Not your Romeo and Juliet

t w e l v e

"Do you take Lady Juliet as the new Queen 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 Juliet as the new Queen of Verona. May you receive power, knowledge and might to protect the kingdom and help it develop."

So yes. I've been crowned the Queen.

Few hours ago, King Esculas gave me the bracelet. I hid it in my long sleeves and covered it with my gloves. He also gave me the poison he informed me about.

As the prospective Queen, I was dressed in a long navy blue gown with full sleeves and boat neck embroidered by black and golden threads in the form of flowers. The best part, it has pockets! I wear short white gloves that reach just about the end of my sleeves. My jewelry is made out of pearls and diamonds. My hair is tied in a tight bun with few strands coming out.

The former Queen places her crown on my head.

"You'll be an incredible Queen." She says.

"I'll try." I lie.

The former Queen looks at both me and King Esculas and places her palm on both our cheeks.

"You will be an invincible duo. Take good care of each other and the kingdom. You have my blessings." She smiles.

I feel guilty for lying to such a trustful soul as hers. But it's important.

"You both already look like an invincible couple to me." The former King adds, coming by the former Queen's side.

I notice how similar my and King Esculas's dress are. He is wearing the same shade of blue as mine and has black boots black gloves to match them.

"Let's hold a toast for our new Queen!" My brother, Antonio announces and everyone raises their glasses.

"To the new King and Queen of Verona!"

Sounds of the glass clicking surround the halls. Many people come to visit us and give their blessings and congratulations. It is a political event afterall.

The night goes on with glamour. There are dances, music and clowns to keep us entertained.

"Spare me a dance, my queen? " Romeo offers his hand.

I look over at King Esculas and he nods.

So I take Romeo's hands.

The music begins slowly and we slow dance with other couples on the floor.

"You look ethereal." He comments.

"So do you." I smile.

We dance some more and I look up at him, eyes glimmering with happiness. I don't wish this night to ever end. We don't have to hide this time. It's just a Queen and a very important nobleman for the crowd.

But for me, it's my world.

"This night is flawless, isn't it?" I ask innocently.

He chuckles. "Sure it is. Unless you let it go."

"I won't."

The music stops and so do we. The farewell being harder than him going to exile.

My sisters approach me and I unwillingly excuse myself.

"How does it feel to be a Queen then?" Rosaline asks.

"Ofcourse amazing! Look at her dress, jewellery and how can we forget the crown!" Matilda chirps from my side.