In the Wildflowers (Part Two)

The Queen

     Unlike her wedding, Sheridan came face to face with an almost stoic room. Not recognizing more than half the people there she found it easy to keep her eyes straight. Ahead of her stood her husband and his three brothers, her brothers now. Lining the raised platform were now 5 thrones. Ornate wood, dripping in gold and jewels. Power sat heavy in the air, sinking hard onto her chest. Standing in front of of her were the true Kings of the world. Wielding power like no others, decorated in gold crowns. She spotted her own crown resting on her throne.

      Did she deserve the title, she wondered. Is it her right to claim Queen when all she had done is marry a man. There must be others who think the same, those who question the justification of this claim. None the less she would be crowned in a few short minutes, after all of Aros talking of course.

     Her dress dragged behind her, the heavy fabric would have weighed her down had she been human still. As she knelt before the stage the dress pooled around her like a cushion of velvet. She had yet to learn how amazing immortality was. The hard marble would have been nearly impossible to kneel on had she been human, but now she paid no kind to it what so ever.

"Sanguine natus, exsanguis, renatus sanguine divum."

"Perfusi sanguine tuo." A wicked smile took over Aros features. The words dripped from her lips with regal malice and power. Sheridan was a loss to their world. She would not rule as she rightfully deserved, she would not exercise her natural born power. Her ability to command a room with a single move was something rulers only dreamed of in their time.

Speeches after speeches it felt like. Aro, in his grandiose fashion, tailed on and on about justice and mercy, as if he was merciful. It was eloquent, well spoken and rehearsed. Caius said only a few words, an addition to Aros speeches, Marcus on the other hand spoke softly and about their friendship with the "common folk". The vocabulary took Sheridan back to an English class she took second year of university. Literature in the renaissance. It's odd how they came from a time long before such an influential period yet it stuck with them more than anything. At least if was a beautiful time.

"In Gods view I take this vow, to rule justly and mercifully for the people are my people. I vow to uphold the laws and maintain order in my kingdom. I vow to rule with every ounce of my being and I vow to fight for every life who pledges allegiance with the Volturi Palace." The vows sounded much more appealing in Latin but Sheridan could not get them down properly. It also happened to be a very outdated language that no one used anymore.

     In Sheridan's own mind ominous music started playing, a light turn that few darker as The crown in Aro's had drew closer to her head. Her eyes flickered to Carlisle who was watching her intently. Her suited a crown quite well. The crowns would be returning to their rooms with them tonight, Sheridan made a note to herself about it.

     "Regina in sanguine composuerunt."

     "Regina per sanguinem dominari"

      At this time real music did start playing. The viewers clapped lightly, their distain or excitement held at bay. This was not a time for celebration, at least until after they were to "eat". Not exactly a full course meal but good would be served leisurely.

Carlisle came to take his place next to his wife. Aro stepped back for him to be front and centre with her. Truly, everyone could see it, Sheridan and Carlisle were regal and royal people, their faces crafted with classic, stunning and timeless features. They way their wore their crowns was so natural and the smiles complementing their faces were trustworthy yet commanding. Aro could only feel a touch of what power they could bring to the family. Their rule would be short lived, no longer than 5 weeks now. While it lasts he will enjoy it, he can't know if it will every come back.

As the crowd spread out among the room, some came to congratulate and introduce themselves to Sheridan. Respect was different when you have the power to kill and slaughter. It was enriching and reviving. Unlike her work in Russia, which was a battle every step of the way, this was so easy, so natural.

"Sheridan! Моя детка." Her father had tears in his eyes as he approached the couple. Carlisle eyes Vera, he had been wary of her suspicious attitude all day. For once she had made him nervous and not Anton.

"Папа." Sheridan only hugged her father lightly, aware of the extra weight atop her head now that she didn't wish to move. Without fail her father had pulled his phone out the second they let go of each other. He didn't even have to say a word and Carlisle and Sheridan posed for him.

A few smiling, some looking serious and others looking like true lovers. Her father couldn't be more proud. Their was a nagging voice in his head telling him something was wrong but his disgusted was happy, she had a good life. Nothing could be too wrong if she was that happy.

"Now one with me and мама, to show everyone at home." Sheridan posed with her parents, each of them standing behind her with proud smiles. She appreciated their efforts to now mask any part of her. Today she felt like being front and centre at every moment, she deserved it today.

"You can't send these to anyone, and don't show everyone please."

"Yes yes, now go say hello to everyone. We will be around." Carlisle looped his arm around Sheridan's, the couple wandering into the crowd to greet others.

     There was no hiding it from Carlisle. Sheridan flowed in the light of power. Each step was firm yet delicate, her head was held high and her eyes sparkled. She truly looked a Queen. A rightful ruler of lands and one wielding respect and devotion. Carlisle could see it in her eyes, the love of power and status, but he could also see it in some of the others eyes. A fleeting pass of envy but respect as they laid eyes on his wife. He had been a good ruler, a merciful and just ruler but he still had those who doubted him. Every person they passed, despite their hesitation on excepting someone so new and inexperienced into the world, couldn't seem to display their emotions when they came face to face with Sheridan.

     Their distasteful resolve melted away, they bowed in respect and praised her. Not a single man or women turned their noses up at her. It's rare to come across someone who's born to lead people, born to be respected without much effort. Vampires especially, they have spent hundreds of years reading and analyzing people, for them to devote themselves so willingly is something so rare.

     Sheridan Cullen was beyond brilliant and amazing. There were still no words Carlisle could put together to truly describe her. He wouldn't haven't it any other way.