Elderflower, The Last Halfbreed

Chapter 10 Rosemary Elderflower Great Queen of Diathalon

I knew I should've been scared but I wasn't. I felt honored and determined. The day had come for me to finally be the Queen everyone deserves. I woke up to find that Arthur was gone and I was alone. I dress hung on a chair. A dark blue dress, as blue as a sapphire. Matilda came in to help me put on the dress without hurting my wound. She had found a dress with no corset but just a simple pull on dress with a cord around my waist. The back was exposed but she put a white cloak over my back.

“Now for your hair. Sit.” She motioned to the chair and combed my hair for a long time. I'd never touched a comb while I was in the forest. Rats ran through my hair and it hurt when she tugged. Soon after my hair was a silky copper. I smiled. I looked beautiful. “Not done yet!” She soon had my hair braided into a braided ponytail down the length of my back. “You look younger. Now take a look.”

Never before had I seen myself in a mirror for so long. My face was more sharp and I still had some bruises from the journey. My brown eyes had not changed. “Now for the final items. You are going to wear your sword and I also thought your necklace would be a nice touch.” I saw the glowing flower around my neck and smiled.

“Thank you Matilda. Is it time?”

“Yes. Everyone is waiting for you. Don't be alarmed, there are a lot of people waiting for you. Once they see you, they'll be overjoyed. Can you walk?”

“Yes. I should be fine.” Matilda trailed the back of my dress until we reached two oaken doors. Two guards stood at the base and smiled at me. They bowed and said.

“My lady.” I curtsied back and looked at Matilda.

“Take the cloak off.”

“What? My lady your wound.”

“I know. Take it off.” With some hesitation she took the cloak off. I felt my back finally exposed to the world. “I'm ready. You can open the doors.”

With a slight creek the doors opened. Instantly I was slaughtered with stares. Faces upon faces stared at me. I felt so small. At the far end of the throne room stood Arthur in full armor. He smiled at me and I instantly grew taller. I no longer became afraid. I raised my chin and strode through aisle. The Elderflower glowed even brighter with each passing step. People behind me saw the bandage around my back. Whispers soon echoed through the throne room. I tried to ignore the faces and focus on Arthur. He looked proud.

I finally reached the chair. A large dark wood chair. The arm rests were shaped into wings. The back of the chair sprouted large crystal wings that flared up. Arthur offered his hand as I walked up the steps. I tenderly grasped his. He mouthed the words, kneel. I obeyed and slowly kneeled. Jonathan appeared before the crowd with the crown in his hands. A silver crown with a single sapphire sparkling. On the sides sprouted silver wings. The Great Crown. I shivered. Jonathan stared down at me and smiled.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate the crowning of our new leader, Rosemary Elderflower. Passed down from generation to generation is the special blood of the Halfbreeds. Their blood is important in uniting the two elven clans. Only then can peace finally come to Authuway. It has come to the final Halfbreed to finish what others could not have done.” He placed the crown on my head gently and quietly. “Stand Rosemary Elderflower, The Great Queen of Albion.” Claps and cheers echoed through the throne room. My ears buzzed and a smile creased my lips. Jonathan gabbed my hand and lifted me up to face my people.

Everyone smiled with a happiness I could not comprehend. They looked to me now. With a heavy heart I smiled on. I could feel Henry next to me. I knew he was proud.