Not your Romeo and Juliet

t e n

The coronation is tonight.

All the members of the royal families have joined us for the event. Nobleman from all across the neighbouring countries are invited. My entire family is present in the royal palace.

All I await is for Romeo to come.

"You look gorgeous!" Matilda says as she enters my rooms.

"The prince will surely love you in this dress." Rosaline adds.

"Don't you feel great that I proposed for this marriage to take place." Matilda says proudly.

I don't give her the satisfaction of my answer.

"Try these earrings instead. They'll look better." Rosaline hands me a different pair. I try them on.

The earrings are the dark emerald of my dress. My hair is braided and tied into a bun. I wear golden gloves and the same colour of heels. The royal dresser has chosen my style tonight.

"They look pretty!" Matilda jumps with joy.

A knock is heard on the door. It's a maid, informing me that I'm needed downstairs. I excuse myself and follow her.

The Prince stands before the entrance, waiting for me. He wears the same colour of tuxedo as my dress. He extends his hand for me to hold.

"You look incredible." He whispers in my ears. "Keep up the act." He adds.

"Thank you." I whisper back.

"I present to you, the newly wedded couple - Prince Esculas and his wife Lady Juliet." The announcement erupts.

The Prince leads me down the way, taking short steps down the staircase. I follow him obediently, with all of my elegance.

The King and the Queen are present to welcome us. They give us their blessings.

After numerous dances and small conversations with the other royal families, I spot a figure I clearly recognise.

It's Romeo. My husband.

We haven't met for over a week. I feel joy seeing him but his face doesn't reciprocate my happiness.

Did he not get my letter ?

He looks away after a while. Almost immediately, I feel the presence of a hand around my waist.

Instantly I look up and see a smiling Prince.

"I see you've already seen my surprise." He mutters.

"You invited him? I thought you wouldn't." I whisper.

"Well I did." He pauses. "But I have a favour to ask instead."

"What might that be your highness?"

"I want our deal to be modified, Lady Juliet."

"Modified? What changes?"

"As in," He puts his hands in his hair and pulls it.

"Apologies, my lady. I cannot hold my part of the deal." He completes.

I bring my brows together, confused.

"My father has sworn to the king of Iran that I will be able to inherit the throne only if I stay married."

"But what about your lover?" I ask.

"She is present in this hall. I have a plan for you. But I suppose," He pauses to look over at Romeo talking with a man. "-you have matters to handle."

"Yes I do. But I own an explanation. Please don't keep me in dark."

"I won't. I'll tell you soon, in private. Not when there are a bunch of people looking at us and trying to hear our conversation. Pretend to smile at a joke." He says.

I smile and give out a soft chuckle. He gives a wide smile too. Then he excuses me and goes to talk with someone.

I head to Romeo.

"I see you've returned, Romeo." I interrupt the conversation he was having.

"I have, Lady Juliet. And I have also noticed many changes have taken place in my absence." His tone is accusitory.

"The Prince sends a message for you through me. I'll like to convey it alone." I eye at the man who was previously speaking to Romeo.

"I'll take my leave." The man leaves us.

"Meet me later." Are the only words I whisper to him before taking my leave.

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The coronation ceremony began at 8:13, it being an auspicious time tonight.

But I don't pay much attention there. My gaze only searches for Romeo in the crowd.

I really wish he meets me.

Once Prince Esculas takes his vows, the King takes his crown off and rests it on his head.

"I request your wife to kindly hand you the sword." The priest announces.

I'm uncertain if this is correct. I'm not his wife. I shouldn't get this opportunity.

I stand nonetheless. A woman stands, helps me handle my enormous dress.

I hold the sword but it's too heavy. Heavier than the one I've practiced with. My maid helps me hold it and I thank her. Then I place it on Prince Esculas's palm.

"Thank you, love." He smiles.

Taken aback by the comment, I just give him a smile.

"Do you take Prince Esculas as the new King of Verona? " The priest asks the crowd.

The crowd erupts with a loud yes.

" With the Almighty God and the people as witness, I declare Esculas as the new King of Verona. May you receive power, knowledge and might to protect the kingdom and help it develop."

The crowd cheers and I clap my hands like the rest of the people. Prince Esculas - now King Esculas - sits on the throne.

"Now it's time to coronate the Queen." The priest adds.

"Wait." The new King stops the ceremony. The hall is filed with silence. I thank him for this gesture in my heart.

"Lady Juliet wishes to get coronated on an even more auspicious day." The King concludes.

Everyone looks at me.

"Yes." I stutter. "His Majesty is telling the truth." I lie.

"I wish to learn about the royal life and responsibilities before being given such an honorable title. " I complete.

"Your thoughtfulness shows your character to be the most suitable for becoming a Queen." The former King smiles.

"As the King wishes." The priest bows.