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Dark Moon Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 356. Her Coronation I
🕑 Added 2024-12-18 20:17:38 +0000 UTCThird Arc (Fallen Heart) - 356. Her Coronation I
The minutes dragged on, the low murmur of voices in the grand hall barely registering in Prince Artheur’s mind. He sat stiffly, his hands clasped tightly on his lap, as if by sheer will he could keep himself from drowning in his thoughts.
The anticipation in the room had reached a fever pitch, and every now and then, he caught a glance from a fellow noble, some polite, others curious. But it didn’t matter. His focus was on the massive double doors ahead, the ones that would soon open to change everything.
Then, with a booming announcement from the herald, the moment came.
“Presenting His Majesty Angelus Raizel Moonfall and Her Highness Rose Ambrosia Heart.”
The heavy doors creaked open, revealing the pair as they stepped into view. The room fell silent, the collective gaze of the guests shifting toward the entrance. Angel walked with easy confidence, his black and gold attire radiating power and authority. Rose, beside him, moved with measured grace, her gown flowing like liquid gold around her.
But as composed as she appeared, Rose’s heart was pounding so loudly she swore the entire room could hear it. Her palms were damp despite the faint chill of the hall, and she had to focus on keeping her breathing steady. She’d prepared for this moment for weeks—months, really—but nothing could have prepared her for all those eyes on her.
Angel’s hand brushed lightly against hers as they walked. She glanced at him briefly. Of course, he looked completely unbothered. Angel never seemed to waver, no matter how high the stakes were.
When they reached the dais, Rose’s steps faltered for a fraction of a second before she recovered. The grand throne loomed ahead, but today it wasn’t just about Angel. Today was about her—her coronation, her promise to stand by his side, and the kingdom’s acceptance of her as their queen.
The chancellor stepped forward, his deep voice carrying easily across the hall. “Today, we witness a historic moment—the coronation of Rose Ambrosia Heart as Queen of Euphorion, a beacon of unity and strength for the kingdom.”
Rose’s stomach churned, but she kept her head high. The chancellor gestured for her to step forward, and she did, her legs feeling heavier with each step. She could feel the room pressing down on her—the nobles, the representatives, and, somewhere among them, Prince Artheur. She didn’t look, didn’t let her eyes wander, but she felt his presence like a faint but constant pull. She had no room for distractions today.
The chancellor’s words faded into the background as she knelt before the throne, her gown pooling around her like a golden halo. Angel stood a step behind her, his gaze steady, unwavering, as he watched the ceremony unfold. The chancellor held a ceremonial scroll, reading out the ancient words of the vow that Rose was to repeat.
“Do you, Rose Ambrosia Heart, vow to serve and protect the kingdom of Euphorion, to uphold its laws and honor its people, and to stand as a guiding light beside its king?”
Rose swallowed hard, her voice steady despite the tightness in her chest. “I do.”
The chancellor continued, his tone reverent. “Do you vow to support His Majesty Angelus Raizel Moonfall, to share his burdens, his victories, and his challenges, and to strive for the glory of Euphorion?”
Her heart clenched, the words heavy with meaning. She glanced up briefly, her eyes meeting Angel’s. For a fleeting moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them, and the intensity in his gaze steadied her. “I do.”
The chancellor gave a slight nod, stepping aside as one of the attendants approached with a crown. It wasn’t as ornate as Angel’s, but it was beautiful in its simplicity—gold with intricate engravings that caught the light in a way that seemed almost ethereal. The chancellor carefully placed it on her head.
“You are now Queen of Euphorion,” the chancellor declared, his voice ringing through the hall. “May your reign be long and prosperous.”
The room erupted into applause, a sound that felt both distant and overwhelming to Rose. She rose to her feet, her hands instinctively brushing against the sides of her gown. Angel stepped forward, standing beside her, his presence grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions.
“You did it,” he murmured, his voice low enough for only her to hear. “And you looked flawless doing it.”
