Page 26 of The Heart of the King

If she did, maybe it would just be something like to “preserve and defend the Constitution” or whatever founding documents Auverignon had.

Mrs. Sneedly came into the dressing room carrying what looked like a hat box. “I won’t touch your hair.” She somehow managed to have her nose turned up and a snide tone in her voice. “But this is not to be handled without my presence.”

Sarah inserted another bobby pin into Jazz’s hair. “I think we’re ready for it, ma’am.”

Mrs. Sneedly set the box down on the dressing table and removed the lid. She reached inside and removed a delicate tiara.

Jazz wanted to reach out and touch it but didn’t want to get in trouble. “It’s beautiful.”

“It’s the Royal Queen Tiara, worn at coronations and certain other official events.” She seemed reluctant to hand it over to Sarah, but after a moment’s hesitation did so.

Sarah fit the tiara onto Jazz’s head. As Jazz watched in the mirror, she noticed the base was wrapped in some sort of fabric that matched her hair color. Was that how they hid some of the trappings?

To Jazz’s surprise, Sarah pulled out a needle and thread. The thread color matched the brown of her hair. “What are you doing?” Jazz hoped she expressed genuine curiosity and not skepticism.

“Trade secret.” Sarah smiled at her in the mirror. “The base of the tiara is wrapped in velvet to match your hair color. That’s what actually sits on your head. Then I’ll stitch it into place on the braid I just put in. We’ll arrange your hair around it once it’s in place.”

“Fascinating. I had no idea.”

There was more tugging and pulling, but it didn’t hurt. Finishing her hair took nearly an hour. Another assistant, one she didn’t recognize, came in and started working on her makeup as they finished. Putting the dress itself on wouldn’t take long.

Twenty minutes before they needed to leave, Jazz stood in front of the mirror and sucked in a breath. The green of the dress matched her hair, though the ends of her hair were blue and the green was more in the middle. She’d changed the stud in her nose to a matching green before everyone else showed up. It wasn’t a real emerald, of course, but she doubted anyone would notice or question the authenticity of the jewel. White, elbow-length gloves finished the look.

She was glad no one, especially Mrs. Sneedly, could see the Converse high tops she wore instead of heels.

Stewart arrived to escort her to the departure location. The dress brushed the floor but didn’t require her to hold it up as she walked. Thankfully.

“The king will help you into the carriage.” Stewart had been talking nonstop, but very little had sunk into her brain.

“Carriage?” she interrupted.

“Yes. It’s how you’ll travel to the cathedral and back.” He started to go on, but Jazz stopped him.

“How long before we leave?”

“Less than five minutes. Why?” A stressed look crossed his face.

“Just wondering.” She gave him her best smile. She’d just have to make sure her shoes didn’t show.

As they walked into a waiting area near the main doors to the palace, David walked in fixing one of his shirt sleeves where it extended slightly beyond the sleeves of his tuxedo jacket. He looked up at her and his eyes went wide. “Jasmine.”

Doing her best to execute a curtsy, Jazz surprised herself by staying upright. “David, you look quite handsome. Very monarchial.”

He smirked. “Is that a word?”

She shrugged. “I have no idea, but it fits.”

David reached for her hand. “You look lovely. This dress was the best choice.”

Jazz laughed. “You didn’t even see the others.”

“I saw that awful magenta one, plus I trust your judgment.” He moved toward her. “I kind of wish we didn’t have do this and could go somewhere alone together.”

She smiled at him, a soft, gentle smile - at least she hoped so. “You were born for this day. To help your people recover their faith in your family, to bring your country into the new century, and to help ensure everyone is treated equally regardless of gender. You are King David the First whether this ceremony happens or not. This simply acknowledges that truth publicly.”

He blew out a breath and nodded. “Let’s do this.”

Long after night fell,David stood in the office that was now formally his. With his hands stuck deep in his pockets, he stared out the window and looked over the capitol city.

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