The Sovereign's Sacrifice ☆ EDITING ☆

Chapter Twenty Six: Eliana

I was gazing at myself in the mirror, fully prepared for the coronation when the knock came at the door. The handmaidens had just left after finishing their preparations for the ceremony. I signed softly, wishing I could wear my armor more openly today, still unable to shake the feeling that my dreams were alluding to some dark event that would take place today.  

I glanced at my gown, recognizing the knock. It was Ivan. "Come in, my love," I called out without looking toward the door. I heard the door slowly open. 

"A few moments ago I was worrying if I was making the right decision to become the king," he spoke. He stood behind me and rested his chin on my shoulder. His arms made their way around my waist. "But seeing you here, wearing your gown and preparing to take such a sacred vow for our people reaffirmed my faith in the fact that you and I were meant to do this."

I felt a tear forming at the corner of my eye. I turned my head slightly and pressed his lips to mine. "Before I forget, this is for you," he spoke, pulling the dagger from beneath his cloak and holding it out to me. 

The moment I touched the dagger, a dark purple light flooded the room. My vision went dark for a moment. But then, images emerged from the fog. Ivan and I stood at the thrones, accepting our vows to our people. The moment we were declared king and queen, a gust of sinister wind blew through the room extinguishing all candles and torches. Even the enclosed gas lamps failed to keep their light. A cloud of dark smoke rolled across the floor as booming laughter erupted in the room. 

From the shadows emerged a dark figure. "Your queen for your people!" it boomed. Before Ivan or I could respond, the image blurred and spun out, leading into another. I was in a dark castle. The sinister figure called upon me. I could not see the dagger, but I could feel its presence, hidden at my side by a cloaking charm. The figure spoke to me, but I couldn't hear his words. I agreed to his terms. I couldn't understand what he had said, but I knew that it was not good. 

I raised the dagger and plunged it into my chest, collapsing to the ground. A soft voice rang out, "But one thing shall make the curse depart, it's something found within the purest heart."

The room spun back into place and I stared at the dagger. 

"I understand the dagger's role in all of this," I mumbled softly as a hard knock came at the door. 

"What do you mean?" Ivan asked worriedly as the knock became more persistent. 

"Remember your promise to me, please," I whispered, pecking him on the lips and placing a concealment charm on the dagger, cloaking its magic and appearance to anyone other than myself. 

"Eliana, that is not an answer!" He exclaimed as the door creaked open.

"I know, but trust me, my love," I spoke back. 

"It is time," Ivan's assistant called out.