The Crowned Queen

Chapter One

I was alway born to bear the weight of the crown. Yet even now, when I stand on a stage before all my loyal subjects, it feels heavy on my head. I can hear my people shouting for their newly crowned Queen.

"Long live Queen Victoria!" and "Long may the Salvatore name reign!"

I felt proud of what I had accomplished. As of now, I am the first Queen to rule without a King by her side. Not that my parents hadn't tried to marry me off. It's hard to marry off your only heir to the throne if she is unwilling. They had no else to hand the throne to should I refuse. I had no siblings and since my mother was pronounced barren 7 years ago, there was no chance of any sibling being born.

Of course I never would have actually refused the throne. No sane person would. Lucky for me I wasn't known for being sane, although that's simply because I'm a woman who craves power.

"Your majesty," I turn towards my guard. "It's almost time for your speech"

I turn back towards my people and take a few steps forward. I put my hand up to silence their shouting and it almost immediately goes silent.

"This is my country! You are my people! And as your Queen, I have promised to serve you! I have promised to protect you! And most importantly, I have promised to lead you!" I pause to take a few deep breaths. " I know we are all saddened by the death of my father, King James II, and my mother, Queen Rose! But I have been trained from birth for this role! I swear I will lead you to the best of my ability! Make no mistake! I am fit to be your Queen!

"I beli-"

"You're no queen! No woman should rule this country!" Someone shouts from somewhere in the gathered crowd. I knew this would happen. Even as just a princess I had heard such remarks. The Difference now is that I can do something about it. I waved my hand at the soldiers waiting to the side of the stage and they set off into the crowd.

"I may be a woman! But my heart is not soft! I will not stand for those who think they can fight against me! If you have something to say-" the soldiers pull a man out of the crowd. "say it to my face. Instead of hiding in the crowd like this coward! But I am not without mercy. Unlike my father we will let even this coward stand trial." I wave my hand again and the soldiers drag the man to the dungeon."Does anyone else have something they would like to add?" Silence rings out as no one dares say a thing.

"Alright then." I say walking back and forth on the stage. "If no one else has something to say, I have one last announcement. My fathers previously implemented 37% tax will now be decreased to 10%" As soon as the words had left my mouth there were shouts of joy. I could even hear some laughing. I would let them have their moment of joy. I turned and began to leave the stage. As I stepped off and towards the carriage meant to bring me home I could hear a chant begin to rise up.

"God bless the Queen!"

I couldn't help but smile as I stepped onto the carriage. This was only the beginning of the changes I would make. I knew from the beginning that I had to fix what my father had done to this beloved country of mine.

As I stepped into my chambers I practically collapsed on my carpeted floor. My maids immediately rushed over.

"Your majesty! Are you okay? Are you hurt?" They frantically searched me. Looking for any possible injuries.

"Lucy, Cleo, I'm fine. I'm just exhausted. Can you draw me a bath and prepare my evening gown?" I said to them, in my most calming voice. I may be Queen now, but these two have been with me for many years. For as long as I could remember they have gotten me through the day. Even now they are some of my only friends. I'm drawn out of my train of thought by Lucy's voice.