Elwanda

Chapter 32 - Long Live The Queen

When the chants died down, a different cushion was brought forward ontop of which was a dainty crown covered in jewels so delicate that they looked as if the slightest touch could break them.

This time, Drystan was handed the crown. He would do the coronation himself.

Elwanda swallowed.

She struggled to look away from his face and kneel, but eventually did. It randomly crossed her mind whether the pretty tiara was a new craft or had graced the heads of other queens before her.

Coming forward, he held the crown over her head.

"Do you swear the oaths of allegiance, justice, peace, prosperity, and faith to the Eternal Throne and to the people of Rauloring for as long as you live?"

"I swear." She said audibly, hoping her voice did not shake.

"Then, by the authority upon me as King and Lord of this realm, I crown you, Elwanda Thorbern Xezod, Queen of Rauloring; that you may uphold me as my wife and greatest support in keeping the affairs and interests of this kingdom to the best of your abilities."

He lowered the ice cold headdress onto her head.

Elwanda shut her eyes, feeling less and less trembly than before.

Then, light suddenly pierced her eyes and small gasps erupted across the room. She peeped and saw that streaks of brilliant sunlight were streaming into the hall from all the windows. It took another moment for her to realize that every single ray was touching together to form a spotlight around her alone.

She rose and took Drystan's outheld hand. He appeared to have no concern for the fact that she was being cocooned by the sun.

"Long live the Queen!" The priest hailed aloud.

Although the energy was different than the first time, the people chanted the same prayer again, until cheers erupted, turning the solemn atmosphere into a joyous one.

Elwanda took note of how many times her husband looked into her eyes even though she could not fully translate what he was feeling, how many times he took her hand or offered her his own, and how close he stood. It might've all been done for formality sake and because they were within the public eye, but she dearly hoped the case was different.

An open carriage drawn by two white horses took them outside to ride through the town.

Then, Elwanda's mood brightened by a long shot.

She waved, and laughed, and blew kisses as the locals followed the coach; spraying their king and queen with flower petals whilst blaring music, screams and shouts of praise. With how vivacious the celebration became, it took a while for the royal carriage to safely make its way back into the palace.

But at last, it did.

Elwanda was very surprised to find that they would not return to making merriments as she thought.

"As is customary, you will dine alone with the king tonight." Haladar explained to her in low tones as he escorted them amongst a private crowd back into the grand hall. "And then, you will be required to rest ahead of tomorrow. Before then, you ought to be relieved enough to party."

She stared blankly at the councilman, then at Drystan, who was engaged in what seemed like deep conversation with some officials she could not identify by face.

"What about him?"

Haladar seemed unsure at first. "Well, the King is free to decide on whether or not he will join the feast. I reckon he will have to, because a lot require his attention."