Priestess Lavinia invited the Heir to sit upon the throne. Taking a small pot full of water from the sacred springs of the Goddess’s home temple upon the mountain top, Lavinia dipped her finger into the sacred water and marked the sign of a flame upon Annalyse’s forehead, the sign of the Goddess. After setting the pot back upon the alter, Priestess Lavinia then picked up the royal ruby encrusted sceptre and placed it in the hands of the Heir.
“This sceptre represents your people,” the Priestess declared. “Its heavy weight will act as a constant reminder that the lives of the Alearian people are now in your hands.”
“As is the will of the Goddess, I will protect my people,” Annie responded.
Priestess Lavinia picked up the former Queen’s emerald jeweled crown and placed it gently upon the Heir’s head.
“This crown symbolises the weight of the responsibility you now carry,” Lavinia advised her. “The Kingdom of Alearia is now entrusted to your care, praise be the Goddess.”
“As it is the Goddess’s will, I will always put my Kingdom first,” Annie responded.
Lavinia turned to stand beside Annalyse, so that the witnesses could behold their Goddess chosen Queen.
“All rise. By the power vested in me by our almighty Goddess, I declare thee, Annalyse Brandistone, Queen of Alearia. All hail, Queen Annalyse Brandistone of Alearia, for family and Kingdom,” Lavinia declared.
The guests and witnesses all dropped to their knees and bowed. As one they declared, “all hail Queen Annalyse!” Their declaration was followed by resounding applause, as they welcomed the new Queen.
~ ◊ ~
31
Queen Annalyse of Alearia
The private coronation celebrations continued late into the evening. What began as a formal luncheon in the royal family dining room soon morphed into a garden party in the rose gardens by the fountain. The wine was flowing, and the servants carried around platters of canapés and bite sized desserts. After a few glasses of wine, Annie felt her confidence build, and even surrounded by the scrutinizing gaze of five suitors, the young Queen felt completely at ease. The sweet aroma of flowers carried upon the gentle breeze reminded Annie fondly of her mother.
“If I could have your attention please, I would like to make a toast,” Queen Annalyse of Quillencia began, raising her glass of champagne. The guests turning their attention to the Quillencian Monarch. “To the new ruler of Alearia, Queen Annalyse Brandistone, may the Goddess guide you, protect you and bless you always. For family and Kingdom, raise your glasses to the Queen of Alearia.”
“To Queen Annalyse,” the Alearian royals and suitors proclaimed.
Anastasia whispered into her twin’s ear after the group had returned to their own private conversations. The two girls now sat side by side on the fountain ledge, taking in the party around them. “How does it feel, to have all your dreams come true Annie?”
“I didn’t even know this was a dream of mine, until recently,” Annie sighed blissfully. “But Anastasia, now that I am Queen... What comes next?”
Anastasia looked at twin, a vision of beauty in her pale blue gown and silver tiara, a small smile across her face.
“For now, you take it all in,” Anastasia replied softly. “Enjoy this moment. Too often we look to the future and forget to enjoy the present. But if you really want to know what’s next… In the coming days we will choose a husband for you and in a week’s time, before the whole Kingdom, you will be officially pronounced Queen of Alearia and hopefully marry the man of your dreams. No pressure, sister,” Anastasia giggled, lightening the mood, nudging her sister in the side playfully.
“No pressure at all...” Annie drawled, suddenly feeling the need to fidget with her gown to distract herself. “Queen of Alearia... Queen of Alearia... I don’t think I will ever get used to being addressed as such. It makes my heart flutter with anxiety every time I hear it.”
“Enough serious talk, the string quartet are now set-up, let’s dance!” Anastasia declared as she sprung from the ledge… But she was quickly pulled back down by Annie. Anastasia turned to her sister, confusion and slight concern flashing across her face. “What’s troubling you Annie?” Anastasia asked softly.
“There has been one thing has been bothering me about today,” Annie dared voice. Anastasia stood from the ledge once more and leaned forward to whisper in her sister’s ear, “not here. Walk with me, we can talk while we walk. There are too many ears around here.”
Annie nodded, and the two royals began to walk arm-in arm, seemingly cheerfully around the fountain and off through the garden hedge maze.
*
Princess Anastasia
‘I knew something was bothering her. To anyone else Annie would seem so carefree today, but that is so out of character from the sister that I have come to know. This was the first private coronation in our Kingdom’s history, it was sure to rattle her a little.’
“Annie, what’s bothering you?” Anastasia asked, pausing along the path once they had walked far enough away from the party to be out of earshot.
Annie looked up from the ground and broke away from Anastasia’s arm, instead taking her sister’s hands in her own and pulling her around the next hedge maze corner to ensure they were concealed from any prying eyes.
“Do you think I made the right decision in holding the coronation in secret today?” Annie whispered uncertainly, biting her lip. “What if the news leaks out of the castle and the people find out I have deceived them?”
Concern shone in Anastasia’s eyes. “The coronation couldn’t wait any longer Annie, you know this. A Kingdom without a ruling Monarch is vulnerable. As Heir you did not have the official power to make proclamations for the Kingdom, but as Queen you do,” Anastasia responded.
“I understand that. However, if the coronation is not made public knowledge then as far as the people know, I still have no power. Not in the way that counts...” Annie added anxiously.
“Annie, it was our grandmother’s advice to have the coronation in secret. She has decades of experience as a Queen. You need to trust her that this was the best decision for you and the Kingdom.”
“But what if it wasn’t what was best for our Kingdom?” Annie countered. “What if it sends a message that I have a lack of trust in my people? The people were already revolting against my appointment as Heir.”
Anastasia squeezed her twin’s hands in reassurance.
“Annie,” Anastasia said fiercely, “if you truly believe that holding the coronation in secret was the wrong idea, then you know what you have to do. You are the Queen of Alearia now and you must do what you feel is right. I will stand by you and support you, no matter what you decide.”
Annie squeezed her sister’s hands back in thanks, turning to make her way back towards the celebrations, “let’s go and get Alecia. Can you please summon Sir Cornell? We have a public announcement to make.”
~ ◊ ~
32
Princess Alecia
‘Despite all of the impulsive, reckless decisions I have ever made, this plan of Annie’s takes the cake.’
Alecia channeled her power, feeling the hum of her fire-wielding gifting singing beneath her skin in preparation, dusk was upon them. After quickly changing into her Alearian Legion ceremonial attire, Alecia was the epitome of a warrior Princess. Her hair still arranged in lose curls from the coronation and her makeup quickly refreshed, Alecia stood tall by Annie’s side, gifting at the ready in case of attack.
Sir Cornell had come as soon as he was summoned and stood a little befuddled beside Annie upon the balcony of the watchtower at the front gates of the castle. To onlookers, the former Crowning Ceremony commentator and the Alearian royals appeared to be the picture of composure, as if this impromptu announcement had been planned for days rather than hours. Alecia had made her feelings regarding the announcement perfectly clear, but quickly fell in line remembering that Annie now held power over her as her Queen.
The townspeople and city no
bles had quickly gathered at the castle gates after Sir Cornell had sent a message on the wind to every inch of the Alearian city proper, informing the people of the important announcement that was to be made.
Behind Annie, Anastasia stood faithfully in support. The Queen of Quillencia, Senior Priestess Lavinia and five suitors all stood loyally in the wing of the balcony in support of the new Queen.
“Lords and Ladies, people of Alearia,” Sir Cornell announced, projecting his voice far and wide with his wind whisperer gifting. “Thank you for gathering here at such short notice for this exciting announcement. I would now like to warmly introduce Your Majesty, Queen Annalyse Brandistone,” Sir Cornell announced warmly.
Outcries began spreading around the crowd at the use of the formal title, especially from those who had been protesting Annie’s ascension as Heir.
“Thank you, Sir Cornell. Welcome my people,” Annie began speaking over the crowds, her voice projected by Sir Cornell, who amplified his gift further to overcome the added protests from the crowd.
‘This will get their attention,’ Alecia wickedly thought as she sent a warning burst of warm air towards the rowdiest of the crowd, their complaints falling silent, and replaced instead by a swathe of accusatory stares. Annie placed a warning hand gently upon Alecia’s arm, sending Alecia sizzling. ‘I was only trying to help, ungrateful little sister!’
“My people,” Annie resumed, head held high. The white coronation gown, sash and crown atop Annie’s head was not lost on the people. “Thank you for coming here today. I have two exciting announcements to make. Firstly, as of today, our new General of the Alearian Legion is Princess Alecia Brandistone. I wish to thank our former General, Lord Ashcott, for his years of loyal service to the crown. Please make welcome, General Alecia Brandistone, our first female General in Alearian history.” Annie announced, though she was met with complaints rising from the crowds, which Annie chose to ignore. Alecia remained composed, allowing the protests to wash over her like an unwanted breeze, rather than allowing them to affect her.
“Finally, this morning,” Annie continued, “in the presence of my beloved family and our guests of honor from our neighboring allied Kingdoms, I was officially crowned Queen of Alearia. The coronation was conducted by Senior Priestess Lavinia, who acted on the Goddess’s behalf.”
Outcries began once more, some of the protesters throwing food and other objects towards the balcony in protest, claiming her coronation was against the will of the Goddess. A barrier of air was erected by Sir Cornell immediately in front of the balcony, so that all the objects thrown bounced back at the crowd.
Annie continued to stand unruffled and proud, ignoring the interruption as she continued. “I vowed to serve the Alearian Kingdom and its people with honor, integrity and respect. I declare to you all, as the Goddess is my witness, that I will always put family and Kingdom before all else.”
The crowd became incensed. The nobles who had attended the announcement in support of the Monarch, noticeably began to flee back to the safety of their homes as the protesters became wilder.
“Enough,” a firm, loud voice from the back of the crowd declared. The protesters parted to make way for the old crone. High Priestess Elizabeth slowly meandered towards the front of the crowd, stopping beneath the balcony where the Queen stood.
“As High Priestess,” Elizabeth began, “it is my duty to crown our Kingdom’s King or Queen. I therefore rebuke the validity of this coronation. Annalyse is not our Goddess chosen ruler, she is a foreign healer’s apprentice who has shown nothing but disrespect for her responsibilities and our traditions ever since being crowned Heir. I rebuke her claim to the crown in the name of our mighty Goddess,” Elizabeth declared.
Applause built from many of the protesters in support of the High Priestess’s speech.
Annie, rattled by the turn of events, attempted to remain composed. “High Priestess,” Annie responded, “thank you for coming here today. Whilst your protest has been noted, our law clearly states that any senior member of the Goddess’s sisterhood of Priestesses may perform the coronation ceremony. As Queen of Alearia, I will grant you compassion and leniency as the Goddess would advise me. However, whilst I respect and value your input as a servant of the Goddess, I must also remind you that you are also a servant to the Crown in accordance with the vows you made upon becoming a Priestess. I invite my people, including you High Priestess, to meet with me to share your concerns so that we may work together to build a stronger, united Alearia. For family and Kingdom, good evening Alearia,” Annie proclaimed, head held high.
“For family and Kingdom,” a small percentage of the crowd murmured reluctantly in response. The rest of the crowd once more began voicing their disapproval of Annie’s coronation.
Across the crowd, Alecia spotted a flurry of mist and activity brewing in the shadows of the nearest building. The mist quickly spread over the crowd, concealing their actions from the royals on the watchtower balcony. Alarm built amongst the crowd as their vision became quickly obstructed. Alecia grabbed Annie by her arm and yanked her protectively behind her, shielding her body with her own, lighting a flame in each of her hands in warning to anyone who planned to attack.
Alecia started to slowly back away, forcing Annie to retreat with her into the safety of the watchtower; their foreign guests quickly following their lead.
Sir Cornell reinforced his proactive shield of air around the watchtower’s balcony, perspiration spotted his brow from exhausting his gifting as the mist crept higher up the castle’s barrier walls. Cries of fear rose up from the crowd.
“Force the gates open!” Alecia heard one of the rebels declare.
A flash of light temporarily blinded the new General as her sister Anastasia leapt protectively in front of her and the Queen, having transformed into her preferred shape-shifting Alearian mountain cat form.
“Prince Liquire,” Alecia called behind her, “can you please do something about this mist?!”
The Prince flashed a grin at her. “It would be my pleasure,” he responded proudly, moving to the balcony edge to stand beside the Alearian mountain cat.
Sir Cornell retreated his defensive wall of air a few feet back, giving the water mage Prince room to work with.
Prince Liquire outstretched his hands towards the approaching mist and the balcony shook with the immense strain of his water mage gift building up inside him. With a mighty push of his power, he transformed the mist into a mighty wall of water like a tidal wave out at sea. With another wave of his arms, he released the full weight and power of the wave upon the outside of the castle gate. Screams were replaced by a thunderclap of water against the iron gate and surrounding stone wall, mercilessly drowning the attempted intruders. The water then dissipated once more into a cloud of mist and floated into the sky as directed by its master from the Isle of Treseme.
With the view of the balcony clear once more, a well-aimed arrow from the remaining upright crowd attempted to strike the Isle of Treseme Prince in retaliation but was intercepted with a swipe of the Alearian cat’s mighty clawed paws. A proud roar followed, echoing across the Alearian city proper. Alecia had never felt prouder of her sister.
Just when Alecia thought the whole saga was finally over, a volley of arrows from the shadows of a nearby building launched towards the balcony. Anastasia and Prince Liquire, who were unprotected by the defensive wall of air, were unable to deflect all the arrows on their own. An iron tipped arrow pummelled into Anastasia’s side, and a bellowed roar of pain escaped from the mountain cat as she keeled to the ground. Another arrow pierced the water mage Prince, causing him to roar in pain.
Alearian Legion guards stormed up the watchtower stairs to assist with the attack, positioning themselves defensively in front of the injured Prince and Princess. They hurled volley after volley of fireballs and water walls without mercy towards the shadows, pounding the attackers with all their might, taking no prisoners. Such was the might and power of the Alearian Legion.
“Prince Cimmeris,” Alecia bellowed to the shadow walker Prince behind her, pushing Annie towards him. “Transport the Queen out of here and protect her at all costs!” The General declared.
“With my life,” Cimmeris responded. Lifting the startled Alearian Queen into his arms, he transported her through the shadows of the watchtower, and away to safety like a knight in shining armour.
With the Queen out of harm’s way, Alecia called for a healer before she launched herself towards the Isle of Treseme Prince and her fallen sister, who lay whimpering in her shapeshifter form, an arrow buried deep in her side. Alecia and one of the guards quickly lifted the Prince and Princess one at a time into the watchtower building, under the protection of the Alearian Legion on the balcony and Sir Cornell’s shield. Slamming the lead door shut behind them, shame curled in her gut as she chose her sister over her Kingdom, though she had vowed to protect both.
~ ◊ ~
33
Queen Annalyse of Alearia
The world felt as though it had ceased to exist as Annie stared into the impenetrable darkness. She clung with all her strength to the mysterious Prince’s chest as they shadow walked from the chaotic watchtower into the shadows of a dark room. Taking a moment for her eyes to adjust, Annie could make out the outlines of the furniture surrounding her. The sun had now set, and only dim light filtered in through the window. Annie felt herself being lowered onto a soft bed, the luxurious texture of the blanket beneath her comfortable against her skin. Annie sat in shock for a moment. The realization hit her that she was sitting in the dark with an acquaintance while her sisters and her grandmother, were out there at the mercy of a crowd rioting against the crown. Her crown.
A Queen's Fate Page 13
