Once a Queen

Only the Beginning of the Adventure

The day of their coronation came all too quickly, at least, that's what Elise thought. She had been aided in dressing that morning by two female fauns named Astraea and Selina, who took their time doting on her and getting her ready for her big day. She didn't feel ready to be sitting in a throne over a people that she had not known that long, but Selina was sure to remind her of the prophecy over and over as they were doing her hair. She had requested for it to remain down, although they did manage to convince her to curl it, at least.

She examined her appearance in the mirror once they had finished. She wore a deep red, floor length gown, littered with gold detailing criss-crossing at the ends of the sleeves and along the seams at the bottom. Her cloak was a light blue, fastened with a gold clasp at the top of her chest. Her eyes were bolder than normal, having been outlined by kohl at Astraea's insistence. Her skin was scrubbed raw, any sliver of dirt on her having been washed away long ago, leaving her pale skin cleaner than she had seen it before. She admired how she looked in the mirror for a moment longer, but soon was reminded that she had somewhere to be.

She was escorted to where the rest of her siblings were waiting as well, and she fell into her routine of complimenting each one on how they looked, with them also returning the notion. They were soon joined by Aslan, who stood patiently, watching them all interact with amusement glimmering in his eyes. Before they knew it, it was time.

Trumpets were sounded, and the large double doors opened before them, and they quickly fell into their practiced formation: Peter in the middle, with Susan and Lucy on Aslan's right, and Peter, Elise, and Edmund on his left. They walked slowly down the aisle, stopping when they reached the steps. They looked up at their thrones, admiring them. Elise looked at each one, noting each significant carving that marked every one. On Peter's, the hilt of a sword, representing his own sword that he had used to command and lead his army to victory. On Edmund's, his sword cutting through the White Witch's wand, the pieces also conveniently placed that it resembled a scale. On Susan's was her horn. On Lucy's, her healing cordial. And on her own, a figure with their hands open, palms up, as though in a gesture of goodwill.

They each moved to their respective thrones, Edmund on the far right with Elise next to him, Peter in the middle, and then Susan and Lucy on the left. Aslan moved to the center, addressing the crowd of Narnians before them.

"To the glistening Eastern Sea, I give you Queen Lucy, the Valiant."
Mr. Tumnus moved forward with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, who carried pillows with crowns, picked up the small silver and bronze one with decorative leaves, and placed it atop Lucy's head.

Elise's heart glowed with pride at her sister being crowned the Valiant, the courageous, the determined.

"To the great Western Wood, King Edmund, the Just."

After everything he had gone through, Elise knew he deserved that title. He had been the one to stand up for the Narnians when Peter wanted them to go home. He had grown so much in so little time. His crown was also silver, with leaves decorating the outer rims.

"To the radiant Southern Sun, Queen Susan, the Gentle."

Elise thought nothing more could suit Susan better. She was kind, and caring, and she had grown to know and love the Narnians more than had seemed possible at first. Tumnus placed a gold, flowery crown on Susan's head, and her smile brightened.

"To the dazzling Central Mountains, Queen Elise, the Peaceful."

Now Elise was shocked. She had had no idea what title would be given to her by Aslan, and she hadn't expected this. She supposed she had been fighting for peace the entire time, so it did make sense, but it seemed like such a daunting title to her. She hoped she wouldn't let Aslan down in the future. She bowed when Tumnus placed her crown on, a beautiful ring of gold entwining both leaves and flowers in a simple yet elegant and regal band that felt just right on her head.