My adored queen

17

Having finally gotten rid of Daniel, we settled in one of the vacant rooms while Bert's almost royal bedroom (and I was indeed generous and allocated one of the best rooms to my friend) was being prepared. I asked for dinner to be brought to feed my guest after the journey, but I didn't even touch it: I still had a lump in my throat. So while the man worked with the cutlery, I strained my voice, recounting in detail the farewell surprise from my uncle, which almost gave my aunt a fit. In the sense that the queen dowager was up to something again, and the prince was spewing venom. Bert listened to me attentively, then gently touched my cheek, stroking it soothingly. Surprisingly, he was silent. He didn't give any advice or hints. He just let me know that he supported me. And this feeling was incomparable. Any desire to pity myself immediately disappeared, as if half the weight of my burden had been taken off my shoulders. I smiled gently:

"Thank you..."

"For what? I was silent," the young man feigned surprise, but I knew well that he understood me.

"For being here. By the way, you'll stay for a while, won't you? At least for the coronation? I really need you," grabbing the hand on my cheek, I squeezed it so tightly in my palms that I almost broke his fingers. Bert smiled broadly and moved closer, hugging me gently and tenderly, as if I were made of crystal.

"Of course, I'll stay. I wanted to ask for your permission, but since it's like this, know that I'm at your service at any time of day or night. I will always come to your aid," he whispered in my ear, finally calming me down. I settled comfortably in the arms of my wonderful friend, closing my eyes for a moment. You know, when a person is very happy, they squint to see not with their eyes, but with their heart. And I also allowed my heart to see the uniqueness of the end of this day. Bert... How lucky I am that he is here again. His arms are so cozy, so good. And he will stay in the capital. He will stay for me! My heart warmed at this thought.

The next morning was sunny and welcoming. At least for me. I woke up as a crown princess for the first time, sleepless for the first time from the thoughts that haunted me in my dreams all night, but despite everything, I was in a positive mood. I asked Lucenia not to dress me in black anymore, as the three-day mourning period had passed, and the gloomy shades constantly reminded me of the grief I had to endure. The pain in my soul will not soon change to light sorrow, but we must learn to live on. Especially me, whose life will no longer resemble what it was recently. After all, being the ruler of a great kingdom means great responsibility.

From everything in my wardrobe, I chose a pastel-colored dress that smoothly connected my delicate shoulders, hugged my waist with a tight corset, and then fell in waterfall waves to the ground, covering even my shoes, and trailed behind me with a short train.

"You are beautiful, milady," Lucenia smiled, completing my look with the dynasty ring, which she brought in a red velvet-covered box. It was an elegant gold ring with our family crest engraved in the center, and on the band that wrapped around my finger, barely visible words read: "Honor. Justice. Love." My uncle firmly believed that there was nothing more important than these three concepts. And he, as you can guess, gave me the jewelry. It was his last gift, besides the kingdom, and therefore even more precious to me.

"Thank you," I looked up at the servant's small round face in the mirror, smiling gently at her. How many years have we been together? I don't even remember! She came to the palace as a very young girl, such a timid fledgling. On her first day, she made a mess in the kitchen, where she was sent, and when she fled the scene, she jumped out from behind a corner right in front of my mother. She (Lucenia, not my mother) was supposed to be severely punished, but my mother saved her, didn't allow her to be abused, and took her into her service. Not for long. We immediately found a common language, and I made her my chief chambermaid. Thus, each of us got what we wanted: I – a friend I can trust when Nicole is not around, and Lucenia – a home and protection. I always stood up for people who were loyal to me, and the king's favorite niece was able to take care of herself and her allies. I only regretted now that I had gathered too few trusted people around me. I would need them now.

I winked at the chestnut-haired beauty in the mirror, appreciating my servant's efforts. Elegant, refined, but at the same time simple and modest, as befits a simple crown princess. We crown princesses are generally an unpretentious people. And very generous. Today, the first manifestation of this generosity will be a surprise for my beloved cousin. I couldn't wait any longer, burning with the desire to please my sister. I already imagined how happy she would be to meet Bert! Nicole also sincerely adored the young man.

It was no wonder that their meeting, which I arranged in my chambers, was filled with the warmest emotions. My cousin was the first to arrive at my invitation, but I answered her questions about my plans for her today with a sly smile.

"The person you will be happy to see is coming now! I smiled, intrigued, without stopping to smile. Full of the best hopes, Nicole also glowed with a smile, but when the door opened, a completely different man appeared on the threshold. And he gently took the hand I offered to Bert, pressing his lips to it in the most sensual kiss in the world.