His Majesty's Devious Sins

Days went by, and soon, it was time for the coronation. It took at least two weeks of preparation and took place at the largest church in the entire capital of Wraith. 

The streets were crowded with thousands of civilians, eager to catch a glimpse of the Queen. Some people even camped on their spot overnight to ensure a good view of their leader.

The sidewalks were closed off and there were police and royal guards present everywhere. Helicopters swarmed the sky, carefully monitoring the situation. Every single inch of the area was highly secured, leaving practically no room for assassinations. All of the windows were accounted for, and there were hidden security amongst the crowds.

"Reporting live from the cathedral of the coronation," a reporter said in a monotone, eloquent voice.

The private wedding was not broadcasted on public television, thus, not many people knew of their future Queen. Today was one of the rare chances they'd get a perfect glimpse of her.

Cameras were also not allowed inside of the church, but the stairways leading up to it were free game. Paparazzi swarmed the area, hoping to take hundreds of photos of the coronation that hadn't occurred for decades now. 

Aside from the royal wedding, this was one of the biggest events of the century. It would be the second time in history that a human was crowned Queen, for not many humans intrigued Pure-Blooded Kings.

"There's the royal carriage!" 

Cameras flashed, capturing the royal carriage in every angle possible. Every motion, every turn of the wheel was captured, as people pressed for a closer look. 

The carriage was a royal shade of black, rimmed with stunning gold and red. A golden crown was embedded at the top, signifying who was inside. Royal symbols embedded the doors, large and proud, for the entire country to see. 

"I see His Majesty, the King, and Her Grace, the Queen!" someone shouted in the crowd. Cheers surfaced, followed by excited screams and eager waves of their country flags.

People pressed onwards to catch a glimpse, their eyes wide and intrigued. This was the first public sighting of the Queen, for she had been residing in the castle all this time. 

The common people did not know of her appearance, except the aristocrats who were wealthy and powerful enough to attend the balls. No one could take their eyes off of the fair woman, whose striking appearance appeared so… human. It was a surprising yet intriguing sight to behold, for the King's aura was dark and hers were light.

"Will you count the steps up the church?" Elias teased. 

He had been through this procedure decades ago, when he was crowned as the King of Wraith. Back then, even he felt anxious and nervous. He couldn't imagine how Adeline, a mere human girl would feel.

Before she could even retort, he quickly added on, "Just like how you counted your steps on the altar?"

Adeline suppressed a smile. "What's so funny about counting steps?"

He raised a dark brow and lightly laughed. "Oh, nothing, darling."

She glanced at him and tried to not be at awe at how handsome he looked in his black and white suit. A red and yellow sash across him, and twisted ropes of gold hanging from his shoulders. Medals of all sorts decorated the right side of his chest as golden leaflets were embroidered onto his suit cuffs. 

"They're waving the country flag," Adeline commented whilst looking out the window a bit. She was told the royal protocol was to keep her head forward and dignified.

Elias chuckled at her words, tilting his head in amusement and fondness. He was seated directly in front of her, and didn't care for the shouts of excitement or the cheers. He briefly glanced out the window, and sure enough, he saw the faces of his people, filled with eager and excitement. The ones that met his gaze squealed even louder, pushing through the crowds.

Elias glanced back at Adeline. "Luckily the windows have been soundproofed, or else their screams would've shattered your poor, human ear drums," he said.

Adeline wryly smiled at his words. She tried to turn her head, but found it was difficult to do so. Her hair was pulled back tightly, with braids woven into an elegant bun that could seat a crown perfectly. 

Her dress was incredibly heavy, and the royal red robes she wore didn't soothe her sore shoulders. Despite all the luxurious things she wore, she couldn't even turn her body or head properly. 

As beautiful as this ivory dress and thick robes were, she was beginning to feel herself sink into the carriage seats. The dress alone weighed five pounds, not to mention the robes another three.

"It is kind of them to accept me with such warm welcome," she said.

Elias simply smiled at her words.

A comfortable silence fell over them.

Adeline twisted the only jewelry on her body, the national treasure gifted to her on their wedding day—The Eternal Flame of Sunrise. 

"The royal parade behind us must've been difficult for the soldiers," Adeline said. 

There were multiple Royal Forces present, from the sky to the ocean, nearly every faction was here. They walked behind the royal carriage in calculated and practiced formations, turning this into one of the largest events of the century.

"Of course," Elias deadpanned. "It is a coronation. There would've been a problem if any of the Royal Forces weren't present."

Before she could respond, the carriage came to a stop. Adeline could've sworn her heart dropped to her stomach. She was nervous for the wedding, but today was much different. The entire country would be watching her. She was certain this coronation was broadcasted internationally for everyone to see.

"Breathe," Elias reminded her.

Adeline nodded. A footman came to open the doors, and Elias was the first to step out. She was surprised by the deafening cheers that drowned her nerves. 

The cameras flashing could only reach so far, for the staircase leading up to the church was completely gated off and lined with security guards left and right.

Despite the crowd of people, Adeline's gaze was focused upon Elias. A charismatic smile dangled off his lips, his prominent features catching the dazzling sunlight. He was a sight to behold in his midnight suit.

He stared deeply into her eyes, his gaze dark like obsidian, but lit up with pride.

"Take my hand, darling," he beckoned, offering her his large, sturdy palms.

Adeline glanced down at it, at loss for words. But he was patient with her, as he always had been. Thus, she slipped her hand into his, and carefully stepped out of the carriage.