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chapter thirty-five, its coronation day!
DRESSED IN A WHITE GOWN, gold accents and perfectly royal jewels, Francesca stood in front of the mirror. The person staring back at her wasn't someone she recognized, but it was someone she would gladly welcome.
Behind her, Aaron walked up. He was in a white suit, gold accents on his outfit as well. His hands came out to rest on her hips, pulling her against his chest.
"You look stunning, darling," Aaron said, his voice soft and his breath a whisper against her ear. A shiver ran down Francescas spine, her heart sped up and her skin went cold. The effect Aaron had on her was insane, but it was so perfectly intoxicating.
"You look handsome," Francesca complimented, her hand reaching up to caress the side of his face. Aaron gave soft kisses on her neck, a soft hum rumbled from his chest. The moment was perfectly intimate, it was soft and loving. It was perfection.
After a few minutes of just relishing in each others presence, a guard comes in and announces that it is time for the coronation. Francesca paced the room, allowing herself a few more seconds of freaking out before she needed to be calm and collected.
"My love, you will be perfect, as always. I have no doubts and absolute trust in you," Aaron assured.
Francesca took a deep breath, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. "What if I trip?" she joked, trying to lighten the moment, but her voice trembled slightly.
Aaron chuckled softly, his gaze steady and reassuring. "You won't. And if you do, I'll be right there to catch you," he replied, a playful glint in his eye. "Besides, this day is about so much more than a stumble. It's about the promise we're making to our people."
Francesca turned to face him fully, the gravity of their situation settling in. "You're right. This is a commitment to lead together, to be the change they need."
With a final glance in the mirror, she smoothed the fabric of her gown, feeling the weight of the crown they would soon wear. It wasn't just a symbol of power; it was a promise—a promise to protect and uplift the people of France.
As they walked hand in hand through the opulent corridors of the palace, the sounds of the gathering crowd filled the air. The Grand Hall, adorned with gold and silk, was bustling with nobles, dignitaries, and citizens who had come to witness this historic moment.
Francesca could feel the energy in the room, a palpable mixture of anticipation and hope. As they entered the hall, a hush fell over the crowd. The sight of them together, radiating love and unity, sparked a wave of murmurs. Francesca stood tall, taking in the faces of those who had come to support them.
Aaron squeezed her hand gently, grounding her amidst the sea of expectation. As they ascended the dais, the archbishop stepped forward, his voice booming across the hall. "We gather today to witness the coronation of Francesca and Aaron Tveit, not just as rulers, but as symbols of hope and change for our beloved France!"
The crowd erupted in applause, a sound that swelled in Francesca's chest like a warm tide. She glanced at Aaron, who met her gaze with unwavering confidence. Together, they stepped forward, ready to embrace their destiny.
The ceremony unfolded with grandeur. Francesca knelt as the archbishop placed the crown upon her head, its weight both a reminder of her responsibilities and a symbol of her commitment to the people. The moment felt surreal, and as she rose, she caught sight of Aaron's proud smile.
"Together," he mouthed, and she nodded, a shared understanding passing between them.
When it was Aaron's turn, Francesca felt her heart swell. The archbishop proclaimed him king, and as the crown settled upon his head, a renewed sense of purpose ignited within her. They were truly partners in this reign, bound by love and a shared vision for the future.
Francesca looked at the faces of her people, the crown weighing on her head. Everything she had planned prior to her entrance into the French light, everything she fought against, was now null and void. She had everything she could ever want. She had Aaron.
Once the ceremony concluded, they faced the crowd, hand in hand. Francesca's voice rang out clear and steady. "Today marks not just our ascension to the throne, but a new era for France—a promise of unity, justice, and hope."
The crowd responded with a fervent cheer, their voices echoing through the hall. Francesca and Aaron exchanged glances, their hearts full. But as the celebrations began, they both understood that their work was just beginning.
In the days that followed, the couple immersed themselves in the challenges of ruling. They met with representatives from every corner of the kingdom, listening to concerns and enacting reforms that would uplift the lives of their people. Francesca's passion for social justice drove her initiatives, while Aaron's strategic mind kept the kingdom stable amidst its growing pains.
Everything was perfect, utterly perfect. Lets just hope it stays that way.
