Before Sierra could respond or begin to process Vy’s advice, another knock on the door interrupted them. It was ti for the coronation ceremony to begin. Sierra checked one final ti with the royal guards.
There were still no updates or news on King Alistair’s arrival.
Sierra pursed her lips.
"Your Majesty, would you like to delay the ceremony?" Ida asked.
Everyone looked to Sierra, awaiting her response. A part of her wanted to do so. She wanted Alistair to bear witness to her crowning. He was the most important person in her life and she wanted to share the mont with him.
But she also knew he wouldn’t want her to hold things off just for his sake.
"No need, we will proceed as per usual," Sierra declared.
When no one was looking she sighed, and whispered to herself, "Hopefully he would be in ti for what cos after."
After putting the final touches on her coronation gown, Sierra was ready to step out of the room. Vy, Dygo, and Ida followed closely behind in the procession as they made their way to the throne room, where the ceremony would take place.
Vy and Dygo moved on ahead so that they could be seated in the hall before the ceremony began. When it was Sierra’s turn to approach the throne room doors, she looked up as her heart pounded in her chest.
The large carved oak wood doors felt so foreign to her at that mont. Sierra steadied her breathing as she wiped her hands on her dress. It was ti for her to shine.
"Announcing the arrival of Sierra Bancroft! Our future Queen!" The announcer declared as trumpets began to blare.
The doors opened. All the guests in the throne room got up from their seats and turned to face Sierra as she walked down the aisle. A master of ceremony was at the end of the carpeted aisle, standing before a podium.
Sierra walked carefully. Her chest swelled with happiness and pride as she walked. She glanced over at all of her friends and family who had co to show their support. When she got to the front, she was a little disappointed to see Alistair’s spot empty.
She thought perhaps he might be there to surprise her, but he wasn’t there. She did not let that show on her face as she stopped before the podium. The master of ceremony greeted her warmly before addressing everyone present.
"We’re gathered here today for a montous occasion. The crowning of a new monarch. In Cair’s long history, there had never been a female monarch. Today, we witness history in the making.
The songs that have yet to be written or sung, would talk about this day for years to co."
As she concluded her opening speech, the master of ceremony brought out a book. She instructed Sierra to place her hand on it, and she did as she was told.
"As those before you have done, Sierra Bancroft, your hand now rests on the Sacred text of Cair. Declare your oath to all!"
Sierra held up her other hand as she began to recite the commitnts she had written and morized.
"I, Sierra Bancroft, the first of my na, shall from this day forth serve as the Monarch of the Kingdom of Cair. I promise to keep the peace. To the people. To better the lives of my people regardless of the differences that separate us from each other.
For this, I swear to perform and keep. From now, till the end of my days, I pledge."
The master of ceremony gave Sierra a nod, before proceeding.
"Do you swear to protect all the citizens of Cair?"
"I solemnly swear," she responded as her heart pounded in her chest.
Sierra removed her hand from the sacred text and put down her other hand. She knelt down before the master of ceremony as instructed and bowed her head low. A servant ca forward with a chest in his hands.
With great care, the master of ceremony opened the chest and revealed a stunning simple circlet. Unfortunately, the original crown of the monarch had disappeared during the unrest.
As such, Sierra had a new piece made. The circlet was decorated with tiny shimring diamonds and sapphires adorning the main fra, with twists and platinum to hold it all in place.
"With this circlet, your duty to the kingdom of Cair is sealed forever more."
Sierra held out her hands, knowing what ca next.
The master of ceremony produced a long sword from a sheath, resulting in a collective gasp from the crowd.
The Protector of Cair was a weapon unlike any other. Only the ruling Monarch of Cair was allowed to wield it. Once the monarch holds it in their hands, it would take the form of the weapon best suited to the holder.
"Protector, the Kingdom bestows upon you the sacred weapon. May it serve you well in your ti of need and aid you on your journey to safeguard our Kingdom."
She placed the sword on Sierra’s hands. A bright glow of light flooded the throne room, causing everyone to look away or cover their eyes. When the light finally subsided, Sierra held in her hands a pair of swords.
"Rise! Queen Sierra! Rise!" The master of ceremony beckoned with excitent.
Emotions were running high in the throne room as Sierra rose to her feet. She turned to face the crowd. They too had risen to their feet.
"It is with great honor that we introduce Queen Sierra, first of her na! Long may she reign!"
"Hail Queen Sierra!"
"Long may she reign!"
"Long may she reign!"
The entire throne room echoed in unison. Sierra bead with pride. Euphoria fueled her as she smiled. As she glanced over to the empty seat in the front of the hall, her lips quivered for a flicker of a second.
The love of her life was still nowhere to be seen.
With the coronation ceremony complete, Sierra officiated her first celebration as Queen. Her own coronation party. While her guests proceeded to the ballroom for the festivities, Sierra left the castle for a brief mont to greet her subjects as their Queen.
The carriage was already prepared for her, awaiting her arrival. However, as she was about to get on, Sierra looked over to the plush cushioned seats. She felt a bout of overwhelming loneliness. Alistair should have been here with her. Yet they still had not received any word.
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