Amongst the Trees

Chapter 2: Nicolette's Coronation

Running through the knee-high grass which faded into the shoulder-height reeds, Marciline and Aidyn escaped the busy-ness and noisiness of the coronation preparation. Nicolette, who was soon to take over her mother's position, was 20. Today was a big day, and a big day always meant havoc and chaos. 

Panting, Aidyn and Marciline collapsed on the ground, hidden behind the tall reeds. As their heavy breathing subsided to a calm sigh, Marciline and Aidyn burst out of laughter and laid on the ground. Their backs were to the cool soil and faces upward to the warm air lingering with the sweet scent of flowers. This had been their secret spot whenever they wanted to get away from the palace, servants, and royals. These reeds were a safehaven for the two, where their manners, conduct, maturity, and responsibility didn't matter. No matter how many shoes, clothes, and jewelry Marciline owned and no matter the number of medals Aidyn won, neither would trade them for this sweet, secret spot. 

"I wonder how chaotic it became." giggled Marciline. It seemed to be, that every time the royals had a big event or party, something during the preparation went wrong. It was hilarious, but not entertaining enough to keep Marciline and Aidyn. 

"Remember my 10th birthday party?" Aidyn asked with a howl of laughter that followed. 

"Oh my goodness, yes!... How did Agnes (one of the high positioned court servants) manage to misspronounce 'Happy Birthday, Your Highness' to 'Hoppy Buffday, yarnness'?! And.. and... you can't forget the time when Leslie mistakenly dyed Buttercup's (Marci's favorite horse) mane into a bright yellow!" wheezed Marciline as she rolled around with laughter.

"Hahaha, good thing you're not as bad-tempered as your sister... she would've ordered for her head to be off!" Aidyn replied with a sigh. 

The bells rang in the distance, signaling the commencement of Nicolette's coronation. 

"Shall we go missus?" Aidyn asked playfully. Marciline returned his offer with a smile and took his open hand. As they were about to sprint off, Marciline paused and took a glance behind her shoulder to the rustling forest beyond the  kingdom walls. 

"Missus? Is there a problem with your service?" Aidyn teased. 
"Oh, nothing... let's go we'll be late." Marciline uttered. 

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Bowing her head, Nicolette's head was adorned with the Queen's crown. A roar of applause resonated amidst the audience along with a clatter of plates as the chefs served everyone the buffet. Laughter, smiles, and happiness lingered in the air. 

"So princess, when are you going to get married?" Aidyn asked playfully. He cut a piece of steak and popped it in Marceline's mouth. 

"Mmm... maybe 5 years later?" Marciline says with a laugh. She gives Aidyn and chunk of sweet potato salad.

"Hey! You know I don't like sweet potatoes! Mmm... who are you going to marry then..?" Aidyn responded with a stare. 

"Mmm... someone handsome..." [Aidyn strikes a model pose] "Someone kind to me..." [Aidyn wipes Marciline's mouth with a napkin] "... someone there for me." Aidyn's playful expression becomes soft as he stares at Marciline's heart stone necklace. Marciline holds her breath as Aidyn asks, 

"Would you like to go to the reeds?"