“I will not see her for a whole year,” I argued with Roxanne. “I get to spoil her before you depart.”
“A year for a vampire is not a long time.” Florence sat on the settee by the fireplace, her dark purple gown splattered on the cushion in beautiful waves. “You won’t even have time to miss us.” A mischievous smile spread across her lips when her eyes met mine. “Besides, you and Francis will be far too occupied with each other to remember anyone else.”
I rolled my eyes, letting out a small chuckle. “Just promise you will write to us at least once a month.”
After the coronation, Florence and Roxanne decided they’d travel across the neighboring Kingdoms like they had always dreamed of, taking Charlotte with them as promised.
Charlotte was thrilled to finally leave the orphanage, thrilled to see the realm that had robbed her of so much.
I’d never seen her more happy than in the last Moon when she’d stayed at the Bloodlake castle with us, only visiting Faris once a week to see her friends from the orphanage: that each had a home of their own. The orphanage now stood empty.
“You should try this one, Sunshine.” Roxanne brought out the dress I was to wear for the next Crimson War celebration. I’d always found it incredibly foolish to plan the attire years ahead, yet at that moment I couldn’t be happier, for Florence jumped off the settee as the sunshine smile glowed on her face.
“It is absolutely gorgeous!” She gasped. “What if I ruin it?” She looked at me for permission, as though I had any say in it.
“The gown will be fine,” I laughed at her worried expression. “You should keep it for the balls at Faris!” I nodded.
The door to the living space of our chambers opened, revealing Francis and Ash at its threshold. Francis wore the same black and gold vest I’d judged him for wearing at the Crimson War celebration last year.
Ash—in similar attire—wore a golden vest, their long hair left loose. “Cordelia, you are a fool for exchanging this palace forthe Bloodlake castle,” they laughed. “I wish Simon was here to witness it.”
“He will forever be here with all of us.” Francis patted Ash’s shoulder. “We must be on our way, the coronation is soon to begin.” Francis’ eyes traveled to me. “You look delightful, Princess,” he murmured.
Roxanne rolled her eyes, fixing the sleeves of her gown. “They cannot start the coronation without her.” She pointed at me. “We can take as much time as we want.”
“One day at the palace, and you are already acting like a spoiled royal, Rox,” Francis laughed, holding the door for us.
“As a matter of fact, I was never late to any events,” I threw over my shoulder, holding Charlotte’s hand as we walked through the corridors towards the Royal ballroom.
“I look like a princess!” Charlotte skipped, overjoyed with the event.
“That you do!” The brightest of smiles filled my face when we passed the walls that were decorated with dozens of wildflowers.
The golden crown, decorated with many differently colored stones, clanged at my touch when I raised it from the crimson cushion.
Dozens of eyes planted on me, smiles painted every face in the ballroom.
“By the honor of the Moon’s realm.” I stood before a kneeling Tamira in the center of the hall; Gabriel—her second in command—stood by her side. “By the honor of the Queen of our Kingdom, it is my privilege to grace our Ruler with this crown.”
Dozens of braids decorated her hair, each strand carried a golden trinket, sparkling under the Moonlight, peeking through the windows and the candlelight that filled the ballroom.
Her light grey dress carried many crimson beads, emerging into beautiful flowers and spirals.
“Rule with grace, Rule with kindness.” I set the crown on Tamira’s head. “Rule with praise, Rule with brightness.” I took a step backwards as Tamira rose. “Rule with honor, Rule with fairness to all.” I met her smile with my own. “By the honor of the Moon’s realm, I shall pronounce you the Queen of the Crimson Kingdom, Your Majesty.” I bowed before the Queen.
Every person in attendance: vampire and human, followed my lead before the ballroom erupted in celebration.
Three nights had passed since the coronation, three nights filled with festivity and mirth. Her Majesty had urged us to stay for longer, yet it was time for Roxanne, Florence, and Charlotte to depart for their journey. It was time for me and Francis to finally go home.
“You are always welcome here, Cordelia,” the Queen had told me at last before we took our leave. “Always.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I’d bowed to her one last time before walking out of the palace’s gates, towards the garden. The Royal garden that had changed my life forever.
The Moon smiled down at me when I reached my found family. The five of them stood by the cherry tree that had often served as my refuge, excitement written on each of their faces.
“I will write to you!” Charlotte wrapped her hand around me, skipping towards the small horse–drawn carriage filled with three wooden caskets.
Florence and Roxanne laughed, averting their gaze from the child. “Behave, both of you!” Roxanne pointed her finger from me to Francis before enveloping us into a quick embrace.
