Empire of Dreams

*42*

The next day passed like a blur as I briefed the palace staff and confirmed the coronation arrangements. Elizabeth proved to be perfect for her role and had almost everything under control. 

"We can't get a new crown in time! I wanted there to be a separate crown for the Queen, not the traditional one" She expressed her disappointment as we discussed the preparations over lunch. 

"Ask Lady Irem to come visit me immediately, I will see what can be done" I assured.

It was surreal to see the Greenwich Palace so sparse. The servants were packing everything as we would spend the night at the Tower of London. The news of my coronation had also been spread amongst the commoners. 

"There will be some entertainment too at the ceremony. A dance is being prepared by the daughters of the nobles. Many will wish to attain the position of your ladies in waiting. Choose wisely...." Elizabeth advised then continued after a pause, "You will have to wake up quite early tomorrow as the coronation ceremony is estimated to be finished by noon followed by your appearance in public and your first speech as the monarch at the Tower of London"

"What am I wearing tomorrow?" I asked, suddenly remembering.

"I completely forgot about asking Kathyrn that, I'll go talk to her after lunch and inform you"

"Thank you, Elizabeth"

"Can I ask you something?" She asked

"Yes, what is it?"

"Why the name Narcissa, Jane?"

I had been expecting this question. It was a surprise they only thought about asking it so late.

"I'll tell at supper, I assume the others have questions regarding this too," I said and finally done with our food, both proceeded with the rest of the work. 

I obviously had a lot to do since Edward's burial was still pending. With my coronation coming up, it was doubtful as to when to hold the funeral but I decided on a week after my coronation. As I sat in my room, signing official invitations which were being continuously sent out, I remembered my dream. Standing before the huge crowd, begging for my life before the sword slashed my throat. That dream had not been ordinary. It was fate and I had changed it. I still remembered every single detail of it, how Aunt Catherine was supposed to die, how I was supposed to die and every other doomed prediction. For a moment I had the horrible thought that all this- Aunt Catherine surviving, truce between me and Mary, me becoming the Queen were all just a dream, a fantasy I was making up to escape the pain of death. I would've almost believed it if I had not been distracted by Lady Irem's arrival. 

"You were very deep in your thoughts" she chuckled as she curtsied.

"Thank you for coming, Lady Irem. As you know, the crown being used has belonged to a long line of kings. What if we were to make a crown for the queens?"

"I thought you would want that. A basic crown has been made. You can specify whatever symbols and alterations you want on it. You may also select the jewels"

We both went to the Royal Jeweller who was ready with the crown to be altered. The crown was made of a metal I could not recognise. It shone bright but was not gold. It had a silvery appearance but was not silver.

"What metal is this?" I asked incredulously

"It is a very rare metal my Queen, brought from the farthest imaginable lands. It is so rare, nobody knows its name. It has never been seen or heard of. I had just enough for this crown" The jeweller squealed with glee. His ancient eyes sparked with the joy of youth and his wrinkled hands were ready to jump into action. He walked me through his jewels presenting me the option to choose which ones went on the royal crown. 

It felt important to me that I chose my crown. This was my reign. I remembered my dream in which I was was a mere puppet in the game of scheming men. I refused to be that any longer. 

The crown was divided into sections by a division made of amethysts and diamonds. Both the sides had elaborate designs and above on the outer layer of the crown I asked for the names of all the wives of King Henry VIII to be inscribed. Unlike the Tudor crown, my crown was to be fully made of metal. the whole crown also had pearls surrounding it. It was regal and it was feminine, perfect for a queen. 

The jeweller was an expert in his field was soon done with the alterations. Then came the big moment. Taking a deep breath, I placed the crown on my head. It was unexpectedly heavy though obviously more lightweight than the Tudor crown. It was true. The crown was heavy, both symbolically and literally.