Chapter 120 - New Era
Adeline faced the long, white steps leading up to the capital church. Her robes weighed heavily upon her shoulders, as they descended up the long, infinite staircase upwards. Thousands of pairs of eyes were glued to her, and she tried her best to not trip.
Left, right, left, right, left, right, she silently counted the steps in her head. In the corner of her eyes, she saw Elias's lips twitch in amusement.
"Are you counting the steps yet?" he teased in a quiet voice that was nearly engulfed by the chants behind them.
Adeline struggled to not laugh. If she did, it would make the people curious of their conversation. She kept her gaze forward and head cleared.
Seeing her determination and earnesty, Elias decided to not tease her any longer. He only wanted to quell her anxiety. Seeing as she was focused and level-headed, they proceeded up the steps in silence.
Adeline's shoulders were aching. The robes were heavy and yanked her down with each step she took. The sun was also beating onto her, small beads of sweat gathering upon her forehead. She didn't voice any discomfort or pain, even if it was reflected in her eyes.
By the time they reached the top of the staircase, Adeline was ready to take a nap. But her racing heart like thunder in the sky, furiously kept her wide awake.
"Oh my," she breathed out.
Adeline didn't think these many people were present inside of the church. Every influential member of society was present, from the Prime Minister to governors and delegations from other nations.
Everyone rose at the sight of the King and Queen, their eyes slightly lowered but also observing them. The music was low and rhythmic, but majestic like a hero walking through an empty battlefield.
The music ended and was replaced with dead silence in the air.
"Breathe," Elias muttered whilst continuing to glance at her. He squeezed her hand in reassurance, knowing she'd have to walk the carpets alone. A seat was already prepared for him to overlook the entire proceedings. His throne was seated upon a raised platform, and he had to trudge there soon.
"I will," she quietly said.
Elias deemed it a satisfying answer. He nodded his head and slowly released her hand. He captured her gaze deeply for the final time and smiled a bit.
Wordlessly, he proceeded down the deep, royal red carpets with every single pair of eyes distracted by him.
Once the King took his seat on his rightful throne, it was time for Adeline to begin her walk. Everyone knew that, for their gaze instantly traveled back to the lone woman.
Adeline drew in a slow, steady breath of air and cleared her mind. She raised her head and set her gaze forward. As the music tempo slightly raised in anticipation, she began her walk.
Adeline strutted carefully. Each step was powerful and impactful as the next, showing little hesitation or rush. It was the perfect tempo that matched the music perfectly.
The archbishop was waiting in the center of the path to the throne. Presented with him were his trusted people, each baring important instruments for the coronation.
Adeline came to an appropriate stop before the archbishop. The archbishop was a solemn-faced man, with wrinkled skin, but hair was white as snow. Sun marks peppered his face, softening it slightly. Crows feet were seen besides his eyes, indicating he often wore a smile.
"Your Benevolent Grace, The Queen of Wraith, if you will," the archbishop announced.
A young boy stepped forward, holding a gold tray with a single leather book. There were no writings on it, but the silver and red strings tying it shut indicated exactly what it was.
Adeline placed her right hand upon the book and recited the words she had spent all week memorizing.
"The words of honor I vow before the nation, I will upkeep and pledge, for broken promises will dawn my ruination before the nation."
The young boy quietly stepped back, and in came another, standing in the same spot as him. In his hand was a silver tray with a contract and an inked quill pen.
Adeline lifted the feather quill, the writing instrument outdated but maintained by tradition. She signed her name on the contract and the boy was gone. This time, the archbishop himself came forward, accompanied by two young women dressed in white.
"Your Grace," the young women said in unison, dipping low for her.
Adeline nearly gulped at the sight of the objects presented before her. One of the women held a tray with the golden Monarch Orb. A thick band of diamonds and rubies went around the orb, with a golden crown embedded at the top. A silver cross lined with tiny pearls sat on top of the crown.
In the other woman's tray was the Royal Sceptre. The sceptre was made entirely of gold, with one of the world's largest diamonds embedded at the top. Thin, elegant bands of gold held the diamond in place, before spiraling downwards. Every jewel imaginable could be seen, but what caught the eyes were the pigeon blood ruby wrapped in a band of gold.
"If you will, Your Grace," the archbishop stated.
Adeline took that as the signal. She held out her hands. The orb was placed upon her left hand, and the scepter in her right. Her arms strained to hold up the incredibly heavy national treasures.
The archbishop stepped forward with the crown. With his gloved hands, he lifted the silver crown off the satin pillow that rested on a podium. An enormous ruby was the centerpiece of the elaborate swirling silver design. Diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls embedded every inch of the royal crown meant for no one but the Queen of Wraith herself.
Adeline was mindful of the orb. Her palm was so sweaty from anxiety, that she was worried it'd slip right off of her hand. That would be disastrous.
Finally, the silver crown was settled upon her head. It wasn't as heavy as her robe, but the weight it carried was equivalent to that of a mountain.
Adeline rose to her full height, her chin steadied, and her gaze set forward. She opened her mouth and recited the vows from the heart.
"Before the great book of wisdom, the keeper of the royal law; the most valuable piece of Wraith, I swear to be mindful of the government and the justice we offer."
The archbishop opened the book and began to recite the many lines required of him. It started with "Oh divine heaven, grant upon our benevolent Queen the soul of wisdom and spirit of the government," and ended with "may our peace ring true, and our devotion deep like the seven oceans."
Once the last phrase was said, everyone stepped back to the sidelines. The path was cleared for the Queen.
Adeline set her eyes forward, breathed in deeply, and headed for the throne. With each step, her heart skipped, her blood fueled with nerves. But she forced herself to be still and composed.
This coronation was supposed to happen the day she turned eighteen, except the setting would've been Kastrem. She kept this thought in her mind, until it was etched into her heart that burned with vengeance.
"You did very well," Elias said the second she was within earshot.
Adeline smiled. She stopped before the throne, taken by surprise. It was the same size as Elias's. His gaze, proud and profound, lingered on her, almost amused that she was questioning this revelation. Had he… ordered a new throne to be built for her? She was certain the chair for the Queen was smaller. Nonetheless, her smile widened.
Wordlessly, Adeline took a seat on the throne, marking a new era for the Empire of Wraith, one that would be prescribed in history books for as long as the world remained sane.