The Stains of the Crown

Chapter Five

Tw: mentions of scars, detailed trauma/violence.

The next day, my room fills with the tailor, the hairdresser, and Dalla. The tailor dresses me in a nice blue shirt and black slacks that fit perfectly. He fastens a dark blue and black vest around me. He takes his time shining my boots, a job that was normally done by a shoe maker or some poor boy on the street.

The hairdresser styles my hair with a little more volume than yesterday. It somehow looked both neat and messy. When the tailor and the hairdresser stop fussing, I look at myself in the mirror.

"I look nothing like myself." Dalla chuckles softly.

"Maybe we should put some dirt on your face." I laugh softly. "You look like royalty, child. There's nothing wrong with that." I frown.

"It's not me. I'm supposed to be the person kids run to to play with. Instead, I look like someone who would have them whipped for stealing." She sighs, walking over to me.

"Then you'll have to take the time to make them trust you. Guide Jovianne on the choices that would be best for the townspeople. Make changes that matter. They'll see you for you someday."

We walk down to the courtyard. Since the kingdom was so large, the ceremony would be broadcasted in the city centers. I hated that we wouldn't be traveling, but I was glad I only had to do this once.

The queen stands on a stage, looking through some papers as people shout directions. Jovianne smiles when she sees me, and I can't help but gawk at her. Her short hair was slicked back. Her eyes were framed with black and gold, matching her outfit. They'd dressed her a lot like me, except her shirt was black, and the vest was white and gold. All in all, she looked hot.

"How are you feeling?" she asks me.

"I feel like a doll."

"Me too. Do you think they meant for us to look like gay men?" she laughs. I laugh too.

"What do you mean? I told them to make me look like the fairy king." She laughs harder.

"I think I look like the fairy king. I mean, look at this makeup. He'd adore it." It was true. I had met the fairy king on three separate occasions, and every time, his eyes were covered in makeup.

"He could never compare to you, though." She blushes.

"Jovianne, Echodis, get up here." We do as the queen says. She positions our bodies before making us hold hands. I could feel myself stiffen, but then I remember what Delilah had said about giving Jovianne a real shot, and I force myself to relax.

Somewhere, someone begins a countdown. Jovianne and the queen smile brightly at the camera. I stare blankly at it. The queen begins her speech, and I spend half the time trying not to scoff at the show everyone was putting on. Everything here felt fake. If it wasn't for Jovianne's hand in mine, I'd probably storm away.

At some point, the queen sets a crown on my head. Instead of being a dainty little princess crown, it was a crown for princes. The weight was irritating. It served as a reminder that I was just playing a role in their game, that I was part of the same show, just in a different position. Before the camera goes off, I catch a glimpse of myself. I looked intimidating, and stoic. The scar and the crown made me look like a murderer.

"Echodis, where are you going?" I ignore Jovianne, pushing hard on the door. It slams shut behind me as I storm through the castle. I ditch the crown and the vest somewhere in the foyer before practically running to the stables. The hunters stare in shock as I get onto Sterling, not bothering to saddle him.

"Echo, wait for me," Delilah says, quickly getting on her horse. We rush through the gates, guards scrambling as the gates swing open. Sterling breathes heavily as I run him at full speed. When I feel far enough away, I slow him down to a gentle pace. Delilah looks at me. "What happened?"