Right..... [Old English]

Scene VI : The evening of Wishes

The grand hall of Castoria had never witnessed such a gathering of power and prestige. Kings, queens, dukes, and ambassadors from distant lands had arrived to pay homage to the newly crowned King Joseph and Queen Angela, and to offer their congratulations on the birth of the princess, Beatrice. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices and perfumes, brought by dignitaries from across the known world, mingling with the more familiar fragrances of Castoria's own roses and incense.

Angela, seated beside Joseph on the dual thrones, appeared every bit the regal queen, though her expression was one of quiet composure. Her hands rested gently on her lap, her fingers entwined as she listened to the foreign dignitaries, her mind half on the proceedings, half on the tiny life that awaited her in the royal nursery.

The first to approach was King Alaric of Valeria, a stout man with a beard as silvered as the moonlight. He did bow deeply before the thrones, his heavy robes sweeping the floor in reverence.

"Your Majesties," quoth he, his voice resonating through the hall. "Valeria doth send its warmest congratulations upon thy accession and upon the birth of thy daughter, the princess. May her life be long and prosperous, and may thy reign bring peace and stability unto Castoria."

King Joseph did incline his head graciously. "We do thank thee, King Alaric. Thy words do honor us, and we hope that the friendship 'twixt our nations shall continue to flourish."

Queen Angela did nod in agreement, though her thoughts were momentarily elsewhere. She could feel the weight of the crown upon her head, a heavy reminder of the responsibilities she now did bear—not only as a queen but as a mother.

Next in line, following the King of Valeria, was the King of France, Louis, a man of imposing stature, with eyes sharp as a falcon's and a voice that carried the lilt of his native tongue. Draped in fine silks of deep blue, adorned with the fleur-de-lis, he stepped forward with a grace that only the most distinguished of royalty possessed.

"Votre Majesté,"[Your Majesty] King Louis began, his voice smooth and resonant as he offered a deep bow. "La France est honorée de féliciter Castoria pour l'ascension au trône de Sa Majesté le Roi Joseph et de la Reine Angela, ainsi que pour la naissance de la princesse Béatrice. Que son règne soit long et prospère, et que votre union apporte paix et harmonie à vos terres."

["France is honored to congratulate Castoria on the ascension to the throne of His Majesty King Joseph and Queen Angela, as well as on the birth of Princess Beatrice. May his reign be long and prosperous, and may your union bring peace and harmony to your lands]

He extended his hands, and his attendants stepped forward bearing the gifts from France. The first was a tapestry, woven with golden threads, depicting the legendary union of Clovis and Clotilde, a symbol of the divine right and sacred duty bestowed upon rulers. Next was a casket of rare jewels, sapphires and diamonds that sparkled like the night sky, accompanied by a golden scepter, encrusted with rubies, a token of France's allegiance and respect.

"En outre," Louis continued, "je vous offre cette couronne de laurier, symbole de la victoire et de la gloire. Que votre règne soit marqué par la sagesse et la justice."

["In addition," Louis continued, "I offer you this laurel wreath, a symbol of victory and glory. May your reign be marked by wisdom and justice."]

King Joseph inclined his head with a smile that conveyed both respect and a subtle air of triumph. "Nous vous remercions, roi Louis. Les présents que vous apportez témoignent de la grandeur de votre royaume et de l'amitié entre nos nations. Puissent nos terres prospérer ensemble, unies dans la paix et la justice."

["We thank you, King Louis. The gifts you bring are a testament to the greatness of your kingdom and the friendship between our nations. May our lands prosper together, united in peace and justice."]

Queen Angela, though her heart felt heavy with the weight of the crown, nodded graciously, her voice carrying the warmth of sincere gratitude. "Merci, roi Louis. Vos paroles et vos cadeaux sont un grand honneur pour Castoria. Que la paix et l'amitié entre nos nations perdurent à jamais."

["Thank you, King Louis. Your words and gifts are a great honor to Castoria. May peace and friendship between our nations endure forever.]

King Louis responded with a knowing smile, his eyes lingering briefly on Queen Angela as though measuring the depths of her resolve. "Que Dieu vous bénisse, reine Angela, et que votre règne soit béni par la prospérité et la paix."

["God bless you, Queen Angela, and may your reign be blessed with prosperity and peace."]

As he stepped back, the French retinue bowed in unison, their elegant robes sweeping the floor. The hall was filled with murmurs of admiration for the generosity and sophistication of the French court, the gifts a testament to the bond between France and Castoria.

Then, enters the King John, of a Latin-speaking kingdom, clad in regal armor, with an imposing yet respectful demeanor. He speaks in fluent Latin, honoring the royal couple.

Latin King (in Latin): "Regi Iosepho et Reginae Angelae, longaevum regnum vobis precor, plenissimum prosperitatis. Hic sunt dona mea, symbola fidei et fraternitatis."

["To King Joseph and Queen Angela, I wish you a long reign, full of prosperity. Here are my gifts, symbols of faith and brotherhood."]

To Angela's surprise, Joseph responds in flawless Latin, his voice carrying both authority and grace.

Joseph (in Latin): "Gratias ago, mi amice. Tua dona magnifici sunt, et fidelitas tua nobis cara. Pax sit inter regna nostra in perpetuum."

["Thank you, my friend. Your gifts are magnificent, and your loyalty is dear to us. May there be peace between our kingdoms forever."]

Angela, taken aback by Joseph's linguistic prowess, nudges him playfully.

Angela (teasingly): "Why, Joseph, I had no inkling thou couldst speak Latin so finely. Hast thou kept this secret from me?"

Joseph chuckles softly, leaning closer to her.

Joseph: "Not all secrets, my dear wife, are meant to be kept forever."

Their brief moment of tenderness is interrupted by the arrival of Angela's sister Eliana, Queen Consort of a greece, accompanied by her husband. The sight of her sister brings a wide smile to Angela's face as she rushes to embrace her.

Angela: "Sister! Thou hast come! 'Tis a joy beyond words to see thee here."

Eliana, dressed in equally regal attire, returns the embrace warmly.

Eliana: "Πώς θα μπορούσα να μην είμαι εδώ για να παρακολουθήσω αυτήν την ημέρα; Σου φέρνω τους καλύτερους από τους υπηρέτες μου, για να σε βοηθήσω στα καθήκοντά σου ως Βασίλισσα."

[How could I not be here to watch this day? I bring you the best of my servants, to assist you in your duties as Queen]

They converse in Greece, exchanging pleasantries. Angela's sister then leans in, a hint of concern in her voice.

Eliana: "Art thou truly content with relinquishing thy power to Joseph? A king's will is not always gentle."

Angela, ever steadfast, nods confidently.

Angela: "Worry not, sister. I am content, for I trust Joseph with my very life. He is a just man, and this decision is right."

Her sister, though not entirely convinced, sighs softly but does not press further.

Eliana: "Very well, but heed this: a queen's power, once given away, is rarely returned."

Angela shrugs off the warning, her faith in Joseph unwavering.

To Be Continued.....