Queen's Reign

Chapter 6

Dawn’s first sun rays streamed in the windows, little birds flitted about outside, chirping happily as they settled in the branches of the trees outside the palace. Adelyn woke up hours before daybreak, she sat on a bench watching the sunrise from her balcony. The noises from the river port below heightened with the arrival of representatives from other kingdoms on large ships anchored at the port before they used riverboats to reach Aeviria for her coronation, which is a few hours away.

Standing with her back facing the entrance, she looked further out, noticing a large flag with the emblem of a swan. The Thatis Empire. She was hoping that Ethelina would come, she didn’t show up for her sister’s burial. More fleets sailed in, with Desiric and his men maintaining order at the port, arranging the vast ships in order.

“Milady?” A soft voice came from behind her. Adelyn turned away and saw her chambermaid standing at the door to the balcony. “It’s time to get ready,” she said with a faint smile. Nodding, the lady walked into her room.

Outside, the hall teemed with lords and ladies dressed in vivid coloured coats and dresses, mingling around with the others. They ate little tarts and drank champagne, the distinct clink of glasses can be heard throughout the hall. The throne room was lined with cherry wood benches and boughs of hydrangeas hung from one bench to the other, accompanied with matching ribbons. They hung ribbons and crystals on strings from the ceilings that caught the light, glimmering softly. The floors were polished the night before, reflecting the morning light. 

When the bell tolled, they moved into the throne room and found a seat, chattering among themselves while awaiting Adelyn’s arrival. In a hidden corner, she stood nervously with Desiric, who was trying to calm her down.

“What if I can’t do this? What if I fail, Desiric?” Adelyn nervously paced, her gown’s long train following behind. Finally stopping, she sat down on the floor, burying her face in her hands covered with satin gloves. “I can’t do this. I’m scared,” admitted Adelyn with a shaking voice. Desiric stooped down to sit beside her and gently wrapped an arm around her waist. “You know, I think you are the most beautiful queen I’ve ever served in my lifetime,” he said, c*****g a smile at her. Adelyn looked up with tears in her eyes. “Lifetime? You’re only 18!” she said, laughing. “You’ve only served Myranda for two years and me for, I don’t know how long.”

“I meant what I said. Apart from looks, you’re still the best anyone could ever hope for. Queen Myranda chose you for a reason, Adelyn.” His smile faltered as he continued. “The ceremony’s starting. Remember, if you’re ever afraid or nervous, look at me. I will be beside the throne.” Patting her knee in parting, he left her and entered the throne room.

**********

The music began to play, signalling the start of the ceremony. All eyes went to the double doors, which opened to reveal Adelyn. She wore a sleeveless gown that slightly hugged her frame, accentuating her curves that opened into a fairly long train. A cape, the colour of the midnight sky, covered her bare shoulders. Her hair, which was pinned up into an elaborate style included the crystal hairpiece, which would be removed by the priest at the crowning. 

She slowly walked on the red carpet, towards the three steps leading to the throne. Desiric stood stiffly beside it, trying to hide a smile as he watched Adelyn confidently walking towards the head of the room. Upon reaching the front, the music subdued. 

“Lady Adelyn of Aeviria, you are about to ascend the throne as Queen of Aeviria. By doing so, you pledge to protect the lands and the people of this kingdom, to make whatever choices that are best for the sake of our home. Do you accept this pledge?” the priest asked solemnly. Adelyn swiftly replied. “Yes, I accept it.” 

He smiled at her. “In return, the Aevirians vow to remain loyal and bow to no other save you as our queen. We will do our best alongside you to uphold our lands and our people. I represent the people of Aeviria to fulfil the late Queen Myranda’s wishes and establish you upon the throne.” A page boy came, stumbling a little as he held out a red velvet cushion bearing a golden ceremonial sceptre, cerulean crystals gleaming from the top and the handle. The priest grabbed the cushion and slightly scowled at the boy for his clumsiness. Adelyn’s hands trembled a little as she reached out and carefully held the sceptre in her gloved right hand, the gloves making it a little slippery. The crowd didn’t utter a word, the impregnable silence hung heavy in the hall.

A few moments later, another servant held an empty cushion with both hands and treaded to the priest’s side. He gently removed the crystal hairpiece from her hair, the long white sleeves of his robe brushing against Adelyn’s powdered cheek as he turned to set it upon the cushion. Last came the crown, and the lords and ladies present in the hall gaped with awe as they saw it, gilded in gold and silver streaks, twisted and turned elegantly to depict a wreath of flowers. Crystals and sapphires were set in the spires, randomly dotted around like flowers in a garland. 

The elderly priest held up the crown from its glass box for all the congregation to see. He announced: “I hereby crown Adelyn the Queen of Aeviria.” Adelyn felt the weight of the crown as it was placed on her head, the cold feeling of silver across her forehead. The guests stood from their seats and applauded as she stood up. Stepping up the dais, she sat on the throne, a simple wood carved chair with diamonds set in the armrests and the four legs. 

Looking down at the applauding guests, she felt a bit nervous but at the same time relieved. Finally, she was here and she would continue to lead and relive the legacy her mentor once created. 

*********

The fir trees loomed shadows over Ethelina as she held on to the reins of her stallion, following the map’s twists and turns in the forest. Her bare feet hurt from the glass bits still embedded inside, but she had to hurry. Prince Khan and his men might hunt her down any time.  

Another turn to the right and passing through another horde of trees, she reached a clearing, opening up to a dark castle stood in the middle of the land surrounded by villages and farms. The place seemed dark and gloomy, the exact opposite of Aeviria’s bright and happy demeanour. Urging the horse forward, it trotted to a stop at the guarded entrance. Two guards wielding spears regarded her, their helmets shielding their eyes from her view. One immediately grabbed her arm, pulling her off the horse roughly and led her inside while the other took the horse.

Ethelina was being held by the arm and led through the streets, where homeless children looked intently at her with curious eyes. A few women passed by, holding baskets of cloth and whispering among themselves as they walked. Farmers sulkily walked back home to their families without a word, as if a great famine had betided the land.

The princess abruptly stopped in front of the castle, with its darkening walls covered with moss. It seemed abandoned, and a stench wafted from somewhere to her right, making Ethelina cover her nose with a frayed sleeve.

The guards at the watchtower and battlements opened the doors to let them enter the castle, as they forcefully pulled her through. The first thing she noticed was the lavish decorations of the room as she entered, in contrast to the environment outside. The servants wore drab uniforms and walked around with droopy heads, carrying trays and buckets. Ethelina was greeted by one of the maids. “Good day, Your Highness. The duchess is expecting you. Please follow me.” 

She led the princess into the castle foyer and entered a door which was covered in shiny spikes, just to the right of the stairs. “Wait-” Before she could ask, the maid left her in front of the door, she was nowhere to be seen. Glancing around awkwardly, she opened the door and went inside.

Ravenna’s back was facing her, the dark scarlet dress she wore twinkled with jewels. “Welcome to the Hart, Ethelina. I have been waiting for you for so long.” The princess glanced around the room, with vermilion coloured drapes and a matching couch. “But, but… The people, they’re suffering outside. You have all these luxuries and they seem to be…” 

“Suffering? You fool me, Ethelina. My people don’t trust me, because I harbour dark magic that benefits myself. They chose to not believe me, so that is their fate. I only gave my loyal followers an easy life. Look at my ladies, I gave them freedom because they chose to believe.” Ravenna gulped a mouthful of wine, not taking a look at her. “Are you not a true princess? Or did your sister sway you with her teachings of morality?”

“I refused to take her advice. I was almost sullied to get here!”

The duchess’s eyes widened at her words, surprised. “Sullied?” Ethelina sat down heavily on the couch. “Yes, Ravenna. My husband-to-be decided to take me before the wedding. I went to great lengths to get here, in your desolate little countryside.” Ravenna turned around. “This may seem small, but it is a stepping stone to achieving great measures.” She walked towards the princess, depositing her glass on the table. “If we manage, one day we might be able to conquer Aeviria!" she shouted, slamming her hands on the table.

Ethelina could only stare at the duchess. Ravenna had such ambitious dreams, yet all she did was poison her sister out of jealousy and rage. She woke from her daze and collected herself. “I’m so happy you came, Ethelina. For a split second, I thought you weren’t going to.”

“What do you need me for anyway? I’m just a princess with no war experience and you would just waste time teaching me to master magic like the rest of your ladies do.” The princess said, pouring herself a glass of wine that was sitting on the table in front of her. “That’s where you’re wrong.” Ravenna finished her wine, twirling the glass by the stem to inspect it.

She continued. “You are one of the princesses from the greatest kingdoms in Cannia. I’m a duchess, and I need the support of a direct member of any royal family to make me queen. That’s how it works here, in the Hart.” Ethelina wordlessly invited her to continue and sipped her wine.

 “Well, technically with you joining me, I can be a queen to take full control of this kingdom." 

The princess inhaled and asked: "So, where are your ladies that aid you in court? I have been eager to meet them." Ravenna smiled, hand brushing her dress as she turned around. “Now they’re resting in their chambers, which you need too. I will introduce them early the next morning.” She turned to a servant, whom Ethelina didn’t notice earlier. “Serena, please bring the princess to her rooms.” 

Serena curtsied and ushered her out of the room in a haste, slowly closing the door. Ravenna smiled to herself in the shadows, for her plans were about to work with the help of this naive princess.

*********

“Your Majesty, these are the records of past trades with other kingdoms. Queen Myranda favoured the southern countries for their fabrics and fragrances.” A man in a blue coat held up the papers for Adelyn as she sorted them into piles on the table behind her. “I’m aware of the trades between countries, but what about alliances?” she asked, furrowing her brow in thought as she studied the records.

“We have held an alliance with the Thatis Empire for a whole 17 years, and also Hellizia during the Winter War,” he continued. “I guess we might need to sort through more shelves to find information on that. Queen Caroline used to document a copy of our treaty letters with other countries in that corner shelf.” Adelyn nodded as she looked up. “That will be enough for the day, then. Thank you, Lord Antebellum.” He bowed low and swiftly exited the vast library, leaving Adelyn alone. 

Frost boomed across the windows as the temperature plummeted below freezing. Winter was slowly arriving, overpowering autumn with its cold and dry atmosphere. Even with a fur-lined dress, Adelyn still felt a little cold. Winter in the north of Cannia was always strong, and at times, brutal. Aeviria was lucky to have enough provisions for this winter so they could last for the whole winter, which would take six to seven months.

Slowly walking back and forth from the table to the shelves to tidy the records, she stifled a yawn. She spent last night huddled over her desk, sipping honey tea while studying the map of Cannia, and she only slept for a few hours before dawn. 

She was too engrossed with her work, she didn’t hear Desiric creep in the library. “Your Majesty-” A shriek came from behind the shelves as Adelyn dropped a heavy tome on her foot. He immediately went in the direction of the sound. “I’m really sorry…” He pulled her to a seat and examined her foot, removing her shoe. There was a little red bump on it, swelling and throbbing.

“Oh no, Adelyn. I’m very sorry,” Desiric looked up at her, gently caressing the bump. Adelyn winced but managed to muster a smile. “It’s okay, some ice would do.” She put her shoe back on and stood up, limping to the shelf and continued arranging the papers. He looked at her from behind, sighing to himself. 

“Adelyn, Prince Khan from the Thatis Empire wants to meet you. He said it was something about the princess. He’s already in your study.” The queen stopped halfway, straightening her back as she stood up. “Princess Ethelina? Is she here?” He shook his head, mouth turning into a frown. “I don’t think so.”

“Can you help me with this? Just arrange it according to number,” without waiting for his answer, she walked out of the room, trying hard to conceal her limp from her right foot. 

Adelyn walked as fast as she could with her swollen foot, which hurt in her ornate shoe every time she walked on it. Stumbling a little on the carpet, she finally approached the study and entered it. King George and Queen consort Rania sat stiffly in the chairs facing her desk with emotionless faces, a hooded figure by their side. The figure looked up briefly at her then quickly lowered their head. Adelyn felt weird and sat down in her chair, asking: “Your Majesties, may I ask what’s wrong?”

The queen huffed. “What’s wrong? Absolutely nothing is wrong! Your mentor’s unruly sister did something to my precious and only son!” She waved her fan threateningly in Adelyn’s face. “I really don’t understand, Your Majesties. Is there something wrong with her dowry? The wedding?” she calmly suggested.

The hooded figure lowered their hood, drawing her attention. Prince Khan’s scarred face appeared, a long scar on his cheek and on his forehead. Queen Adelyn was utterly bemused, robbed of words. “W-what happened?”

“We showed the princess to her room, then I am sure that my son paid her a visit there, as a husband should do. Suddenly, the room was a mess, bedsheets ripped, glass broken. And my son came back looking like that.” Queen Rania waved her arms dramatically, gesturing to her son. The king crossed his arms and stared at Adelyn.

“I’m sure Ethelina isn’t capable of that…” The queen of Aeviria trailed off. Bedsheets? Something is so wrong, but she cannot decide what unless she had a word with the prince. “Your Majesties, may I have a word with Prince Khan? I would like to get some information before coming to any decisions.”

King George eyed her warily and huffed before standing to leave the room, followed by his wife. A servant went to usher them. The doors closed with a loud bang, and Queen Adelyn was left alone with Prince Khan. “Your Highness, please take a seat.” He bowed curtly before taking a seat in front of her.

“Can you tell me what happened to the princess?”

“She… I… I-I can’t…” he stammered. Somehow the queen’s presence made him flush like he was a little boy that stole some candy from his mother. He relented, to tell the truth. “That evening, Ethelina was tipsy from the whiskey she drank. A-and, I…”

The queen prodded, twirling her quill that was on the table. “You?” 

“I-I tried to bed her.” The confession came so swiftly, but Adelyn gave no reaction. She had expected this after all. “See, a crime caused by l**t. I knew Ethelina wouldn’t do such things if you didn’t try to do that.”

The prince’s scarred face became a shade of scarlet under her scrutiny. “I-I just couldn’t wait. I was so excited.” He wrung his hands, unable to look at her anymore. “I’m sorry…”

Queen Adelyn reached forward and lifted his face to level eyes with him. She slowly touched his scar and it began to glow. The injuries on his face faded beneath her touch until they were gone. She removed her hand and handed him a mirror. Prince Khan touched his newly healed cheek, unable to believe what she had just done to him. “Y-You have magic?”

The queen straightened in her chair, clasping both hands on the desk. “I earned it during my time when I was an apprentice.” Looking up at him, she said: “I don’t want to jail you, or her. You two are at fault, but I just want this to be done and over with.” He smiled and sprang up from his seat, bowing low to her. “Your Majesty, thank you for forgiving and healing me.”

Adelyn acknowledged him with a smile and he ran out of the room to find his parents. He didn’t ponder as to why Queen Adelyn said that Ethelina was at fault.