The Royals of Silvercrest

15

Princess Leia's POV:

Emberfall Castle:

I walk through the torchlit stone corridors, winding my way through towering walls adorned with faded tapestries and portraits of the descendants of the King. King Shane had taken me on a tour through the castle, strolling past the gardens, stone statues, meeting rooms, staff quarters and kitchen.
The sound of my footsteps echo off the vaulted ceilings. My guard follows closely behind, eyes constantly scanning for threats to my safety. We weave our way through the maze of the castle until we reach the right area.

The large black doors to the throne room are opened.

"Princess Leia of of House Evera!" A voice calls out

I stare out at the scene before me.

King Shane stands before the crowd of nobles.

He wears a suit of silver armor.

The crowd parts to allow me to walk through.

"She's so beautiful!" One young girl remarks quietly to her mother

I smile, happy.

"A new Queen!" Another exclaims

I make my way up to King Shane, curtsying deeply.

"Dearest," He greets extending a hand

I take it and he gently guides me up.

We turn to face the crowd of onlookers.

"It is with great pleasure that I announce the royal coronation of Princess Leia of House Evera shall take place tomorrow. " King Shae says

The group cheers, ecstatic.

I feel a swirl of rmotions, happy and nervous.

Of course I had trained my whole life to become a Queen.

Now that the day is soon to come, I wish with all my heart that I bring goodness and peace not just to the high class but to those who truly need aid. I hope I am every bit the wife and Queen my mother is.

King Shane and I take our seats.

An older gentleman makes his way to the front of the room, bowing.

His hair is gray, his green eyes look as if they'd seen it all.

His face is wrinkled and tired.

"Your Majesties, I come with concerns regarding the Estate of Gillian. Lord John Gillian passed of illness late last night. I was sent via his widower to handle these matters as she grieves and buried her husband." The man says

"Please pass along our condolences. On the matter of the estate, did they bear children?" King Shane asks

"No, Your Grace." The man says shaking his head

King Shane is silent, thinking for a moment.

"I shall send word to Lord Miles to handle this matter. There is naught to be done until her husband is buried. Allow this time of grieving in peace." King Shane tells him

The man nods, thanking him before making his way out of the room.

King Shane's POV:
Another steps forward, a young boy.

"Good morning, Your Graces." The boy says softly

I smile, giving the nervous child a small wave.

"Good morning lad. Why is it that you have visited today?"

"I come from Castle Greensboro. I represent my father in this matter to bring news that the trade agreement between your Houses has been signed." He says stepping forward.

The knights do as well, as precaution.

This spooks the boy who scatters back, eyes wide.

I hold up a hand and the knights return to their stationary position.

"Come forward." I say gently

He steps forward, handing me a sealed envelope.

I open it to see his word indeed ring true, the old man's terrible handwriting scrawled on the bottom.

We shall increase trade and our funds.

After a handful of nobles presenting themselves and addressing issues, I wrap up meetings. A trumpet plays, capturing the attention of all. I lean in close to Princess Leia, telling her I have a surprise for her. She grins back, excited. On cue, Princess Ruby enters wearing a soft elegant white dress and small crown.

"Princess Leia of Silvercrest!"

The nobles bow and curtsy as she enters, respect to their future Queen.

After Queen Aida's death, I had made it clear that Princess Ruby is to succeed me on the throne, should I not have another child or a male.

Any who disagreed were quickly stripped of titles and duties and sent from court, banished and told never to return.

I could not have untrusted people near my child.

Princess Ruby, her hair wrapped in braids and secured up, curtsies.

"May I present Princess Ruby, my daughter." I say

Ruby smiles sweetly at Princess Leia.

"It is an honor." Leia says

"Ruby this is my bride, Princess Leia."

"It's nice to meet you. I hope you bring joy to the King." Princess Ruby says

Princess Leia leans down closer to my daughter.

"I hope to bring joy and peace to you both."