Ascardia

((13)) War

The coronation was beautiful, the throne room was decorated with red and black roses, the tapestries were black silk with the aforementioned flower embroidered onto them. The pews that had been used during her father's Mortuse Ceremony had been repainted from their original emerald green, to a bright, fiery red. They were filled with well-wishers, noble people, and her many allies old and new. She was pleased to see the townspeople of the village she and Nox had saved, reunited with their wives and mothers.

Onyx walked arm in arm with Nox down the aisle. Elder Onelius standing proudly in his golden robes on the dais that held the newly carved thrones. Next to him, two Royal Guards held pillows with the crowns.

Once Nyx and Nox were in front of the ancient elf, they knelt simultaneously on cushions that were placed on the steps leading to the thrones.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to usher in a new age,a new era. Today we crown a new Queen and her King."

There was only silence after Onelius finished his opening speech.

"With this crown,of onyx, and amethyst, I crown thee Queen of Nightingale. Do you Princess Onyx Rose Hawthorne-Ashbury First of your name, pledge to be loyal, true, and just, and do you vow to protect not only your lands and people, but that of your allies?"

"I do."

The crown felt heavy on top of her head. So much more so than her tiara, that was now resting on the pillow previously occupied by the crown on her head.

Onelius recited a similar vow to Enoch before placing his crown, made from onyx and emeralds onto his head. If she had thought her husband was handsome before, it was nothing compared to how he looked now with the symbol of power on his head.

"You may now rise, and turn to your people."

Enoch stood first, and helped Onyx to her feet.

"May I present, your new Queen and her King. Queen Onyx Rose Hawthorne Ashbury, first of her name of Nightingale and her king, King Enoch Izadore Ashbury of Nightingale, the first of his name."

"Long live the Queen! Long live the King!"

The sentiment could be heard all throughout the room. Making Onyx place a hand over her stomach subconsciously.

The days after the Coronation were peaceful; Onyx had promised Nox that she would take a break from training and commanding her father's army for at least a week. She was Queen after all, and wartime or not; she could do as she very well pleased. Who was skilled or brave enough to stop her?

It was a balmy spring morning, the sun is shining brightly, the cobblestones sparkling with the inlaid jewels. Onyx strolled through town on the arm of her husband; it was the third day of her time off from her warrior duties and she had to admit it was blissful being a normal royal woman for once. She ignored the soft 'clink' of her weaponry although far less than what she normally wore as her knives swung into each other as she walked.

"Enoch, what shall we call our child?" Nox was quiet for a moment as he continued walking along, watching the children play in the sunlit streets.

"If our child were to be a boy; Alesandro; in my travels I learned the name means mankind's protector. Alesandro Aragorn Ashbury. If our child were to be a girl; Leona Astrid, the girl of lions. Our daughter will no doubt be as brave and strong as you."

Onyx felt her cheeks flush at the compliment; it was nice to just be Onyx and Enoch and not the Shadow Rose. They could just be another husband and wife out on an afternoon stroll through the village, enjoying one another's company.