𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐋𝐄 || 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗼𝗸

𝟏.𝟏𝟎 - 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐩𝐭. 𝟏)

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— 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝟏 | 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟏𝟎 —
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(Ruby's POV)

Today was the big day, Ben was going to be crowned king this afternoon. The whole school has been buzzing about it nonstop for the past few days. I in particular was also very excited, I had my first date~

Lonnie made me promise to get ready together and even got my mom to be fully on board with hiring a specialist to do our hair and makeup in our dorm, something she would've suggested first if Lonnie didn't beat her to it. For once I didn't mind, it was a special day and I did want to look my best.

Most of us got permission for early dismissal for the school day so it's unfortunate I won't get to have painting with Harry today, but it'll all be worth it when I see him later. Right now most of us were leaving our last period for the day and heading to lunch before we all went to get ready for the coronation. I was walking with Lonnie on our way to the cafeteria when I spotted Harry down the hall, I waved to him with a big smile which he returned before he stopped suddenly when a firm hand gripped his arm. He looked to see that Parker had stopped him with a serious look, waving to me as well with a smile before nodding his head to Harry and saying something. I watched a little confused as Harry seemed to tense and look at me, waving at me to go into the cafeteria. I brushed off how strange the situation seemed and walked in Lonnie, getting in line for food. I could see most of the girls had salads or soups to stay slim for the coronation but in my opinion, it was kind of silly. Lonnie and I picked out what we wanted from the buffet and took our seats at our usual table with Jane, who seemed to be sporting her usual hair again. I never did get the chance to ask her how that happened...

After some time, Harry and Parker finally walked into the cafeteria, Parker went straight into the food line and Harry came up to me, looking as pale as a ghost with glazed eyes. I got up instantly, a little worried for him, and met him halfway.

"Hey Har, are you okay? What's wrong?" I asked and held his cheeks, trying to turn him to look at me. He snapped himself out of it and took a shaky breath, holding my wrists.

"It's nothin' lass, I was just havin' a moment there." He said, giving me a soft smile he seemed to have to force a little. I didn't believe him, there was something in his eyes that pleaded for me to press on, but by the way he gripped my wrists with trembling hands said another.

"Are you sure Harry? We could talk somewhere private." I whispered. He only shook his head and brought our hands down.

"I'm sure darlin'." I melted a little and cursed myself for falling for it before I nodded and took his hand.

"Alright, well let's get you some food," I said and went to pull him towards the line before he tugged me back. I looked up at him with a small frown.

"I'm not hungry lass, but thank you, I'll just come sit with you for a bit till we have to go get ready." He said and brushed my cheek gently, pulling me along to our table. He pulled out my chair and I sat next to Lonnie again before he took his place next to me. He was quiet throughout most of the time we spent eating, only making small comments in our conversations and rubbing my hand with his thumb as he held it under the table. The bell rang and everyone got up to leave to finally get ready for the big day, everyone pretty much swarmed out of the cafeteria in excitement and I just stayed back with Harry, telling Lonnie I'd meet her in our dorm.