CHAPTER 159: CORONATION DAY

I was dressed in a deep red velvet fabric. It was thick and flowing, with a full skirt that pooled gracefully at the ground. The sleeves were wide and cloak-like, lined with dark fur, giving it both warmth and grandeur. The fabric had an embroidery of gold, decorated on the square neckline and the belt at the waist. The fur also ran the edges of the gown and sleeves.

This was the official queen’s attire, and it shall be my outfit from now on. Having to wear such a masterwork felt like I was painted in those brilliant portraits.

Osha wore me red jewelry to match, a simple ruby stone for a necklace, and dangling earrings. They glittered in the light streaming in from the window.

Osha packed my hair in a low bun and inserted the golden custom hairpin with a lycan’s head. She did me a light makeup, enough to make my face come alive.

When she finished, I was awestruck. I couldn’t believe who looked back at me, and I was almost in tears.

I rose to my full height and tucked my hands in my sleeves.

There was no time to shed tears. I was nervous and overly emotional. However, for some reason, it felt like the day I was waiting for my entire life was finally here.

I was destined to become queen, and the suffering I had in Beloria was just a stepping stone to my greatness.

My entire life was about to change. I was no longer just a wife to a lycan monarch. I vowed to be strong and face anything that would come my way from now on. I may have made dreams come true, but I had it in mind that the tough roads were still ahead, and I’ll cross them, not alone but with Drevon by my side.

Osha sobbed.

"Why are you crying?"

"I-I’m just so happy, these are tears of joy!"

There was a knock at the door. Osha quickly wiped her tears. "It’s time, Your Majesty."

Your Majesty. I’ll have to get used to that now.

I pulled Osha in a hug, her body stiff at my sudden action. "Thank you, Osha, for everything."

She held me tightly and we just stayed there for what seemed to be a minute.

The doors opened, and I was expecting the knights to show, but a woman did. My eyes slowly went wide, and my mouth agape.

"Your Majesty, I’m here to escort you."

"Talia?"

She lifted her head, and I almost broke down in tears. There were faded scars on her face, but she was just as I remembered.

"You shouldn’t cry, you’ll ruin your makeup. I can’t have you looking ugly on your special day."

I staggered to her, hands stretching as I pulled her in for a hug.

"I should have waited until after your coronation. You’re a sobbing mess now."

"I don’t care." I held her tightly.

"What’s this? I never remember us being friends."

I chuckled. "Yes, you’re right. We were never friends, just two humans trying to survive in a castle filled with Lycans."

"But in the end, we did survive, didn’t we?" She took my hands and held them tightly; she trembled too. "Look at you now... a queen. And I, betrothed to a Lycan."

"WHAT?!" Osha and I uttered in shock.

Talia smirked. "Why so surprised?"

"It’s..." I wavered.

"What can I say? I couldn’t resist tall, dark, and handsome."

"Who?!" Osha asked desperately. "Who has taken Talia from us!"

"Oh, don’t be dramatic. It’s Sir Garrick."

My mouth dropped. "Are you joking?"

"Why will I be?" Talia blushed, and certainly it was different from how stoic she always looked.

She was entirely different, and I don’t hate it. It suited her, and for once, I think she was happy.

"I’m happy for you, Talia."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I didn’t want to miss your big day."

"How long have you been...okay?"

"A while, but I couldn’t make contact because of the dangers around you. But now you’re to be Queen, there is nowhere else I’d rather be. Will you still have me as your handmaid? I can’t promise you I won’t get under your skin because that is what I do best."

I smiled. "I can’t promise that I won’t give you trouble beyond relief. It might be worse."

"Oh, I’m looking forward to it. You’re not Eloise Balthar if you didn’t throw your tantrums."

I smiled, using a finger to wipe the lone tear.

"Are you ready?"

"Now that you’re here, I’m more than ready."

"Careful now...I’ll be convinced you’ve got a soft spot for me."

"Not in a million years."

~•~

"Eloise Balthar. Goddess Chosen Mate of the Monarch. Queen Consort of Valkanor and First Luna of the Lycans!" The Herald announced as the golden doors spread open to the throne room.

There was a crowd unlike any other I had ever seen. Eyes instantly pinned on me, a silence covering the place like a graveyard.

I steeled myself and walked the red carpet leading to the throne while the banners were raised by the knights.

I kept my gaze on Drevon. He stared at me as if he was marveling at something he had never seen before, and that gave me the courage I needed to not stagger or wonder about the thousand gazes crushing my entire body.

They were all gone, and just Drevon and I were present, and I knew just then...this was the greatest moment of my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in this world.

I got to the throne, walked up the stairs, and stood beside Drevon. The ring bearer came towards us, holding a red cushion with my ring of reign.

Drevon took the ring and slid it effortlessly onto my finger, before he gave a kiss to it. He led me to a seat on the throne, and the moment we did, the hall turned deafening in recited praise.

"ALL HAIL THE MONARCH AND QUEEN CONSORT!"