Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 38

The violins hum distantly in the background, playing a sweet, continuous tune as the great hall floods with people that I don't even know. I sit in the upper story of the great hall, looking down below as time almost seems to stand still. Women in large gowns fill the space, pouring over into the expansive hallways and courtyards. 

Truthfully, the violins are a request of mine for at my coronation I felt as though I was about to be fed to wolves considering the noise of the crowd outside. 

I'm alone, completely alone, on what should be one of the highlights of one's life. With my husband free to do as he pleases, obviously, that is galavanting around Paris while I'm here. My friends are either in various places or dead, it's one of the few times I've actually pined for the company of Haryek. 

While he couldn't be trusted, he was lovely to have at a party and could at least break the ice. Instead, I'm up here, hiding in a corner booth while I watch everyone enjoy the festivities. 

"Your Majesty." A servant bows before me, offering me a drink which I graciously accept. "Lady Ana." The name makes me perk and I turn on my heel to see my friend who I've missed so dearly. She curtsies, her flowing dress various shades of green that accent her thick dark hair. 

I practically drop my glass but opt to down it instead as I go to her and kiss her cheek, unable to hug her with impractical hips on the dress. I'm mindful to not step on the frills around her feet. 

"Ana! I think you were the last person I expected to be here."

"I wouldn't miss it!" She smiles so sweetly, I notice she has Helen with her much to my dismay. The white-haired girl is wearing a much slimmer pale blue dress that accentuates her startling eyes, bringing a dark thought as to who offered her a gown and why she was even invited. I had hardly seen hide or hair of Helen, considering I pretty much gave her to Fillipa. 

Keeping her away from Verando and preventing that connection was not my most shining moment but trust had not necessarily blossomed between me and this young wench. I almost want to send her away but decide against it, I'm just so happy to not have to go through this alone that even a pale, meager girl would do. 

I take Ana's hands in mine, squeezing them firmly, reminding myself that I have a true friend who's here and I should look happier. She beams back at me, exuding all the radiance of a woman happy with her lot in life. "I brought you a present, Helen, would you mind?" She gestures to Helen who quickly departs, much like a mouse, I muse. "Nicolas, you look so handsome."

Do I? I take in my outfit, I hadn't really even looked at it. It's more typical of our own people than the frills and suede of a French officer. A play on my solomonari robes, white with studded rubies and emeralds to make up the embroidery on the hems of my jacket, opening to a cream-colored waistcoat and white pants with black tall boots.

 A reminder of my days when I was in white robes and a simple monk, "I feel like I was dropped in a coin purse, this is a bit much. I don't think the school would approve of the gems." 

"It's perfect. It's exactly how I pictured you'd look, France has been good to you. You look healthy." She practically giggles and I wonder what's gotten her so excited. Perhaps everyone is this happy at weddings? Ignoring her comment on my health, I try and take it as a compliment rather than a reminder that I'd gained some weight. 

As Helen returns, Ana quickly takes the cloth from her hands and holds it out to me. "Here! Happy Wedding!" Suspicious, I yank the cloth to reveal my Steele crown and I must admit, I'm a bit disappointed considering all the hype.

"Oh, my crown." I must have dropped it in our attempt to escape. Taking it, I settle it on top of my head and adjust my bangs. Seems only fitting that I should wear my crown, not much longer before we do this all over again once when Fillipa earns her title as Queen of Romania.