Fate | Baldwin IV

coronation

a/n: thank you to everyone who took the time to check on me during my abrupt hiatus. though i couldn't reply to many of you, i see and appreciate all the comments asking if i've been alright and all the support this work's been getting. i truly love you guys, hope you enjoy the new chapter <3

⋅───⊱༺ ༒︎ ༻⊰───⋅

It was the distant sound of the church bells that stirred me from my sleep. Somewhat loud, rhythmic, and insistent.

Today, by the hour of Terce, I would be crowned. By midday, I would be the queen—not just in word, but in practice too. It would not grant me the power of a true reigning monarch, but the power to rule nonetheless. For most, it meant nothing—another addition to the royal family that would be briefly mentioned over the supper as part of the daily news, along with the complaints about rising prices of bread. For some, it meant everything—a mother losing her son's throne, a husband losing his opportunity to become the most powerful man in the kingdom. And for some others, it meant getting out of bed and start getting ready for the ceremony, for it was obvious that it was time for me to face the day ahead.

The voices in my chamber were hushed, words quickly spoken, orders silently obeyed. I didn't have the luxury to sleep through them. I couldn't even if I tried, anyway—my nerves wouldn't let me. I pushed myself upright, my hair falling over my shoulders as I rubbed the last remnants of sleep off my eyes. Aisha was the first to notice among the others, turning with a polite smile. "You're awake," she murmured.

I nodded. "What time is it?"

"Still early. There's time."

Ines was already at the vanity where my dress awaited, walking from one end to the other with the garments she had gathered in her hands. "Not much, madam," she said. "The archbishop is waiting."

At that, I exhaled and forced myself out of bed. There was nothing more to be said. We all knew what that meant.

I was bathed the first thing in the morning, but that was only the small part of the ritual. It was quick, cold, and without indulgence. There was no time to linger, no mixture of a dozen scented oils or gentle hands to massage my skin; Archbishop William had been waiting right outside. I barely had a moment to myself before Aisha wrapped me in fresh linen, patting away the droplets off my back. The humble white tunic set aside for the benediction was slipped over my shoulders, falling in one big pile of plain fabric to the floor, like a pillowcase in the form of a dress. My hair was left damp and unadorned.

The chamber doors opened and Archbishop William entered. His robes swept the floor as he walked forward, a small, gilded vessel of holy oil resting in his hand. Behind him, a young cleric followed, carrying the open book of psalms.

Aisha and Ines fell back, heads bowed in reverence. I knelt before him without a word.

"Did you sleep well, child?" he asked, an unexpected question—or rather, an unexpected way to address me. Masks were dropped momentarily, formalities forgotten. He was the archbishop, I was the girl he was in charge of.

I lifted my gaze briefly. "Yes, father."

He smiled faintly. "Good," he said, and returned to his stoic self. "In the presence of the Almighty, I offer this benediction for she who shall bear the crown today," he intoned, voice now devoid of familiarity.

He dipped his fingers into the oil, and with the lightest touch, traced the sign of the cross on my forehead, then another over my hands. Then he handed the oil to the young cleric beside him, and took the book of psalms instead. He began reading from it, not really needing to see the book as he seemed to have memorized it all already. At some point, it sounded like music, with a hidden melody that followed along.