Butterfly Effect

49. My Dear Melancholy

Suddenly, it felt damningly real.

The weight of the truth crashed down upon Jana, suffocating any semblance of denial or escape.

The world, once blurred and distant, sharpened into crystal clarity, exposing the harshness of her circumstances. Every heartbeat echoed with the resounding truth that she could no longer ignore or evade.

She was about to become Queen of a nation. This was it.

Every moment of her life being controlled by the men around her was about to be changed.

Resting her weary frame against the throne, she gazed out onto the buzzing room, it was filled to the brim. Faces she did not even recognise, important leaders, the highest powers in the United Nations were surrounding the big room.

A symphony of orchestra drifted on the bustling room, their cheerful melodies echoing in the distance. Yet, within the depths of her being, her emotions stood in stark contrast to the idyllic scene before her.

In a peculiar twist of fate, the atmosphere mimicked her gloomy state, as if the very essence of nature conspired against her own inner turmoil. Truly, there was no better word to encapsulate her current state of mind than melancholy.

She knew she looked breathtakingly beautiful, she had spent most of the morning being fussed over like a doll. Her traditional gown was gold, made with intricate craftsmanship and floor length.

Jana was in the same mood as she recited her vows and promises to the kingdom of Egypt, an air of her compassion for her people spreading throughout the room.

People seemed to accept her with open arms, finding her to be an extraordinary addition as royal highness.

When her suit clad King that had been reassuring her every step of the way turned to pick up the crown that was brought to him by a manservant on a thick velvet cushion with golden tassels, she felt that melancholy reach an all time low.

In that moment, she titled her head backwards and suddenly her eyes met with those of the very man she could not stop seeking out for, standing in the crowd, not far from the exit.

He didn't seem very interested in watching her big crowning moment, his face buried into a nameless princess's ear.

She couldn't even find joy in her precious crown, the only crown to hold such a precious diamond.

"You ready, my love?" His whisper was for her ears only, bringing her attention back to reality.

"Huh?" She blinked, perplexed for a moment.

Julian gave her a look that spoke of his confusion and he looked at the crown, nodding at it. "It's time. You've done so well, and this is the last thing left to do before everything is official. You sure this is what you want? Everyone will understand if you feel like it is too much pressure."

She knew he was trying to be polite but it sounded rather insulting.

Why was he so desperate for her to change her mind?

Suspicions grew as a frown etched onto her features. "Uh, no. I'm fine, honestly. I just got lost in my thoughts there, but I promise, I'm ready."

"Okay, darling. But please, if at any moment you feel as if you're making a mistake, you'll let me know, oui."

"Julian," she murmured softly, her brows knitting together, "why are you trying to make me doubt my decision? What's gotten into you?"

He cleared his throat, knowing he had over stepped and whispered his apology. "I don't mean it. I'm just on edge today and I want to make sure you're okay."