Empire of Nightfall

Chapter 5: The Coronation

Starlights pov

"I did it," Starlight exclaimed as she drifted further and further away from the attic door. "I locked my sister in an attic." She said, her voice cracking at the end, "She is going to hate me for this."

She glanced at the attic key in her hand- its frigid metal was a stark reminder of the actuality she was about to face; with a deep breath, she straightened her spine and walked to her destination. While she descended the stairs, her heart throbbed in her chest, drumming a melancholy melody in the depths of her soul. Each heavy step echoed in the silent castle, a stark reminder of the deed she had just committed.

She paused for a beat in the center of the staircase, her sweaty palm resting on the handrail to keep her from falling over as a wave of regret washed over her, but she quickly pushed it aside, reminding herself why she had done the malicious deed.

She walks into Moonlight's bed chambers and sits on the bed, exhausted after the day she had. "It was for the best. I only did it to keep her safe." She says, her voice breaking along with her heart." She is going to hate me for this."

Her gaze shoots to Moonlight's coronation gown, a symbol of majesty and elegance, hung prominently among other dresses in the open wardrobe. Stitched from red velvet, the gown flowed gracefully down to the toes. The dress featured a voluminous skirt that puffed out just below her waist, cinched by a corset. This corset, a masterpiece in itself, was intricately adorned with fine details of gold, spun majestically, befitting an Empress.

The corset was filled with fine details of gold spun majestically just fit for an Empress. The top is adorned with ruby jewels fading down, and a pair of perfect red high heels bejeweled in rubies to match.

A knock sounded on the door and startled Starlight. "Your Majesty, are you ready? Do you need a hand with anything?" said the familiar voice of the moon's lady-in-waiting.

"Umm," Starlight said, flustered. "I'm good. I'm just about ready."

"If you're sure, Your Highness," the lady-in-waiting answered.

"Yes, I'm sure; you may leave," came her nervous reply.

"Alright, ring the bell for me if you need any assistance."

Starlight waited for the telltale sign of the lady-in-waiting leaving. "I might as well change now," she said to herself.

Rising from Moonlight's dark wooden bed, which was carved with the Nightfall royal crest - a privilege only the heir to the Nightfall throne acquires, she made her way toward the gown. She plucked it from inside the wardrobe and walked back to the bed with the gown in hand.

As she was wearing the gown her thoughts whirled back to her sister. She had to do this. If she hadn't, she would have regretted it for the rest of her life. It was a good thing she and Moonlight looked the same, or she would have never been able to pull a stunt like this.

After getting dressed, doing her hair up just right with a knot atop her head- being Moonlight's signature hairstyle, she wore it so often it might as well be a part of her- She did her makeup natural yet stunning and made her way to the ball where the coronation was to be held.

She stood in front of the ballroom door- she hesitated, and a tear leaked from the corner of her eye. Pulling out a handkerchief, she wiped it away from her face and set a fake smile.

Hearing her approach, the guards opened the ballroom's wooden door so she could enter.

Striding inside with her face held high and emitting grace, every face turned her way and openly stared at her with awe. With a well-practiced fake smile, she nodded at people to be polite as the town crier announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the next sovereign, Moonlight Edward, of the Empire of Nightfall."

Upon her entrance, People stood and praised her. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The room was embellished with the empire's colors, and the air filled with exotic flowers. The brilliance of the occasion was palpable, reflecting its significance.

People stood and applauded; the cheering reverberated through the grand hall. Starlight made her way to the front of the room, where she would be given the crown of the Empress- The one that once held its place on her mother's head. Her monarchical attire, a masterpiece of the empire's finest tailors, glowed under the grand chandeliers suspended on the ceilings. The crowd watched in awe as she gracefully navigated the room, her every move representing the grace and poise of a true superior

As she strolled down the aisle towards the rows of people, they quieted and bowed as she drew near their vicinity. The respect and reverence in their eyes were evident and filled her heart with hope. It was a momentous occasion, not just for Starlight but for every citizen of the empire.

Once she stood on the front stage, feet away from the royal empress' throne, the head of the council stepped a foot near her and announced for "Moonlight" to say her oath. The room fell silent, the air thick with anticipation as everyone awaited her words.

"I, Moonlight Edward, crown princess, heir to the Nightfall throne, hereby promise to always do right by my empire and invariably choose to rule over in guidance and support for all the nightlings of my empire over everything else. I promise to do everything in my authority to give my people what they need and fulfill all their desires to the full extent. I promise to abide by my oath until my last breath or until I must step down from my throne. I will do everything within me to take care of my people equally."

Her words resonated through the hall, each syllable echoing her commitment and dedication to her people. The solemnity of the oath was a powerful reminder of the burden that now rested on her shoulders.

The councilman crowned Moonlight and announced with a piercing and powerful voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present for the first time in all of history Empress Moonlight Edward of the Empire of Nightfall."

The proclamation enticed another ear-piercing applause, the festive cheers of the crowd filling the room. The moment was one of utmost importance and carved in the hearts of everyone present, and a new chapter in the Empire of nightfall began.

Everyone bowed their respect to the new press, and the councilman proclaimed, "My empress, I will bear my allegiance to you as well I do everything to make your reign as leisurely as possible."

The councilman placed the royal orb and the scepter in Starlight's hands, and everyone hailed. As she held the signs of her authority, the weight of her new role was tangible. Yet, there was a commitment glint in her eyes, a promise of a prosperous reign under her leadership. The coronation was not just a ceremony but a testament to the dawn of a new era in the Empire of Nightfall.

Hi! everyone! I was really excited to share this chapter with you. It's written from Starlight's perspective, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Your feedback means the world to me. Happy reading!

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