It's been a week since the battle with the Blighted Lands, and life was slowly going back to normal. The fallen had been mourned, and armies returned to the capital or their respective bases under the noble houses. The danger seemed to be fended off for a time with a new natural barrier between the Blighted Lands and Lamyria.
And so, the people turned to do what they loved the most – celebrating.
The ballroom in the palace was full to bursting. Even the nobles from the farthest corners of the kingdom gathered here today to witness yet another coronation. Some might think that the thing would get tedious with the last one happening three years ago. But excited whispers and hardly contained agitation were clear indicators that people adored such an exquisite occasion to show up at the royal court and confirm just how significant their presence was for the kingdom.
Skylar was standing at the podium next to Gawyn, trying to listen to Chamberlain droning on about the monarch's responsibility. But she couldn't focus on what the man was saying, as her thoughts were still lingering on what happened barely a few days back.
She didn't expect to be here.
She didn't expect to see the palace and this ballroom again.
And yet, here she was, standing at the very centre of this enormous chamber, looking over the most important people in the kingdom. A few months ago, the sole thought of being in this place and having all those eyes on her would petrify her. But not anymore. She was aware that not many of those eyes were friendly, and most of the smiles were fake, but it didn't bother her. After everything that happened, she knew it was just something that she had no way of changing. But she could work on other things that would perhaps change some of the people's minds in the future.
She reached out and laced her fingers with Gawyn's. He looked down at her, a question in his eyes. She just smiled and squeezed his hand.
"And so, without further ado," Chamberlain boomed, his deep low voice echoing through the vast chamber. "Let's greet your new monarch! Aliyah Gryphonheart, step forward!"
Aliyah raised her chin and walked gracefully to the centre of the dais with a beautiful smile on her face. Her hair seemed even bluer than before, but her dress was more traditional this time, no doubt thanks to Gawyn's never-ending nagging. But even though she might look exotic, there was no doubt Aliyah was a Gryphonheart.
When the Chamberlain was putting a crown on her bowed head, Skylar noticed how striking her resemblance to late Alarat was. If she had left her hair in her natural colour, she would probably saw it earlier. She couldn't help but smile seeing the faces of some of the nobles, who weren't as proficient in wearing their court masks yet. The new Queen was certainly sensational and not what most of them were expecting. But then, none of the noble houses protested when her candidature was proposed.
"Long live the Queen!" Chamberlain bellowed, and the ballroom erupted with loud cheers that shook even the crystal chandeliers on the high ceiling.
***
The party was as lavish and as elaborate as anyone could dream of. The food was a never-ending stream of delicacies, and the most famous performers from Lamyria and other countries came to entertain the crowds. There were so many musicians they were changing every hour. Gawyn, of course, was appalled when they were preparing it, but Aliyah was even more stubborn than him, and Skylar had to admit that she was even better than her at handling the grumpy General. The bottom line was, after the rough couple of months, the people deserved to have some fun.
At some point, Skylar and Gawyn found themselves on the dancefloor, and it was the first moment that evening that they could talk without bothering with mingling and making polite small talk with others.
"So, tell me," Skylar said, looking up at him with a smile. "Weren't you tempted to take the crown? Even for a moment?"
"Not a chance." Gawyn scoffed. "I'm a soldier, not a politician." Skylar laughed, and he frowned. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing. It's just, I said the exact same words to Rori before we were married, and I was going to join the royal court."
"Huh. We are a good match then," Gawyn said with a smirk. "Truth be told, I would make a terrible king. I couldn't be the General if I accepted the crown. And, honestly, no one could replace me in this position."
"Oh, someone's ego is so inflated it will blow up any second now. What about me? I could be a general!"
Gawyn laughed. "In your dreams, Lieutenant."
"Just you watch me. There will come the day when I will replace you. I'm sure Aliyah will be thrilled with this idea."
"I have no doubt she will. I knew you two would be fast friends. Both of you just love making my life difficult."
"That we do. But I must say, I was surprised you were so quick to offer your sister a crown. I thought you sent her off to Torringland because you didn't know what to do with her."
"That's true," he admitted and was silent for a while, choosing his words carefully. "Aliyah is a very peculiar person. But she is brave and stubborn and unyielding when she needs to be. We tried to follow traditions for the longest time, and we have all seen how it ended. Surprisingly, I do think that she will be a breath of fresh air for Lamyria. And her connection to Torringland, especially to the young prince who was leading the Winged Cavalry, gives us good prospects for the future."
Skylar raised her brows. "You? Supporting a union with someone outside of the kingdom? I think we will see our horses sprouting wings soon!"
"Very funny. As I said, a lot has happened in those last few months. For example, I would never believe our marriage will ever work out, yet here we are."
Skylar smiled and squeezed his hand gently. "Indeed, who would have thought?"
They danced in silence, savouring this perfect moment of peace and closeness. When the song ended, and they reluctantly pulled away to get back to mingling, Skylar asked. "How is Elinora doing?"
Gawyn stiffed visibly like he always did when the former Queen's name was mentioned. "She still hasn't said a word. But her trial will start next week after Aliyah settles in."
"I still can't believe you didn't kill her. If I was strong enough to wield a sword at that moment, I don't think I could stop myself."
"It wasn't easy." Gawyn sighed, propping his glasses up his nose. "After what she did, I would gladly stab her black heart myself. But it wasn't the right thing to do. She will have a fair trial, and there is no chance she will escape justice. We'll have to wait a little longer to see it done."
Skylar wrapped her arm around his waist and hugged him. "I love you."
"Why?" he asked mockingly.
"Because you are you. Because when I first saw you, I thought you were a pompous prick, but you are not. I'm glad I married you."
"You'd better be. I gave you half of my soul, you know. That surely scored me some points, hm?"
Skylar snorted with laughter. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. But seriously, are you not afraid we might just not wake up tomorrow? Or the day after?"
"I don't have time to bother with such things." He shrugged. "Our esteemed new Queen will do plenty of work for us in no time, of which you may be sure."
"So, no regrets then?" Skylar asked with a shy smile.
Gawyn smiled back. Such a bright and honest smile was rare on his usually cold and solemn face. "Never." He kissed her brow. "You swore to be with me till death do us part. I'm not letting you slip away so easily."
Skylar laughed and kissed him.
The End
Author's note:
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