Angie frowned, "I don't understand. What does any of this has to do with Harper?" I stood, tears were already streaming my face, "I'm the child in that story. The golden-eyed girl. I was the child who accidently killed her own parents" Granny said...
Today is the day of the festival, the day I bring back warmth to Celestivia. It's been a day since I've seen Gabriella but the king sent out some men to look for her. The security was doubled and now i have a security guard at my side all the time. Nickolas and I aren't...normal, yeah we talk and stuff but it's usually about the festival and my training; needless to say, we haven't been hanging out lately. Angie seems to actually be talking to Nick's guard buddy now, I woke up last night hearing some muffled talking outside my door. Right now though, I'm in the castle's dressing room with a bunch of maids doing my make up and helping me with my dress.
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(dress above)
Tanya curled my hair and gave me pearly earrings to wear. Angie came in and did my make up which was basically just eyeliner, mascara, slight blush and some lip gloss. I looked casual enough and formal enough, soon it was time to leave to go to the center of the main kingdom. To say i was nervous was an understatement, I was practically shaking. What if i messed up? What if the kingdom's people doesn't like me? What is Gabriella really comes back with an army and attacks? What if- "Harper?" I was taken out of my thoughts when the king had called my name. I looked up at him shyly, "oh sorry. What were you saying?" He gave me a smile, "you don't have to be nervous, you have everything under control." I nodded and looked out the carriage window. I could see the town's people making their way to it's center, looking very excited. Angie held my hand, "you'll be fine Harps...don't worry." I sigh and just closed my eyes, "i know, just the jitters." Soren smiled at me, "Harper do not worry. As a matter of fact, i have a good luck gift for you." I slowly opened my eyes and looked at him expectantly. He took out a small white cloth from his jacket and gave it to me, "this was your mother's. Your can have it now." When i un folded it, i gasped.
It was a beautiful white silk shawl, perfect to wrap around my shoulders. I smiled, my mood lighting up instantly, "OMG thank you so much." I squealed as I reached over and hugged him. He chuckled and returned my gesture, but suddenly the carriage came to an abrupt stop. Nickolas looked outside and stood, "we're here." I wrapped the shawl around my shoulders and a footman opened the door and we exited the carriage and were met by claps and cheers. When we were fully out, Nick offered me his elbow, which i looped my hand through and we walked down a path toward a little alter. There were some seats on the side which Angie, Nicolas and I took a seat. My guard and Nick's personal guard stood near by, scanning the area for any possible threats. The king was busy giving his speech, Angie was rubbing her palms together and Nick was staring at his father. I could tell he adored and looked up to his dad, i could see it in his eyes. Then i heard my name call from the alter, I looked up and saw the king giving me a warm smile despite the weather. I nodded towards him and stood, slowly walking over to the alter. I cleared my throat and began my much practiced speech. When I had finished it, the king came up to me, "Now Harper, do you pledge your loyalty and service to this country? As warrior and queen?" I heard a soft scoff in the crowd and looked around, I didn't see anyone who looked suspicious but saw no one. I shrugged it off and I nodded, "Да" He nodded and took my hand and took out a small knife with a black hilt and golden vines wrapping around it. He looked at me hesitantly but then he made a little cut on my hand, blood oozing out. I winced but i knew this was a Celestivian tradition. He dipped his fingers in the blood and smeared it on the alter 'Харпер' It was my name.
The law states...law or tradition or legend, whatever you want to call it, that when a king or queen in being coronated or in a ritual for the kingdom, they were to shed blood on the kingdom's alter to show how they owned and loved their kingdom; something like that. The king then muttered some ritual stuff in Russian, I returned to my chair. Nick nodded towards me, "you did fine." I smiled my thanks to him and the king then decleared, "Okay Celestivians. Now we feast until sunset, then we will feel our warmth once again." The people erupted in cheers and hoots while the royal musician began to play some classical music. That was fun while it lasted, citizens danced and feasted and laughed. "d-do you want to d-dance?" a voice stuttered next to me. I turned to see a very flustered Nickolas offering me his hand. I giggled, "Sure." He took my hand and lead me to the dancefloor.
We danced, enjoying being in each other's arms and each other's company. Little did I know, that would be the last time we would see each other for a very long time.
