“I am.” I nodded, my voice turning soft. “I never wished for the throne, and I would never make a good ruler.” I straightened my back, filling my lungs before continuing, “As the last of Royal blood, I am to decide to whom the crown, I inherited by blood, is given.” A bright smile stretched my lips as I met Tamira’s growing eyes. “I trust you will bring many wonderful things to this Kingdom, Your Majesty.”
“That is not right—” Tamira whispered, her eyes growing bigger.
“The coronation usually takes place during the full Moon,” I added. “Though, as the new ruler, you are to decide on the occasion, Your Majesty.”
“You cannot be serious.” Tamira shook her head, getting up from her chair.
“I am.” I stood up before her. “You will make a great ruler, Tamira.” My hand fell onto her shoulder. “Do you accept the crown?”
“I—” She glanced in every direction as though the answer was written on the walls. “I do,” her stern voice bounced off the walls when she nodded. “I do.”
“I wish you all the strength in the Moon’s realm, Your Majesty.” I bowed before her as low as my injured thigh allowed.
“May I ask for a favor?” Tamira’s brows furrowed at my gesture as she quickly collected herself.
“Anything.” I nodded, ready for the first order from my new Queen.
“Would you be the one to coronate me?” Her voice was barely a whisper when she asked.
“It would be an honor.” A prideful smile tugged on my lips.
Tamira returned the gesture as her face lit up with a beam of her own. “I want for the coronation to take place at the next full moon, as customs require.”
“It is my utter privilege to attend, Your Majesty.” I bowed before her before taking my leave.
Chapter 47. The Queen.
One Moon Later.
The Royal palace buzzed with joy and laughter. The halls filled with chatter and excitement.
I walked through familiar corridors to the chambers I’d once called mine: a bright yellow dress in my hands.
“Is that for me?” Charlotte beamed as I walked into the Royal room that all of us had stayed in for the day before the coronation. “It’s glorious!” She jumped up and down when I showed her the dress that once belonged to Eleanor.
“Do you like it?” I offered her Eleanor’s favorite gown.
“Yes!” Charlotte palmed her mouth, unable to contain her excitement. “Yes, I do!” Her eyes sparkled with joy.
“Well, put it on then!” I ushered her into the smaller room, connected to the living space in the chambers.
“You are going to spoil her.” Roxanne shook her head, trying on one of the gowns from my old closet; though she allowed a delighted smile, glancing at the door Charlotte had disappeared behind.
My friends and I had traveled all day long to the palace, to witness the biggest coronation in history of our Kingdom, along with many residents of Faris. Tamira granted the vampires any chambers of our choosings for the day, insisting the vampire population must be part of the event.
