Folke || Folkelore

♥︎ 26 ♥︎

When the noise finally dies down, the guards usher the people out into the courtyard to begin the festivities while Apollo and I have a moment to ourselves. I sigh, leaning back on my throne. This is surreal. I'm a Queen. Apollo's a King. I can't believe it.

Apollo chuckles, pushing to his feet. "Come on, love. We better get changed. They're waiting for us after all."

"Just give me a moment," I mumble, closing my eyes. Arms wrap around my waist, and I squeal. Apollo ignores it, tossing me over his shoulder. "I will have no problem choking you until you put me down," I warn.

"Hey, I'm helping you out here. You can have your moment of peace while I take care of getting you to your rooms."

"I can walk perfectly fine," I grumble.

"I know that. Just accept my help for once." Rolling my eyes, I relax. Well, as much as you can relax while being carried over someone's shoulder.

"Could you carry me in a more comfortable manner by any chance?"

"No, now quit your complaining, we're almost there."

I heave out an exaggerated sigh. "Fine."

He laughs, crouching to set me down outside my door. "There, was that so bad?"

"It was horrid," I complain, setting my hands on my hips. "Don't ever do it again."

He smirks, leaning against the wall right next to his door. Only a couple steps away from mine, and connected to my chambers through a door inside the rooms. My stomach ties up in knots. We've been married for a while. Now we're King and Queen. The next step would be an heir, but let's not go there.

Apollo draws me out of my thoughts, pushing me gently towards my door. "Go get ready, Calla. It's just a festival."

Just a festival... Oh right! The crowning ceremony festival. We're changing for the festival. I nod, stepping back into my room and closing the door. Through the wood, I can hear Apollo going into his room. Goodness, what's gotten into me?

Shaking my head, I move towards the dress prepared for today. There wasn't enough time for a new dress, but this one was regal enough for a Queen. I go through the motions of putting it on and adjusting my hair. Then it's onto the festival. Pushing out a deep breath, I shove all worrisome thoughts out of my head. Today is a day of celebration. Act like it.

Stepping out into the courtyard, my eyes meet Apollo's. He gives me a dashing grin before turning back to his conversation with a young maiden. She's explaining something quite passionately with hand motions and everything, and my dear husband is watching her so completely. A small smile twists my lips as I watch him.

"Lovely party, cousin," Bastien announces, appearing at my side. I jump, heat filling my cheeks.

"Yes, yes it is." He smirks, and his constant knowing makes me uncomfortable. Why does everyone seem to be able to appear out of nowhere?

Chuckling, my cousin wraps his arm around my shoulders. "I'm proud of you, Calla and I cannot wait to see what kind of Queen you'll be." Dropping to the ground in front of me, he bows his head with his fist to his chest. "I pledge allegiance, My Queen."

Tears prick my eyes, and I blink them away. "That was completely unnecessary, but thank you, Bastien."

He stands, brushing off his pants. "You're a Queen, you need to know who your allies are. I will always be true to you, Calla."

I hug him, squeezing him tight. "Thank you."

Music starts up, and I'm ushered over to the spot arranged for dancing. Apollo waits for me, holding out a hand with a small smile just for me. Settling my hand in his, I grin up at him. This is how it was meant to be.

He leads me through the steps of the common celebratory dance, not once messing things up on purpose.

As a Queen, I don't get any time to rest. The next dance goes to my Father, who says over and over again how proud he is of me. I hold him close at the end of the song, trying desperately to hold back tears. When he pulls away, cheeks wet, I let out a watery laugh.

"You weren't supposed to cry," I tease.

"I'm an old man, I can do what I want," he returns. My grin is so big, it hurts. "I love you, Calla."

"I love you too, Father."

Father steps away, and Bastien takes his place.

"Do you have time to dance with a lowly commoner, Your Majesty?"

Rolling my eyes, I take his outstretched hand.

"I was told not to stop dancing, not even for a moment, so I assure you I have time."

"Isn't it so fun to be a Queen?"

"It's the most fun I've ever had," I answer with a wink.

Bastien makes dancing much, much harder when he's making me laugh so hard I mess up the steps. His grin grows each time, so I don't mind.

About halfway through, a tap on my shoulder stops me. I spin around, expecting my husband to be cutting in. Instead Derek stands there, blood running down his forehead.

"Derek? What's going on?"

"There's been an attack, Your Majesty, on the Sclian Palace."