We practiced the coronation three times today before we called it quits. I can’t wait until tomorrow when we do it for real. The only difference between the practice and the real deal is the clothing we will be wearing. We all have to be decked out in our royal attire. Yikes. I get to introduce Anthony to his new outfit courtesy of Uncle Vladimir; I hope he likes it.
Since the coronation is tomorrow at noon, security has been tightened at all our borders for the night. We are being extra careful just in case the ‘wanna-be’ kingdom wants to attack tonight. I was told if an attack happened tonight, I was to go to the safe room. I am not allowed to go to the battle unless I am directly attacked. I reluctantly agreed. I am after all a trained warrior who can defend the kingdom. But who am I? I will follow the orders of my King.
We settled in at Uncle Vladimir’s villa for the night. We were, but hopefully weren’t, expecting any trouble tonight while everyone slept. It was as if the whole kingdom was holding its breath as they slept.
Anthony made sure to set up the bassinet next to our bed so I wouldn’t worry about Austin. Then, being the best mate ever, he cuddled and held me all night long as we tried to sleep. Sleep came in bursts for me last night. I couldn’t stay asleep for longer than two hours at a time. Something was nagging me in the back of my mind and I couldn’t put my finger on it.
When morning finally came, it was like the kingdom heaved a huge sigh of relief. We all went about our business of getting ready for the coronation while remaining on alert. My gown and crown were at the castle waiting for me to put on.
We all had a quick breakfast and filed into our perspective vehicles to go to the castle. When we arrived, we had to go through the same vehicle inspection to ensure that we were not a threat to our own kingdom.
I was able to go see Sophia when we arrived. I wanted to check on her to make sure she was okay.
“Hey, how are you doing today? Are you nervous?” I asked Sophia as I hugged her tightly. I knew she was nervous because I felt it through the hug.
“Yes, I am. Although not as much as I thought I would be. Mason’s been great though. He’s been sending calming and loving sensations through the mate bond to me. Are you still helping me with my hair and makeup?” inquired Sophia as she released me from our hug.
“I thought those plans changed yesterday. But I would love to help you with your hair and makeup like you did me. Hey, you got this. You’ve been trained to do this,” I reassured her as she sat down at her vanity.
“I know but I don’t want to disappoint anyone, ya know what I mean,” sniffled Sophia as she gazed into the mirror at her reflection.
“I know what you mean. But I also know that you are more than capable of handling whatever comes your way. And if you need help, you have more than enough people who can assist you and give you guidance along the way. That’s what they’re here for. Use your people, trust your instincts, and you will do just fine. I know it,” I encouraged her as I softly squeezed her shoulder to reassure her.
“Thank you, Melanie. I needed to hear that. I needed to hear that from you. Now, let’s get ready for this coronation shall we?” declared Sophia with a smile on her face.
“Yes, let’s,” I agreed as we began to transform Sophia into the future Queen she was going to be. By the time we were finished, her hair was pulled back away from her face cascading down her back in soft curls from a half twist. Her makeup was kept light and natural per her orders but added dimension to her features. Her sapphire blue eyes were accentuated with eyeliner, a natural eyeshadow, and mascara. Even her lips were kept a natural pink color. She was absolutely beautiful.
All that was left to do was put on our dresses for the coronation. I had to leave so I could finish getting ready myself. I had less than an hour to put my gown and crown on and get something lite to eat before the ceremony began. I was cutting it close.
Everyone was commanded to take their positions for the beginning of the coronation. The color of our gowns were a light beige color with an ivory train as an accent. They were simply beautiful-these gowns were only worn for coronations. Sophia’s gown reminded me of the gown from the Princess Diaries 2 when Queen Amelia was crowned Queen of Genovia. Maybe that was intentional on their part as part of the modernization of the gown. Simply stunning.
We started the procession as we rehearsed. Alpha King Friedrich and Queen Philipa led the procession with Princess Sophia and Prince Mason behind them and so forth. After everyone had processed forward and taken their positions, Elder Allister came forward to begin the ceremony.
Once again, the kingdom held its breath. It’s like we knew something was going to happen during the coronation. The crowning of a King and Queen is similar to an Alpha ceremony except that it goes one step further, you are taking responsibility for an entire region or kingdom not just a pack. You have dignitaries from all over the world in attendance not just from your pack. Alpha King Matthew and Queen Diana were in attendance as were other Alphas from over the different regions of our kingdom and the United States.
“Welcome Alpha King Friedrich, Queen Philipa, Princess Sophia, Prince Mason, Alpha King Matthew, Queen Diana, Duke Vladimir, Dutchess Freya, The European Royal Family, Visiting Alphas from around the world, and distinguished guests to this momentous occasion. Today, we crown a Queen for the first time in over 40 years in Europe. We are happy that you have come to witness this momentous occasion with us,” declared Elder Allister of the High Council of Europe.
In the background, soft music began to play. I started to get the chills up and down my arms. This was it. Sophia was going to be crowned in just a few minutes. Wow.
“Step forward Alpha King Friedrich and Princess Sophia. Alpha King Friedrich please take the knife and cut your palm. Let your blood flow into the chalice,” commanded Elder Allister. Then he handed a cloth to King Friedrich so he could wipe away the extra blood.
“Princess Sophia, do you take the Oath of Queen of your own free will?” demanded Elder Allister.
“I do,” declared Princess Sophia.
“Do you swear to uphold all laws without prejudice, without malice, or forethought, and with the best interest of the Kingdom in the forefront of all decisions, laws, and punishments?” asked Elder Allister.
“Yes, I will do so,” Sophia answered him truthfully.
“Will you protect and defend the Kingdom against all enemies both foreign and domestic to the best of your ability including with your life, if necessary?” asked Elder Allister.
“Yes, I will do so to the best of my ability,” Sophia answered him.
“Will you solemnly promise to govern and support our people according to the laws and customs of our Kingdom?” asked Elder Allister.
“I solemnly promise to do so,” Sophia answered him.
“Now drink the blood of the Alpha King and from henceforth past, present, and future be known as Queen Sophia of the European Kingdom,” declared Elder Allister as he handed Queen Sophia the chalice to drink.
As Sophia drank from the chalice, Uncle Friedrich tilted his head back and howled signifying the change in power and title. The rest of the kingdom and the audience joined in.
Everywhere you looked, smiles and proud expressions were on everyone’s faces. I was so happy for my cousin.
“Queen Sophia, please cut your palm and let your blood flow into the chalice,” commanded Elder Allister.
“Now then, Queen Philipa and Prince Mason please step forward,” commanded Elder Allister.
Then the ceremony looked a lot like Sophia’s except Mason was taking the vows as King Consort.
“Prince Mason, do you take the Oath of King Consort of your own free will?” demanded Elder Allister.
“I do,” answered Mason.
“As King Consort, do you swear to uphold all laws without prejudice, without malice, or forethought, and with the best interest of the Kingdom in the forefront of all decisions, laws, and punishments?” asked Elder Allister.
“Yes, I will do so,” Mason answered him truthfully.
“As King Consort, will you protect and defend the Kingdom against all enemies both foreign and domestic to the best of your ability including with your life, if necessary?” asked Elder Allister.
“Yes, I will do so to the best of my ability,” Mason answered him.
“As King Consort, will you solemnly promise to govern and support our people according to the laws and customs of our Kingdom?” asked Elder Allister.
“I solemnly promise to do so,” Mason answered him.
“Now drink the blood of the Alpha Queen and from henceforth past, present, and future be known as King Consort Mason of the European Kingdom,” declared Elder Allister as he handed King Mason the chalice to drink.
As Mason drank from the chalice, Sophia tilted her head back and howled signifying the joining of power. The rest of the kingdom and the audience joined in.
Just as the howling died down, Queen Sophia and King Mason walked over to their thrones and sat down. Elder Dimitri stood behind Queen Sophia with her crown and Elder Gustav stood behind King Mason with his crown.
As Elder Allister welcomed them to the Kingdom, he placed their crowns upon their heads.
“Welcome Queen Sophia and King Consort Mason. May your reign be long and prosperous for our people,” declared Elder Allister.
Howls and cheers could be heard once again from everyone in attendance and off in the distance.
Queen Sophia stood from her throne and declared in a loud voice, “Thank you all for attending our ceremony. We are delighted that you could join us today. We will have a celebration in the Grand Ballroom. Please join us to help us celebrate this momentous occasion.”
Then, Mason stood next to her and escorted her down the center aisle and out the door. We all followed like we rehearsed. All-in-all, it was the perfect ceremony. It was truly beautiful. I’m glad we didn’t have anything or anyone to interrupt it. Dad said that the perimeter and everything is still secure. Good. I hope it stays that way throughout the day. Sophia and Mason deserve it.