CHAPTER SIX
As the village slept, the castle hummed with activity. In accordance to the king’s orders, Prince Braden’s coronation would be held at dawn. Rooms were set, food prepared, flowers arranged, the required ceremonial items displayed. Even on the brink of attack, a coronation and royal wedding required necessary planning and attention. As the kingdom went through its transformation, the king’s personal stewards worked on Braden.
A growing line of people ran in and out of Braden’s chamber, pinning robes, changing sashes, and positioning the costume just right. Ceremonial words flooded his mind, jumbling together as he watched his image change. The royal robe, heavier than he imagined, weighed on his shoulders. Its soft velvet lining, rich texture, and embroidered symbols spoke volumes of the history of the kingdom and the king before him. An unfamiliar face stared back at him: the image of a man, but the uncertainty of a boy in his eyes.
“Your Highness,” one of the stewards coughed, peeking in. “It’s time.”
Prince Braden took a deep breath and a last look in the mirror, watching the boy disappear under guarded eyes. “It’s time,” he agreed, looking at the men and walking forward.
The trumpets rang out, their song of triumph, celebration, and ceremony welcoming each guest. The hall had been decorated extravagantly throughout the night in preparation for the two ceremonies to take place that day. The windows were covered in respect for the King Theodore, but the inside bloomed with the colors of the kingdom. Bright reds cascaded down the walls from their banners; yellow and white roses were displayed at the edge of each row and in the corners. Golden accents glittered in the candlelight, and the dim light heightened the reverence in the hall.
The hall filled quickly. The visiting royals were escorted to the front, with Daniel and his knights acting as ushers. The back overflowed with the remaining villagers and merchants. Princess Madeline sat in the front row, her face masked as she watched the room fill with darkened eyes. The room was silent. Somber reflection on every face.
Elias slowly walked forward through the aisle to his commanding position up front. Although his hood covered his face, Madeline clearly pictured his solemn expression, a blend of acceptance and reflection. Clothed in a new green robe with golden embroidery along the edges, he cradled a leather-bound book to his chest. She recognized the golden spirals along the edge of the spine. A hint of a grin peeked out from beneath his hood as he theatrically pulled it back.
Elias raised his arm.
“Ladies and Gentlemen of Soron, visiting dignitaries, guards and guests, we are gathered here today to mark the coronation of a new king. We have been fortunate to have lived the majority of our lives through a period of great peace. A time of peaceful collaboration with our neighbors, understanding of our differences and an acceptance of many cultures. Alas, the times are changing. Through the past, a strong, willful king guided our moves, stretched our minds and taught us the strength in our kingdom. We move forward today with heavy yet proud hearts in remembrance of our king, and devotion to what he has left behind.”
“What he has left behind is this,” he said, motioning to the back of the hall, calling the trumpeters to action as the grand doorway opened. Prince Braden marched forward, guided by fanfare and salutes of the band.
Princess Madeline turned her head and watched as her brother walked up the aisle. Her heart burst with pride watching the crimson robe flow around him with the same grace as her father. A familiar focus and set jaw stared back as he looked beyond her to the front. He held his head high and moved with a new maturity. Madeline blinked back her pent-up tears, feeling the culmination of his desire and respect for duty transform into reality. He was made for this.
Elias continued as soon as Braden made his way forward. The music quieted.
“He has left us with a son of the same heart and mind. A son who has the vision and foresight to guide us through the tribulations ahead, and the heart to protect and provide for our best interests as we move into these uncharted times.”
“Today we are gathered to crown Prince Braden as our king. This is not a trivial matter, nor one to take lightly. Although we move today with a sense of urgency and focus on matters outside this room, we do not detract from the gravity of this action.” His eyes moved beyond Braden to the people watching.
“Today, we take an oath as well, to place our lives and our trust in this man. If there is any dispute to be made, speak now.” The crowd hushed as Elias moved closer to Braden.
“With the silence of their acceptance, and the strength of your character, I am proud to move forward with the coronation,” he said, holding up the leather book.
As Elias spoke of the duties and responsibilities of being king, Princess Madeline watched, transfixed.
Visions of the times her father restricted her to her room over defiance of an order, the way he calmly but efficiently moved obstacles from her reach, and the simplicity and finality of his orders filled her head. Painful memories, as well, of broken promises as meetings and formalities kept him away. Hard lessons had been learned as the adventurous gifts were withheld in return for safer alternatives. He had reigned as king and father over her, guiding her with the same love that guided the kingdom. As she let the tears trail down her cheeks, she at once felt the depth of his love, and recognized the only way he knew how to offer it.
“Now, Prince Braden, please kneel,” Elias said, bringing her back to the present. As he turned to present the crown, a soft gasp rung through the crowd. Polished anew with additional sparkling jewels adorning the outer ridges, the royal crown was laid upon his head. “With this crown, we lay not only our respect, but our lives and our future in your hands. Long live the new King of Soron, King Braden.”
Princess Madeline’s heart swelled as she looked at her brother in a new light and led the cheers of celebration.
King Braden turned and looked at his subjects. As the cheers subsided, the hall filled with wide eyes and grim faces. Unspoken questions, concerns, and hopes hung in the air, clinging to his shoulders as the burden of the kingdom added to the weight of the crown.
“Loyal subjects of Soron,” he started, his voice shaking a little as he searched the seats for reassurance. They watched: some open with hope, some with hesitation, and others anxiously awaiting reassurance.
He lifted his chin and eyes and saw his father watching from the upper balcony. Supported by his personal attendants, King Theodore braced himself against the edge, watching intently. His face was masked, but the glistening in his eyes, the pride, and the tenderness radiated through.
Braden’s heart thundered at their brief connection, and he focused on what his father would have done. Channeling him and controlling his fear, he recited his speech.
“Loyal subjects of Soron, hear my voice. Hear my voice and rejoice with me, knowing that we have a second chance. The dragon has called, and today we answer. It can dig in its talons, spray its fire, but we will not be deterred. We can and we will show them that history holds true. We, as a kingdom, will stand tall. As your king, as your ruler, and as a man, I vow to you, we will succeed. In the legacy of my father, in the legacy of our men, Soron will stand, and I will lead you forward.”
All signs of doubt disappeared from their eyes. The cheers echoed through the hall. He was their king. He lifted his eyes once more to the balcony, but his father was gone. Turning back, he felt a wave of disappointment disappear under the warmth of support and the loyalty from their people.
CHAPTER SEVEN
“What a day,” Madeline sighed, sitting back onto her bed as Sophia walked in.
“It’s not over yet,” Sophia exclaimed, landing on the bed next to her. “We have so much to do still before your ceremony!” Sophia snatched a brush and went to work on Madeline’s curls. Her eyes glazed as she sank into the familiar routine they had shared since childhood.
“Madeline?” Sophia asked between brushstrokes. “Are you alright? I saw your eyes during the ceremony. I s
aw Daniel’s expression when he looked at you. Today’s the day you’ve been waiting for, and I don’t want to see it—”
“Sophia,” Madeline said, turning around. “Please don’t worry about me. There’s no doubt in my heart, no dragging my feet. I’ve dreamt of this moment since I was a child. On those long days trapped in my room, my dreams of adventure and love kept me entertained. I am happy. I just regret that my father won’t be able to see me on this day.” She looked away as a tear fell down her cheek.
Sophia jumped to her feet, grabbing her hands and pulling her to the mirror. “This day is the beginning of something great. You are going to build a kingdom up north, lead a new beginning for hundreds of us. And no more crying. Your face gets red when you cry. You don’t want them to see your face red on your wedding day, do you?”
Madeline’s eyes were still sad, but she offered her friend a smile. “I have a plan,” she said, jumping, “but we need to hurry. I can’t be late for my wedding.” Her eyes sparkled as she ran to the other room to grab her dress.
Sophia squealed and clapped her hands in excitement.
Quick fingers got Madeline into her dress in no time. With a wistful sigh and admiring eyes, Sophia turned Madeline around to face the mirror. “Now, my princess, you are ready.”
Madeline stared, unable to believe the vision before her. The dress draped her body perfectly. The ivory gown accentuated her curves and gleamed under the soft light of the candles. Cream velvet trim bound the edges, and the bodice glistened with golden embroidery and crystals. The gown fell gracefully from her body to the floor, trailing behind her with a grand flourish. Her hair was curled and bundled carefully on top of her head, the jeweled clips shimmering as Madeline turned her head each way.
“Sophia, how did you do this?” Madeline whispered in awe. She looked very much the queen.
Sophia beamed. “Well, you only get married once,” she said, lifting her train and walking behind her. “If you want to do this, we’d better go now.”
Madeline nodded and lifted the front of her dress, lingering for one last look in the mirror.
The halls were unusually quiet as they tip-toed along. Madeline’s heart sped up as their steps echoed around them. They crept close together, sneaking quick glances around every corner. If anyone caught a glimpse of the princess before her wedding, it meant ten years of bad luck. Luckily for them, all the noise seemed to come from the courtyard, where people enjoyed the sunshine while waiting for the next ceremony. The walk down the long halls and winding corridors seemed to stretch as they slowly rounded corners, mimicking their childhood games of hide-and-seek.
Her curls threatened to fall as Madeline halted suddenly. They were at her father’s door. A soft candle flickered on the outside, and the king’s steward stood dutifully at the door, his face downcast and grim as she made her way forward.
“Can I see him?” Madeline asked, reaching her hand forward to touch his arm. Years of loyal service had developed a deep bond between the men, and the unexpected turn of events heavily weighed upon his face.
With a saddened smile, he ushered her in. “Your Highness, you can always see him.”
Madeline walked into the darkened room. She would never forget its look, its smell. Her heart leapt as she approached the bed.
“Father?” her lip quivered. She sighed with relief as his eyelids fluttered. “Oh, Father.”
King Theodore slowly sat up. “Madeline, I was hoping I would see you before the ceremony.” The bandages hid his face, but the love in his voice and glistening eyes could not be mistaken. “I was able to make your brother’s ceremony, but it seems that was a bit too much.” He coughed and hunched over, trying to speak. “You look beautiful, my dear. The most beautiful bride I have ever seen.”
“Father,” she groaned, drying her tears before they left marks. Sensitive to a fault, her delicate skin responded to tears with puffiness and streaks, unbecoming of a bride on her wedding day. “I couldn’t get married without seeing you first. In all my dreams, you walked me down the aisle. This isn’t the way I imagined it,” she said, her voice trailing.
“I know that is true for you, my dear, but for me, it’s everything I could have ever hoped for. Aside from these wounds and the disappointment of not seeing you wed, of course. I am glad that, despite my failing efforts as your father, my sweet little girl has grown up to be a beautiful princess and a strong future queen. You are ready.”
“I don’t feel ready,” she choked.
“Sometimes it’s not for us to decide. Sometimes we just need to step into the role and the rest will come. Trust in yourself and trust those around you. Daniel, Elias, Braden—they won’t lead you astray. Be wiser than me. Don’t let your stubbornness blind you. Oh, my dear, I wish your mother could see you two today. She would be as proud as I am.”
She swallowed hard at the mention of her mother.
“Please,” her father began, struggling to reach across to the table. “At the edge, there is a pewter ring.”
Madeline leaned over, grateful to focus on something besides the overwhelming feelings stirring inside. “This?” she asked, handing it to her father.
“Yes, please keep it. That ring belongs to you now. When the wizards returned last fall, Elias showed me a hidden compartment of your mother’s. This ring was there. I had long forgotten about it until it was returned.”
Madeline turned the cold metal over in her fingers and slipped it on.
“It was the first piece of jewelry I gave your mother, and it seems perfect that you have it now, a symbol of my love and your mother’s.”
Their eyes locked. A soft rap at the door broke the silence.
Princess Madeline looked at the door, and Sophia poked her head in. “Princess, it is time. We must get you back before your brother comes.”
“Father?” Madeline whispered.
“Go. Please remember how much I love you.” He coughed and laid back down. “Go,” he ordered, and she turned back to her friend.
She rose and clutched the bottom of her dress, careful with the crystals and pearls. They ran as quickly as possible back to their room, hoping to remain unseen. The king’s steward shook his head and smiled as they retreated around a corner.
No sooner had the door to the princess’s chamber closed than a booming knock rattled it. Princess Madeline and Sophia shared a quick look before Sophia burst into laughter.
“That was close,” Sophia said, walking over to the door, curtsying quickly as Braden stepped forward. He avoided Sophia’s downcast eyes and looked quizzically at Madeline.
“Having fun?” he asked.
Madeline grabbed his hands. “My King,” she said, curtsying low and flashing him her widest grin.
“Oh no you don’t. Those smiles and eyelashes may have worked on Father, but I know your tricks. I guess it’s time you moved out on your own.” He meant well, she knew, but it was too soon.
Madeline turned toward the window. The warm breeze blew against her face as she watched the trees sway in rhythm with the gusts, the birds soaring above them.
“Things certainly have changed,” she mused. People ran around the garden without a care. A young couple leaned over the wishing fountain, just as she and Sophia had done the year before.
Braden marched forward and put his hands on the windowsill next to her. “Yes, things have changed. But the most important things are still the same. The people around you, the duties before you, and the price we pay as leaders.”
“Oh hush, you two,” Sophia chimed in. She cut right between them and pointed. “Do you see her? The Duchess of Mallory,” she said, pointing to a charming older lady picking through the flowers in the shop window. “She’s the same. She was here last year wondering who you were going to marry, and she’s back now to witness it. And them,” she moved on, pointing to the far end of the square at two men unloading boxes of fresh produce. “They were fighting over who had the rights to the squash grown on their land. Now they work together
. You’re right; some things stay the same, like the character of a person.” She looked directly at Braden. “Your devotion to duty and loyalty to our kingdom. And you,” she said, putting one of Madeline’s curls back into place. “Our princess, whose charm and love for adventure has caused more trouble, and more rewards, than you would ever guess. But, if you sit here and ponder these things or muse about the past, you’re going to miss the most important thing.”
Sophia sighed at the blank looks on the siblings’ faces. “Your wedding is about to start. Now get out of here and marry your knight,” she said, shooing Madeline out the door and grabbing the back of her dress for the walk to the Grand Hall.
Before long, they stood arm in arm in front of the thick mahogany doors.
Her chest pounded. She ran her hands down her dress, double-checking each crystal and embroidered flower, making sure everything was perfect.
“Are you ready?” Braden whispered, knowing their lives would change the moment they stepped through the doors.
Madeline took a moment to search his face, finding a layer of love and depth beneath his outer guardedness. Taking a deep breath to control the fluttering butterflies, she looked him in the eyes.
“I’ve never been more ready.”
Braden smiled back and nodded to the men at the door. The large doors opened, and the orchestra began.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The grand doors swung open to glittering lights and dazzling colors. The sun sparkled through stained glass windows, infusing the air with a beauty only matched by the flowers lining the room. Red, yellow, and white roses and lilies lined the pathway before her. Delicate bouquets wrapped in silk swayed with the breeze.
The orchestra played a sweet melody with deep undertones. The crowd whispered in awe as the prince and princess made their slow march forward. Madeline felt the scrutiny of their gaze with every step. The ivory train of her dress stretched along the path, its golden embroidery glistening in the bright sunlight. Hundreds of tiny rainbows flickered around the room as the light caught the tiny crystals pinned in her hair.
The Dragon and Princess Madeline Page 4
