Queen of My Immortal Heart

Chapter 4: Nicole

Nicole heard her father announce her name, took another deep breath and entered the room. She slowly walked to center of the dais and turned to face the crowd, her long cape flew out slightly, then settled back down behind her. As everyone clapped and cheered, she surveyed the gathering. Everyone was in attendance. Witches, demons, fairies, werewolves, and the entire household. Tawny was standing in the front row, left side, her eyes filled with happy tears. Then, in the front on the other side of the aisle, stood Mr. Ulrik Sangre, head of the Romanian Werewolves, and...Luke! His eyes met hers and for a moment, everything in the room disappeared. There was only him and her. Her heart soared! He was alive. He was here to see her. He was HOT! “Nicoleta,” Valtar whispered next to her. Nicole snapped out of her thoughts and turned to look at her father. “It’s time, my dear,” he said. He took her hand and led her to her chair in the center of the dais. His and her mother’s had been moved to the right. She turned around to face forward and her father kissed her cheek, then stepped back to stand next to her mother. Together, they walked to their chairs and sat. Father Loragen stepped forward with his bible in one hand and a large golden cross, which didn’t really hurt vampires as mortals thought, in the other. His young choir boy stepped up next to him with a red velvet pillow. Atop the pillow rested a small beautiful golden crown encrusted with emeralds and sapphires. Next to it laid a small, thick gold ring with her family’s seal on top. Father Loragen began to speak. “Ladies and gentlemen of the court. Your royal majesties. Please be seated as I, Father Herbert Loragen, now recite the ceremonial scripture.” He opened his bible and began to read loudly and his voice sounded very monotone to Nicole’s ears. Nicole’s attention turned back to Luke. He was watching her. He had changed so much in two hundred years. He had been very handsome back then, but now….wow! His black hair, which had been short and stringy back then, was now thick, healthy, and dusted just below his shoulder blades. It was combed and tied back, but oh how she wished she could see it flowing loose in the wind and run her fingers through it. He was taller too. He stood a mere half inch below his father now, making him six foot six like her father. To her five foot seven inches, that means he’d stand almost a whole foot taller then her. Interesting. Just like her parents. He was dressed in a nice silk red shirt, black pants, a black suit jacket, and black leather boots. However, it did nothing to hide his muscular body. His shoulders were strong and broad, his waist trim. She could just picture the great six pack he must have under that shirt. His legs were like two thick tree trunks, strong and built. Everything about him was gorgeous. His bright golden eyes were intently focused on her. Was that a good thing or bad thing? Then, Nicole’s heart sank a little. He was very handsome and he had been away from her so long. Surely, by now, he was either married or had tons of women after him. Even now, that fairy slut, Chelsea, was sitting two rows behind him and fanning herself as she watched him hungrily. He wouldn’t be interested in her, would he? Then she looked straight into his eyes one more time and he met her gaze. Had she seen a flicker in their gold depths or was her mind just making her see something that wasn’t there? “Nicoleta, repeat after me.” Father Loragen said, yanking her attention back to him and the ceremony. “I, Nicoleta Ara Maria Morganthe, do solemnly swear,” he said slowly. Nicole repeated his words. “to uphold the laws of my country. To rule with fairness, yet firmness. To care for my kingdom and all who live within it. To use my power wisely and carefully, not selfishly. To stand firm and brave to protect my people when times of battle come. And to always be a true and honest Queen.” When Nicole finished repeating him, he took the ring from the pillow. “Nicoleta, I bestow this ring on your middle finger of your right hand to symbolize you as head of this kingdom and decision maker for all royal business.” He said and pushed the ring on her finger, then made the sign of the cross above it. “Nicoleta, I now bestow upon you, your crown. To everyone, this crown symbolizes your authority and place as our true Queen. Please rise.” Father Loragen placed the crown on her head, which fit around her head perfectly. She felt the cold metal against her forehead and felt tears sting her eyes. This crown had been her grandmother’s crown. Father Loragen held out his hand and helped her stand, then walked her forward four steps to the edge of the top stair of the dais. “Your majesties, ladies and gentlemen. I now present to you, Queen Nicoleta Ara Maria Morganthe.” He said to the congregation then made the sign of the cross above her. “Long live Queen Nicoleta!” He said loudly. “Long live Queen Nicoleta!” everyone yelled standing up and cheering for her. Nicole’s heart swelled with pride as everyone clapped and cheered. She was Queen. It all felt so surreal. Like a dream that was really happening. She began to step down off the dais, holding up her skirt as she walked down the three long stairs. As she passed, Ulrik took her hand and kissed her palm. Her eyes met Luke’s once more and she saw that flicker again. He just smiled at her. She blushed and continued walking, her father and mother behind her. When she exited the Throne Room, she stopped. “What’s wrong Nicoleta?” Ara asked from close behind her. “I’m fine, mother. I just need a moment to gather myself. I’ll join you in the dinning hall in a few moments.” “Let her go, my dear.” Valtar said. “This was a big moment for her. A few moments is not so much to ask.” Nicole kissed her father’s cheek and walked down the hall to the library. He father was right. It wasn't too much to ask. All she needed was a moment to herself to gain a hold of her emotions before joining everyone in the dinning hall for the reception. She entered the library and quickly closed the door behind her. She took a deep breath and inhaled the rich aroma of old leather. The library had always comforted her. It was a place where she could get away from everything and immerse herself in a good book for a few hours. She ran her fingers across the old books on the shelves, feeling herself calming down. She crossed the huge room, turned, and sat on the window seat to look out over the gardens. The moon bathed everything in a soft light and was reflected in the huge fountain. She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of cheers and laughter down the hall. It was all for her, yet all she wanted right now was to be alone. As she sat by the window, her thoughts returned to Luke. He had finally returned home, after all this time. Did he still love her? Nicole took a deep breath in and let her thoughts drift back to the day she first met Luke and the happy days they had shared together....