The grand hall of Castoria had never seen such a gathering of powerful people. Kings, queens, dukes, and ambassadors from distant lands had come to honor the newly crowned King Joseph and Queen Angela, and to congratulate them on the birth of their daughter, Princess Beatrice. The air was filled with the scent of exotic spices and perfumes from foreign guests, blending with the familiar smells of Castoria's roses and incense.

Angela sat beside Joseph on their thrones, looking every bit the queen, though her expression was calm and composed. Her hands rested gently in her lap, but her mind was split between the ceremony and her newborn daughter, who was waiting in the royal nursery.

The first to step forward was King Alaric of Valeria, a stout man with silver beard. He bowed deeply, his heavy robes brushing the floor.

"Your Majesties," he said, his voice strong. "Valeria sends its warmest congratulations on your coronation and on the birth of your daughter. May her life be long and prosperous, and may your reign bring peace and stability to Castoria."

King Joseph nodded respectfully. "We thank you, King Alaric. Your words honor us, and we hope the friendship between our nations will continue to grow."

Queen Angela also nodded, though the weight of the crown reminded her of the responsibilities she now carried—both as queen and as mother.

Next came King Louis of France, a tall man with piercing eyes and a regal bearing. Draped in deep blue silks adorned with the fleur-de-lis, he approached with the elegance of one born to rule.

"Votre Majesté," [Your Majesty] he began, his voice smooth and deliberate. "La France est honorée de féliciter Castoria pour l'ascension au trône de Sa Majesté le Roi Joseph et de la Reine Angela, ainsi que pour la naissance de la princesse Béatrice."
["France is honored to congratulate Castoria on the ascension of His Majesty King Joseph and Queen Angela to the throne, and on the birth of Princess Beatrice."]

He motioned for his attendants to bring forward the gifts: a tapestry woven with golden threads, depicting the union of Clovis and Clotilde, symbolizing divine right and duty; a chest of rare jewels—sapphires and diamonds—and a golden scepter encrusted with rubies.

"En outre," Louis continued, "je vous offre cette couronne de laurier, symbole de la victoire et de la gloire. Que votre règne soit marqué par la sagesse et la justice."
["In addition, I offer you this laurel wreath, a symbol of victory and glory. May your reign be marked by wisdom and justice."]

King Joseph responded with a smile. "Nous vous remercions, roi Louis. Les présents que vous apportez témoignent de la grandeur de votre royaume et de l'amitié entre nos nations."
["We thank you, King Louis. Your gifts are a testament to the greatness of your kingdom and the friendship between our nations."]

Angela's voice was warm and sincere as she added, "Merci, roi Louis. Que la paix et l'amitié entre nos nations durent pour toujours."
["Thank you, King Louis. May peace and friendship between our nations endure forever."]

King Louis offered a knowing smile, his eyes briefly assessing Angela's resolve. "Que Dieu vous bénisse, reine Angela, et que votre règne soit béni par la prospérité."
["God bless you, Queen Angela, and may your reign be blessed with prosperity."]

Next entered King John, from a Latin-speaking kingdom, clad in regal armor. His voice, fluent in Latin, resonated with respect.

King John: "Regi Iosepho et Reginae Angelae, longaevum regnum vobis precor. Hic sunt dona mea, symbola fidei et fraternitatis."
["To King Joseph and Queen Angela, I wish you a long reign. Here are my gifts, symbols of faith and brotherhood."]

To Angela's surprise, Joseph replied in equally fluent Latin.

Joseph: "Gratias ago, mi amice. Tua dona magnifici sunt, et fidelitas tua nobis cara. Pax sit inter regna nostra."
["Thank you, my friend. Your gifts are magnificent, and your loyalty is dear to us. May there be peace between our kingdoms."]

Angela nudged him playfully.

Angela: "Well, Joseph, I didn't know you could speak Latin so well. Have you been keeping this secret from me?"

Joseph chuckled and leaned closer to her.

Joseph: "Not all secrets are meant to last forever, my dear wife."

Before Angela could respond, her sister Eliana, Queen Consort of Greece, entered with her husband. Angela's face lit up as she rushed to embrace her.

Angela: "Sister! It's such a joy to see you here!"

Eliana, dressed just as regally, returned the embrace warmly.

Eliana: "Πώς θα μπορούσα να λείπω; Σου φέρνω τους καλύτερους υπηρέτες μου, για να σε βοηθήσουν."
["How could I not be here? I bring you the best of my servants, to help you."]

The two spoke briefly in Greek, but Eliana's tone became more serious as she leaned in.

Eliana: "Are you really okay with giving up so much power to Joseph? A king's will not be always kind."

Angela, confident in her decision, smiled.

Angela: "Don't worry, sister. I trust Joseph completely. He's a just man, and this is the right choice."

Eliana sighed but didn't argue further.

Eliana: "Very well but remember this: once a queen gives away her power, it's rarely given back."

Angela shrugged off the concern, her trust in Joseph unwavering, as the celebrations continued.

To Be Continue.....