TFL ch 33

The servants hustle, hurriedly trying to prepare us for the coronation ceremony. Thus far, I have not complained despite having to put layer after layer of clothing on and the heat being extremely intense. A haze covers the meadows and streets, yet the hour is still early! I must be thankful however that I do not have to wear Selina's dress. The traditional dress of Rhodenheim is garish and, to me, too much, but Selina smiles and glides about the room as though its heavy weight does not bother her.

"You both look so beautiful!" She exclaims as she inspects our dresses. Leaning conspiratorially in, she says to Gwen, "What do you think Eric will have to say about Amelia's dress?"

"He won't have anything to say. He will stand there, speechless, staring." My cheeks heat up as I blush. Within two weeks, Selina has gone from loathed rival to dear friend. In fact, she chose the emerald green gown that falls elegantly around my legs and the gold pearls woven into my hair. I touch my fingers to the curl behind my ear, something to stop the fluttering inside me. What will Eric think? Will he really like it, as they say?

The cathedral bells clang merrily, almost shouting that the ceremony is to start soon. Selina breathes in deeply. "Come now, Amelia. At least you are not becoming queen today." Her green eyes hold a doubt that is so uncharacteristic of her. Gwen pats her shoulder.

"You have no need to be nervous, either, Selina. You will be a great queen."

"Indeed, she will."

Startled, the three of us spin around to find Queen Elise looking at us, a half-smile on her lips.

"Mother!" Selina dashes over to the queen and crushes her in a hug. Queen Elise returns the hug, her eyes closed in great emotion. I notice the added lines about her eyes and mouth caused by her deep grief. Her chestnut hair is tinged with gray and the air about her holds a heavy weight of fatigue and pain.

"My dearest Selina, I am so proud of you. Truly I have been blessed. With your perceptive eyes and kind heart as ruler, I have no fear for Rhodenheim's future. You will be great and all of the generations following will herald your name for ages to come." She wipes a glistening tear from the corner of her eye.

Then turning to both Gwen and me, she says, "I have been known to... have premonitions. Feelings about the future. Forgive me if I seem presumptuous, but I feel that danger is coming for your country and especially the Lisle house. Miss Terrulet." She pauses. "You will fall beneath a load far greater than you can bear, but you will rise victorious and happy. Not a happily ever after, but ready to face each trial that will come. Princess Guinevere, your life will hold regrets. You will weep and mourn. I do not know why or how, but tragedy will strike. Try to overcome it. Do not succumb to it. You must not."

Gwen's face pales as she hears the words of fore-telling a life of grief. I place my arm around her instinctively and glare at the queen. "Your highness,I—"

Gwen cuts me off. "The letter you found. It must be a part of all this."

The queen steps forward to speak, but the trumpet sounds. It is time for the coronation.

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After the long, tedious ceremony, Selina finally stands before her people, a golden scepter in her hand. The people of Rhodenheim shout and the musicians begin a triumphant song. The trumpets blare and people of all ages chatter. Surely, Selina will help bring prosperity and greatness to these people, who have persevered despite previous hard times. Though peace has reigned in my lifetime, Rhodenheim had gone through many wars with Nivine, the island kingdom just south of Rhodenheim. Lord Bentley had commented this to me, yet my mind was not truly a part of our conversation. The queen's predictions for the future were and still are the focus of my thoughts.

Eric catches my attention as he crosses the room to stand next to me. He ignores the questioning glances from those around as he takes my arm and whispers, "You look beautiful, Amelia." My cheeks flush but he continues, " Something is on your mind other than the coronation, though."

"Nothing important." I reply.

Looking me in the eyes, he firmly says, "If it is important enough to upset you, it is important to me. Tell me."

Once out of the main hall, the words spill out of my mouth, of Lady Elise's cryptic words and of how Gwen felt that the letter I had found must be a part of this. Eric's lips are drawn in a tight line. "Why didn't you tell me about the letter?"

I stammer, unable to think of a plausible excuse.

His teeth clench, the muscles of his neck tightened. Gone is the calm, pleasant look of a lover wooing his sweetheart. In its place stands the form of an angered king, a leader betrayed by his right hand man. Through his teeth, he speaks, "The letter may be the link I need to prove Darby is treasonous. I have several sources that say he has been in contact with Aspenvale's enemies and—"

Eric is cut off by Wilbur von Edgarton's approach. "M-miss T-terrulet, Her highness Queen Selina requests your p-presence."

Before I go, Eric grasps my arm. "We'll speak of this later. And bring it with you."

I nod and leave to attend to the new queen of Rhodenheim.

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Hello lovelies!! I know this chappie is a bit shorter but I felt this was the best length.

What will happen? Do you think there will be a confrontation between Eric and Lord Darby? And what of Gwen's engagement to Sir William Darby? And Elise's predictions??? A life of woe for Gwen???? Sound off in the comments!!!!!!!

Question of the chappie!

What is your favorite eye color on a guy?

A. Blue

B. Brown

C. Green

D. Hazel

For me, it's dark brown... Sounds plain but goodness, big brown eyes work wonders on the feels meter for me. Though green eyes are a big fav of mine too.

Vote!

Comment!

And have a splendid day!!!!