Page 2 of Emerald Queen
She was a queen now. Emersyn had known all her life that one day she’d take her mother’s place on the throne, but she never expected it to be so soon. She was only twenty, soon to be twenty-one – and now she’d be the youngest queen in all of the kingdoms.
Cassie arrived to help her dress for her coronation. As queen of the Emerald Kingdom, it was tradition for her to dress in a full gown made of green silks. Emersyn refused to wear the ancient garb, instead selecting a flowing green dress split up the side. Her black hair hung loosely against her shoulders as she stepped into the hallway.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly made her way to the ballroom, where Constable Baker and the Queen’s guards would be waiting.
Emersyn was stunned to see the number of people waiting on her in the ballroom. Every single guard was kneeling as she stepped into the center of the floor.
Constable Baxter met her in the middle, “Queen Virid,” he knelt in front of her, “It is my honor to serve you now and forever as the Emerald Queen.”
Emersyn curtsied, nodding to him as he stood. She stepped forward, dipping her knee again, as she bowed her head in front of the Constable.
“People of Emerald Kingdom… We come together to crown Emersyn Virid as Queen. Emersyn Virid – do you promise to put the people of Emerald Kingdom first. To uphold our laws, enforce your rule with honesty and integrity?”
“Yes. I promise.”
Emersyn forced the tears back. Her heart breaking that her parents weren’t here to witness her coronation.
“People of Emerald Kingdom – it is my honor to announce her majesty, Queen Emersyn Virid.”
Constable Baxter placed the crown on her head. Her pitch-black hair offset the green sparkle of the emeralds set in platinum.
Emersyn straightened, smiling at the people around her. She nodded, giving a final courtesy, and turned to leave. As she headed towards the exit, she stopped as her eyes met the gaze of the most stunning man staring back at her. His crystal blue eyes bore into her soul, causing her to shiver.
“Your majesty?” Baxter questioned her as he placed his hand on her to steady her.
“Baxter, who is that man?” She tipped her chin towards the mysterious guest casually leaning against the wall .
“Drake Mercer. He is the new Commander over the guard – my second.”
“New Commander?” She furrowed her brow, cutting her eyes away from Drake’s, “Have him meet me in the library, there is much to discuss.”
“Ma’am, wouldn’t you rather wait until tomorrow? You should rest.”
“No. Baxter, I shouldn’t. The sooner we get to work, the faster my parents murderer will be found and brought to justice.”
“Fine. I’ll see that he meets you there.”
Baxter excused himself as Emersyn headed out of the ballroom.
Emersyn pushed open the door to the library, sucking in a breath as she recalled the last time she was in the room. She’d sat with her father as he read from one of his favorite books. Emersyn could sit for hours just listening to the timbre sound of his voice as he recited the words. A tear trailed its way down her cheek, dripping onto the green silk.
Walking to the window, she pushed open the heavy drapes and peered out into the yard. Emerald kingdom was known for its lush plant life. Part of that was due to her mother, she had a way with plants.
Placing a hand to the window, she rested her head against the cool glass and closed her eyes. Her heart ached – a pain she wasn’t sure she’d ever overcome.
“I must say… King and Queen Virid told me their daughter was beautiful,” the deep voice resonated through the vast space, “but they didn’t say she was a vision to behold.”
Emersyn spun on her heel, coming face to face with the man who’d spoke.
“Drake Mercer,” Emersyn walked toward him, stopping inches in front of him. Her body flushed with awareness of his closeness, “I can’t say my parent’s spoke of you at all.”
Drake moved, eliminated the remaining distance between them, “That’s a shame. They intended for us to meet under much different circumstances.”
Chapter 2
Drake couldn’t help but look the new queen over. She was even more beautiful than King Virid had prepared him for. His body reacted in ways it shouldn’t… she was his queen, not someone he should be lusting after. Plus, there was a decade between them in age.
Emersyn stepped around him, “It doesn’t matter now. What I want to know is how do you plan to find my parents killer?”
