The Ripplestones

The Ripplestones (Ep.2)

Three days had passed since the birth of Princess Alexandra, and the palace brimmed with preparations for her first public appearance. Velvet banners of royal blue and gold adorned the grand balcony, their elegant folds rippling softly in the autumn breeze. In the palace square below, crowds gathered in anticipation, their breath visible in the crisp air as they stood shoulder to shoulder, eager for a glimpse of the future queen.

The great palace gates had opened at dawn, welcoming nobles and citizens alike who wished to witness the momentous occasion. Floral garlands woven with white and violet blooms—symbols of purity and nobility—decorated the palace walls, while golden lanterns hung from iron posts, waiting to be lit at dusk. The air carried the faint strains of a royal orchestra preparing to accompany the day’s ceremony.

Within the palace, Queen Josephine stood beside Princess Jacqueline in the royal nursery. Jacqueline cradled Alexandra in her arms, her gaze tender as she traced the curve of her daughter’s cheek. The infant, wrapped in fine white silk embroidered with silver threads, stirred slightly but did not wake.

“Are you ready, my daughter?” Josephine asked softly, her hand resting on Jacqueline’s shoulder.

“Yes,” Jacqueline replied with a steady breath. Though her heart swelled with pride, she knew this moment marked the beginning of Alexandra’s life under the watchful gaze of the realm. “She belongs to the people as much as to our family. Today, they will see the future of Bridgermhorre.”

A knock at the door signaled that it was time. Together, they made their way through the palace’s grand corridors, their footsteps echoing faintly against marble floors polished to a mirror-like gleam. Prince Jonathan and Princess Bernnise joined them near the entrance of the balcony. Jonathan, dressed in a midnight-blue coat with gold embroidery, stood with a composed air, while Bernnise, in a gown of deep emerald velvet, held her head high with elegance befitting her rank. Their presence completed the tableau of royal strength and unity as the family stepped onto the balcony.

Queen Josephine led the way, her regal figure standing tall as she raised her hand in greeting. Beside her stood Jacqueline, holding Alexandra, followed by Jonathan and Bernnise. The sight of the entire royal family drew gasps of awe from the crowd before a wave of cheers swept through the square. White and violet flowers waved above heads as citizens offered their blessings, their joyous cries echoing against the palace walls.

At the palace gates, the town crier stood upon a raised platform, dressed in a crimson coat trimmed with gold and holding a large, rolled parchment with four ornate wooden handles—two on each side. With a deep breath, he unrolled the parchment, the golden royal crest gleaming at the top. As the crowd hushed, he lifted his voice with practiced clarity, ensuring every word carried through the square.

“Hear ye, hear ye! By the grace of Her Majesty, Queen Josephine Victoria Esmeralda Ashford-Ripplestone, and Her Royal Highness, Princess Jacqueline Elizabeth Dynastee Ragatha Ashford-Ripplestone, it is with great joy that we announce the birth of Her Royal Highness, Princess Alexandra Elizabeth Diana Victoria Ashford-Ripplestone! Heir apparent and future Queen of the United Imperial Realm of the Great Kings and Northern Kingdom of Bridgermhorre! May her life be long, her reign prosperous, and her wisdom a beacon to us all!”

As the crier rolled the parchment with a flourish, bells from every tower began to toll, their jubilant peals ringing out across the city. The orchestra swelled into a triumphant anthem, and the crowd erupted into cheers once more. Mothers lifted their children high to glimpse the infant princess, while elders bowed their heads in reverence, whispering blessings for the future queen.

On the balcony, Jacqueline lifted Alexandra slightly so all could see the child who would one day rule them. Though only days old, Alexandra stirred as if sensing the world’s gaze and opened her eyes—blue as the midsummer sky—meeting the crowd below with a gaze that seemed to hold the promise of a bright future.

As the sun cast its golden light upon the royal family, and the bells echoed through the streets, it was clear that this day would be remembered for generations—a day when hope and destiny were united in the heart of Bridgermhorre.