Ancalagon's Gold

30. THE CORONATION

"You deserve the crown,
if you have made youself strong enough to claim it's weight."

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Tiara

When I was a kid, dad used to take me and Carson to see the Royal zoo, which was opened for commoners, once every year. It was not like our common zoo with normal wild animals or exotic birds. We had a chance to watch rare creatures, that could only be found in story books or myths. Some were very frightening, others were mesmerizing. But, like other kids, I was not very happy to see them in cages. I always imagined, how the creatures must feel, behind the bars, in chains. I felt pity for them. No one deserves to be caged and inspected by others. I hated it for some reason. Today..I can relate to that incident.

"What do you mean by everyone?" I asked, not liking the fact that, this is something, I can't avoid. "As in The entire Royal court members, The Ambassadors? The commeners and even some very special guest, that only shows up on special occasions, like Wedding or Coronation. This gathering is important" Said Abigail, fixing my 'attire'. "And I have to be on the stage? Why on the stage and not behind it?" I asked, wiping the sweat formed on my face. She meets my eyes through the mirror and smiled. "Because you're family." She said, placing her chin on my shoulder. I blinked once, twice and she sighed. "Father will explain everything to you. Now come on, they have all arrived already." She said, walking away, leaving me no choice but to follow her.

This afternoon, when I woke up from my slumber, I was overwhelmed with the news that, loads of very important guests are arriving this evening to celebrate our victory on the Rouges. I mean yeah, It definitely calls for celebration, but me being the centre of attention, didn't sit right with me. Like I said, zoo animal. I almost fell from my bed startled, when found Abigail, Alison and the Two Queen mothers eyeing me amused, in Drake's arms. Don't they know, how to knock? Drake laughed and then was kicked out from his own room, half naked.

"You look absolutely gorgeous." Gasped Saphira, when Abigail and me joined the other ladies, down the corridor. "See? I told you. It will look amazing on her. Brings out her caramel skin more." Saraphina clapped, Like she was the dress designer. I wanted to say, this is too much, but when I saw how the others were all dressed, similar to mine, I decided against it. "Ready, all of you?" Came a deep voice, chilling me to the core. The king. No matter how many times, I'm in his presence, I'll never get used to it. He had that aura surrounding him. Then he turned his gaze at me and his hard demeanour turned into a very soft and gentle one, instantly. I guess he figured, I don't feel comfortable around him.

"Tiara? How are you doing child?" He asked, offering me both of his hands to take. Reluctantly, but slowly I walked towards him, not meaning to make him feel offended. "I'm doing great. Thankyou, for asking my lord." I said, smiling up at him. "You look just like a queen." He said, making me blush.  "Thank you" I said, looking down. "Chin up princess, or the crown slips." Said Firner. I couldn't understood the hidden meaning behind his words and let it slide by raising my head, to meet his eyes. There is this look in his eyes, that I just can't figure out yet. Before I could probe more into it, my mates arrived, looking as breathtaking as ever. I checked, if I was drooling.

Nyx laughed, making me roll my eyes at her. Yeah? You try that with their beasts surrounding you. That made her shut up. That's what I thought. Their eyes met mine and stopped mid conversation, taking me all in. God! This is so ambarrassing. Not infront of their parents please. I don't know, where to look. That's when I recalled, Firner's warning earlier and met their gazes, smiling. They just keep gesturing my length and exchanging looks, admiring me. "She looks beautiful, isn't she?" Asked Noori suddenly, giving words to their reactions. They all nodded in agreement, but couldn't speak. Did I just leave them speechless?