The Flower Crown Princess

Part 6

Today's ceremony, the second and final day of the wedding, will be far different from yesterday's. Today there will be no feasting- or eating at all- , no dances, no laughter, until nighttime, for the morning is a very somber religious ceremony. Then, there's several things that have stemmed from legend.

Maridi and I walk down to the courtyard, to the same spot where the hands-tying took place yesterday, past the great hall, where I can still smell the roasted meats and hear the laughter and fiddler from last night. My mind shivers as I recall the conversation I had last night with Maridi, my mind and stomach feeling sick. "Don't you think a king's rule- a monarchy- is cruel?" I hear it echo. Looking at Maridi now, I can't see her saying that. She looks quiet and demure, but more than that- she almost looks as though she's going to her death in an awful way- hanging, perhaps. Boiling.

Soon we have arrived in the wide courtyard, a weak sun shining though a layer of clouds. Still, that nagging, resounding voice is in my head and it won't leave. It's annoying, for one like me, who's never had an independent thought in her life. Still, it nags, new and awkward.

Go, I tell it. Go away!

Maridi is to sit by Finen in a great, gilded chair of gold that shimmers in the sun. She doesn't want to, which is very plain to see- her face almost pales just looking at it. Wiping her hands on her skirt, she shakily walks to it though, and she sits.

People- commoners- gather in the courtyard, and I see something far different than what I've seen before. Instead of just the simply clothed peasants I rule from before, I see people. Real, actual people.

Their clothing is shabby, their hair mussed. I see dirt on their faces and lines inn their cheeks. Scars. Bruises. Cuts. I've seen these before, but now they seem to tear my heart into pieces. All at once, I realize something. The puzzle suddenly comes together.

Their hurt is my father's doing.

Hey guys! Sorry for the late update, I went to church camp for a few days and forgot to put this out there before! Next chapter will be much longer. Promise!

Love you guys a lot!