Page 56 of Glass and Bone
“Your Grace, we are here to escort you to the coronation.”
“Have you seen my guard, Ser Danieas?” I ask, trying to peer around them as I walk down the steps from the balcony.
“No, Your Grace. We have not seen him.” I nod and they step forward to take their places at my side. They not so subtly guide me through the door and down the hallway. Guards line either side as we make our way to the throne room. I have never seen this many guards in one place, so it calls to question what they are protecting,
“Is it normal for this many bodies to guide a princess to her coronation?” I ask as we walk.
“Yes, Your Grace.” Laris, who's on my left, pauses before he continues to speak. “It is for your protection, should anyone wish to not see this ceremony take place.” I force myself to swallow over the lump in my throat as we turn a corner. Who would be against this? I straighten myself, holding my head high, and keep my eyes forward as I glide down the long hallway.
I keep looking around for Erik, but he is nowhere to be seen. He said he would be ready to claim his post today, but maybe his injuries haven’t healed as well as expected. I find myself worried about him, but maybe it's fueled with selfishness. While I have Tobias, I wanted another familiar face. After a few minutes of silence, we reach the entrance of the throne room, where Tobias stands.
He is wearing a white silk blouse with silver symbols intricately embroidered throughout. His matching white trousers are tucked into sparkling clean boots. His sword, that I’ve never seen him wear, is hanging off his hip and is partially hidden by an all-white cloak that matches mine. His golden hair is waved perfectly, falling in short tendrils to his eyebrows. His golden scruff lines his jaw, the makings of a small beard. I have to admit that I like it. His ocean eyes are watching me, his rosy lips pursed in amusement. I look away from him and bow my head slightly as an acknowledgement to the army of guards surrounding us.
“Elaenor.” Tobias’s voice is soft, gentle as he leans over and kisses my forehead, his hand gently cupping my face.
“Tobias.” I respond, keeping my voice monotone. His eyes narrow slightly in confusion before he nods his head at the guards. I hear their footsteps dissipate, but not fully disappear. I am aware of their presence and their ability to still hear our conversation. His arms wrap around me, pulling me against his chest as he looks at me. I keep my face down.
“What is wrong?” He murmurs as he stares. I shake my head.
“I am just feeling overwhelmed.” I admit. He’s smiling when I finally look up at him. “What?” I ask.
“Everything will be okay. Today is the last day of events and then we’ll have days to figure out a routine and our relationship before the carnival starts.” His voice is positive, hopeful. Happy. I hope he’s happy.
“Are you happy?” I slightly raise my eyebrows, waiting for his response. His smile falls a little as he looks away from me.
“Right at this moment?” I nod. “Yes, with you in my arms, I am very happy. But,” He pauses. “I am also worried. Worried about taking my place on the throne. Worried about not doing a good job in leading and protecting our people. Worried that our duties will get in the way of us.” He sighs. “I am going to be under a great deal of stress these next few days, as we assimilate into our new positions.”
“I understand, Tobias. You will have a lot to navigate. I am here to ease as much of the burden as you allow.” My hand finds his face and he leans into it.
“All I’m asking is that you be patient with me. I don’t know what I am doing, nor what is truly expected of me.” He sounds sad, lost, like the little boy I once knew.
“Okay.” Is all I manage to say before his lips find mine. The kiss is soft, gentle, reassuring. With each passing moment in Tobias’s arms I find that it would be easy to love him, but even easier to be broken by him.
“Are you ready?” I nod.
He turns to face the closed doors and I take my place beside him. No more words are shared between us as the doors open and we glide through the aisle.
Men and women of all status are standing in perfect lines as they watch us make our way to the front. Father Reynolds is standing in the front with an all-black cloak, his hands clasped in front of him. Men stand on either side holding beautiful silver crowns on plush crimson pillows. Music flows around the room as somewhere a harp is played. My eyes focus on Father Reynolds as I try to remain strong.
We reach the steps and we both drop to our knees, the cold marble making its way through the layers of my gown. His voice is loud and commanding as he recites the ancient script of crowning, but my ears refuse to listen. I hear my heart beating, roaring throughout my head. I try to steady my breath, but the adrenaline runs through me like electricity. Tobias stands next to me and bows his head. His crown is placed on his golden copper hair before he turns to face the crowd. Applause roars around us as he turns back around and makes his way to the king’s throne. He stands in front of it, facing us.
I feel as if I might vomit.
Father Reynolds turns to me and gives me a soft smile. I slightly lift my head as he speaks.
“Elaenor, Princess of Noterra and Chatis, has been blessed by the Gods and Goddesses to reign as queen over this kingdom.” He starts. Words of affirmation from the gods and goddesses echo around me as fate and prosperity are spoken about. “Her body will be the vessel for which our future kings will be grown. She has been given to us to create protection and spread light for generations to come. The face of acceptance and purity, a mother to us all.” He looks down at me. “Do you, Elaenor, promise to uphold the legacy left behind by our late Queen Amaya?”
“I do.” I respond, my voice clear and crisp as I look up at Father Reynolds.
“Do you promise to govern all subjects that reside under the territories of the Crown by the words of our ancestors and the laws they have laid forth?”
“I do.”
“Gifted by the Gods, may I present for the first time, Queen Elaenor Rosenthal of Noterra.” He gestures for me to stand as he places the thorny crown gently onto my head. Lifting my dress, I walk up the steps to the queen’s throne and turn to face the room. Clapping and voices fill my ears as the pounding continues. My eyes are cloudy, unable to focus. Hungrily searching the crowd of unknown faces until I see it.
Until I seehim.
His dark hair is flowing in messy waves around his face. Green eyes that seem to glow amongst the crowd. He’s leaning against the farthest back wall with his arms crossed, watching me as I’m watching him. All of the cheering around is drowned out and all I can hear is the subtle buzz of electricity as it flows through my veins. He doesn’t smile, but instead, he opens his mouth to speak, but Tobias’s voice is what I hear.
