Lane took a deep breath and adjusted himself to the stool, waiting for Ivor to continue.
The Queen, Ysabel, paced back and forth in her chambers, her heart racing with anxiety. She knew that her mother was on her way, and she dreaded the confrontation that was sure to come. She had to tell her mother about her plans to marry the person she loved, but she knew that her mother would be furious.
As expected, Ysabel's mother burst into the room, her face twisted with anger. "What is this I hear about you still wanting to marry that prince of Azure?" she demanded, her voice echoing off the stone walls.
The queen stood her ground, her eyes blazing with determination. "Mother, I love him," she said, her voice steady. "He is kind, intelligent, and he makes me happy. Why can't you understand that?"
The queen's mother shook her head. Her eyes were cold and stonelike. "I understand perfectly well, I thought you might change your mind after you become the queen, but still not mature." she spat. "You are the queen, and you have a duty to this kingdom. You cannot just marry whomever you please. You have to think about the political implications, the alliances we have with other kingdoms, and the stability of the realm."
The queen's heart sank. She knew that her mother was right, but she couldn't bear the thought of living without the person she loved. "But mother," she said, her voice trembling. "I can't just marry someone I don't love. I would be miserable, and it would be unfair to him as well."
The queen's mother sighed heavily. "I know it's not fair, my dear," she said, her voice softening. "But sometimes, we have to make sacrifices for the greater good. You cannot put your own happiness above the well-being of the kingdom."
The queen stood there in silence, not wanting to talk to her anymore. The queen's mother continued, "I know it isn't easy-"
"Mother," Ysabel snapped, "Please, I don't wanna talk about this anymore."
Her mother clenched her fists, "Here I thought, you were finally able to understand what I mean." She turned around and left the queen's chamber. Soon later Hugo rushed inside her chamber after knocking on the door for so long.
"Your majesty!" He gasped as he saw Ysabel sitting on the polished floor weeping.
"Hugo," she held him tightly, "I can't live without him," she looked at him, "I really can't! You will talk to my mother about this right? Hmm?"
Hugo sighed as he patted her head. "I will try my best, dear."
Later that evening Hugo was standing right in front of Helena's chamber, hesitating whether he should go or not.
"Aren't you gonna knock?" said a voice from behind.
It was Helena.
"Your Majesty!" Hugo flinched.
She opened the door of her chamber, "Come in, I know why you are here. She sent you right?"
Hugo didn't say anything, just followed her silently.
"I can't bear to look at her in this state."
"Then don't look," she said in a cold yet steady voice.
"I know you care about her too, and it's killing you inside too." Hugo lowered his head as he continued, "I used to take care of her since she was just two years old, I played with her, and I watched her grow. Now she is even taller than me." His voice trembled, "Your majesty, I have seen the two of them together, they really love each other because when they are together nothing else matters, just them. You gave your throne to her, and now she's in this state. If she isn't stable how can she make the kingdom stable?"
The queen stood there watching him silently, listening to each and every word of his.
Hugo nodded, his eyes sparkling with intelligence. "I understand your concern too, your majesty," he said. "But have you considered that the queen's happiness is important too? She is a young woman, and she deserves to be with someone who makes her happy."
The queen's mother leaned on the side of the balcony door, considering Hugo's words. "I suppose you have a point," she said, her voice thoughtful. "But what about the kingdom? What about the alliances we have with other kingdoms?"
"Your majesty, you aren't by her side now, but she needs someone to push her forward, someone she can lean on, someone with whom she can share all her problems. And personally, I think there would be no one much better than the Prince of Azure. Through this, the long war that has been going on can come to an end, and help each other in several other businesses too."
"I only liked the last suggestion you gave," she turned toward her balcony and sighed, "She is all grown up now, guess she can make her own decisions."
Hugo shot a look at her, his eyes beaming. "Your Majesty, does that mean..." he said with the uttermost respect.
"Yes, I agree to this marriage!"