Then they all left.
The only ones left in the room were the two footmen as she tried to put the rapier into the scabbard on the belt.
With a grunt of frustration, she carefully set the scepter down and used both hands to maneuver the rapier into place. Once she'd picked the scepter back up, she took a deep breath and sent a prayer winging heavenward.
Even at the time she didn't know what the prayer was, what words it might have consisted of. Instead, she was fairly sure she just flung a million different emotions to the heavens and trusted they would be understood on the other end.
The two footmen somehow managed to give her the impression of a sympathetic smile, while at the same time not breaking their stance or solemn look.
When the doors were opened, she walked straight out them and down the sweeping main staircase to the main doors of the palace. These didn't lead to the portico, but would be visible through the gates to the crowds beyond.
She'd already been on camera from the time she left the throne room, but now she'd be visible to actual people.
Outside, more footmen waited to help her into the opentop carriage.
At least she knew heaters had been camouflaged into the ancient carriage. She wouldn't freeze, so that was something to be thankful for.
This time Catherine wouldn't be smiling and waving. She was to continue pondering the gravity of the responsibility she was taking on.
The streets were incredibly quiet for the number of people that lined them. She could clearly hear the clip clop of hooves and the other sounds the horses and the ancient carriage made.
When she reached the cathedral, yet another footman helped her from the carriage.
An unseen orchestra played a slow, almost melancholy, piece of music. She walked up the stairs and inside at a slow measured pace, keeping time with the music.
The atmosphere in the cathedral continued to be solemn though a few people sent small smiles her way. She saw her family long before she could read their expressions. Jacob didn't even try to control his. Neither did her parents. Her siblings seemed to understand they were supposed to remain serious, but she suspected they would have preferred to give some other expression. As she passed them all, they bowed or curtsied.
The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur for Catherine. She presumed she made the appropriate responses at the right times.
Jacob and her father both individually swore their allegiance followed by the rest of her immediate family, including Mumeleine and the younger half-siblings. The rest of those gathered did so as a group - except the foreign guests.
The ceremonial robe had been removed and replaced with another one. This was was heavier, amethyst, and trimmed with fur. At the end of the ceremony, Jacob was given a similar one, though not as long or ornate as the one she wore.
The Monarch's Crown sat on her head. She had to be careful not to move her head too much or it would fall off. Members ofthe honor guard preceded her down the aisle as she exited. Members of the different branches of the military helped with the train of her robe.
Jacob, his own robe carried by members of the military as well, came behind her.
After they exited, the same footman helped her into another carriage with Jacob moving in behind her and taking the seat next to her.
Sitting in one of these robes was one of the least comfortable things she'd ever done. There was too much volume for them to be arranged in a way that made sense, especially with Jacob nearby with a robe of his own. At least she no longer wore the rapier or carried the scepter.
Despite her discomfort, the mood was decidedly different for this portion of the day. Cheers now sounded from all sides as the carriage made its way back through the streets toward the palace.
Now, she and Jacob smiled and waved. She blew kisses as she had the week before. Hidden from sight of the public, he held her hand under the voluminous robes. It gave her a sense of comfort and support she wouldn't have expected. The ride seemed to go faster on the way back than it had earlier in the day. Because she wasn't alone? Or because of the difference in mood? Or did the horses actually go faster than they had before?
Whatever the rationale, she looked forward to the end of the day. If the route went faster, the day would end sooner, wouldn't it?
Intellectually, she knew that wasn't true. The festivities would finish at the same time regardless of how fast this portion of the day went.
The cheers continued to grow in volume as they turned down the last stretch before reaching thegates. She and her family would appear on the same balcony over the gate as they had for the wedding celebration.
Then there would be a bit of down time for her to change and do some things she didn't quite remember.
After that, the evening celebrations would begin.
Maybe, just maybe, Catherine would get to bed before midnight.
She didn't hold her breath.
