Verita - The Guardian of Darkness

51

The crowd's attention moved from Aetrian to his companions, who were still standing a little behind, faces hidden in the column's shadows. The onlookers' expressions weren't close enough to decipher but Elanthin wasn't upset about that.

I'm just a stranger – surrounded by shady rumors even –, so I need to be thankful that they aren't rioting, shot through Elanthin's head as she let her gaze wander over the distant heads which looked like colored needle pins to her.

Even though the last outing of Gratia's king and the Plain's queen had ended in bloodshed and a near-successful assassination attempt, the number of attendees hadn't shrunk in comparison to last time. In fact, it seemed to Elanthin that even more of Gratia's citizens were attending today's celebration. Perhaps a celebration uniting two houses who'd been sworn enemies for over three hundred years promised more excitement and material for gossip than a political event designed to announce rules and regulations.

Shortly after Aetrian's melodic voice had ceased to mingle with the warm breeze, he looked over his shoulder to pick up Elanthin's gaze. Ves also bowed his head to her ever-so-slightly from the shadows, indicating that it was time for her to step up.

Waves of heavy pastel fabric swirled around Elanthin's legs as she walked towards the edge of the pedestal. The murmurs below hadn't died down completely; there was no perfect silence like the one which had accompanied Aetrian's speech. Only looking at the golden cup in his hands, she grasped it carefully.

"I ask in front of Gratia's citizens: Will you, queen Elanthin of the Forlorn Plains, swear to honor Gratia's protection for as long as you live?"

As practiced, Elanthin closed her hands around the golden cup while sinking into a shallow curtsy. Her forget-me-not-blue skirts touched the ground and got all puffed up; even if she'd been in danger of falling over, the dozens of layers would've likely sufficed in holding her up.

This wouldn't even pass as an engagement ceremony on the Plains, she thought to herself, while raising the cup to her lips. It's more akin to an oath of alliance.

She took a sip of the red liquid inside, all too aware that Aetrian was staring down at her. When she raised her head to meet his gaze, he mouthed: You're flawless.

Hurriedly, Elanthin swallowed to keep herself from choking on the sweet wine. Wasn't he able to behave for once?

"I shall promise my life and loyalty to Aetrian of house Gratia."

Elanthin raised herself up with a twinge of irritation; however, looking at Aetrian, who was trying his best to hold back an un-kingly grin in front of hundreds of eyes, her forced smile softened a little. After all, she couldn't be the only one affected by the whole endeavor.

Lifting the cup into the air, she spoke up; a little softer this time. "Will you, king Aetrian of Gratia, swear to honor Verita's protection for as long as you live?"

Aetrian's smile grew as he bowed to her before reaching out to the golden cup. His fingers grazed hers slightly and she hastily pulled her hand back. The skin he'd touched was burning up.

"I shall promise my life and loyalty to Elanthin of house Verita", said Aetrian out loud, before covering the grin which he couldn't suppress any longer with the golden cup.

#

Time had passed too quickly for Elanthin's taste. One moment, she was agreeing to Aetrian's 6-month trial period, the next she was standing in front of the capital's citizens, declaring her intent to become their queen; someone who was expected to pose as a guiding light to all in attendance and far beyond the city's borders. Coming down from the rush of adrenaline caused by standing in front of thousands of curious eyes, Elanthin felt a little guilty about their ruse.