And suddenly , she was Queen , sharing a carriage with the King of Lunareth including his personal attendant .
The grand carriage glided down the cobblestone streets of Lunareth, its gilded wheels barely making a sound as they turned in unison with the rhythm of the horses' steady trot. The crowd had gathered in droves, their excited murmurs rising like the crescendo of a symphony. The air was thick with the scent of freshly bloomed flowers and the sharp tang of incense. Royal flags fluttered in the breeze, their vibrant colors streaming across the sky, and the sun gleamed off the golden tips of the kingdom's towers. A sea of faces—noblemen, merchants, children—lined the streets, eyes wide, mouths agape as the parade made its way through the heart of the city.
The carriage itself was a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Painted in deep shades of royal purple and gold, it gleamed under the bright afternoon sun. The frame was carved with intricate designs, delicate patterns of swirling vines and celestial symbols, and a crown motif adorned the front. The polished wooden panels reflected the light, giving the carriage an almost ethereal glow, as though it had descended from the heavens themselves. A fine, embroidered canopy hovered above, providing some shade from the radiant heat, though the carriage remained open at the top, allowing the breeze to sweep through and offering a full view of the Queen and King to the onlookers.
Inside, the space was plush and regal, with rich velvet cushions in deep blues and purples lining the interior. The soft fabric shimmered in the light, matching the opulence of the gold-lined details that bordered the seats. A red carpet lined the floor of the carriage, making each step seem like a ceremonial procession in itself. The Queen, her gaze fixed on the horizon, sat beside the King of Lunareth. Theron's regal presence towered over her, his stern but proud features illuminated by the golden glow of the sun.
Beside them, always near but silent, stood the King's personal attendant. A woman of poise and grace, she was draped in the somber black and silver livery of the royal court. Her sharp eyes never left the surroundings, always alert, as she stood like a shadow behind the royal couple. Her posture was impeccable, her presence as much a part of the procession as the King and Queen themselves.
The crowd's cheers reached a fever pitch as the procession continued, the sounds of horns blaring and drums rolling blending with the chants of the people. But for the Queen, the noise felt distant, muffled, as if she were submerged beneath a veil. Her heart hammered in her chest, the weight of the crown pressing down on her like a thousand invisible hands. She was Queen now, yes-but how and why ?
Her thoughts were interrupted as the King turned to her ; his voice was low, almost inaudible over the din, yet it carried the authority only a King could possess ,"We'll be at the square soon," he murmured, his eyes scanning the horizon. "The people are waiting to greet us as they should."
She nodded stiffly, her mouth dry.
The crowds lined the streets, their cheers and claps echoing through the air, but all the Queen could hear was the steady beat of her heart. Beside her, King Theron sat regal and composed, his presence commanding the attention of all. Yet, it wasn't just his aura that kept the people's gaze fixed upon him; it was the new Queen beside him, dressed in resplendent finery that shimmered like the night sky and the silver hair that added an ethereal glow to her presence .
The path to the square seemed endless, the streets narrowing as the procession approached its destination. Massive banners swayed in the breeze, each one adorned with symbols of the Kingdom of Lunareth. The city's grand architecture framed the procession, the towering spires of the castle in the distance offering a constant reminder of Elara's new reality.
As the carriage drew closer to the square, the crowd's roar grew louder, the excitement palpable. Elara's eyes fluttered briefly to the grand square ahead, it was wide and open, a vast space where the people gathered like ants, eagerly waiting for their Queen. In the center of the square stood a raised platform, adorned with flowers and golden fabrics that shimmered like starlight. The King and Queen were to ascend there to be formally acknowledged by their people.
The carriage came to a halt with a gentle jolt, and Elara felt the collective breath of the crowd. She didn't know how she felt, only that everything was happening too fast, and the weight of her title was heavier than she had anticipated. The King stepped down first, his hand extending to her in a gesture of support , she placed her hand in his, and together they ascended the steps of the platform.
The crowd erupted into applause as they were met with the sight of the new monarchs. King Theron, with his warm smile and regal composure, and Elara—standing by his side, the Queen of Lunareth. The herald stepped forward, raising a gilded horn to his lips, and a hush fell over the crowd.
"People of Lunareth," the herald called, his voice ringing out across the square, "We stand before you today, in the light of the sun and moon, to crown your Queen and King. Together, they shall rule with grace, wisdom, and strength. May their reign bring peace, prosperity, and unity to our kingdom!"
A cheer rose from the masses as the priests, with careful hands, placed the crowns upon their heads simultaneously. The Queen's crown, simple yet elegant, while the King's crown, bold and regal, rested firmly atop his head. The people gasped, some weeping in joy, others clapping in fervent support, as the King and Queen were crowned together, their reign now sealed in unity before the eyes of all.
But Elara, standing still beside her said husband, felt only the cold weight of the crown settle upon her brow. She didn't belong here. Not yet. She was still searching for a part of herself that seemed lost, even as the kingdom declared her new life.
The King raised his hand to signal for silence, and the people fell into quiet reverence."Together, we will lead this kingdom into the future," King Theron declared. "By the light of the sun, by the grace of the moon, may we all flourish in unity." Another roar of approval rippled through the square. Elara stood still, her eyes scanning the faces below her as she felt like a sheep amongst a pack of wolves . Who are these people ? And do they recognize me as their own or they're just pretending to do so ?
As the ceremony continued, the crowds cheered, the festivities bloomed, and the King's attendant remained silently at the back , her eyes filled with green as she watched the silver-haired scan the crowd like a wolf waiting to pound .