Let’s give them a performance

"Your Highness."

I turn around, interrupted from my quiet musings.

"General. What brings you here to my residence? My coronation is in ten hours. I don't see what the rush is."

The general studies me with his cold blue eyes. It's unnerving, especially since the General is a formidable person. Formidable enough for my great-granduncle to allow him to openly challenge him in court debates.

The power to do that resides with the General and the General alone. No one has ever spoken to the king as brazenly as he has, and no one ever will again.

"Your Highness, the kingdom of Luna wishes to meet their new queen soon. Helios, Arawn, and Aurora have also sent emissaries to attend. This calls for very carefully proceeding with your ascending to the throne."

I turn away, considering his words carefully.

It is true.

The coronation is basically a political playing field. One wrong move and I might end up as the queen who only ruled for a day before dissent spread in her court.

I made my decision.

"Tell the officials and nobles to gather in the court. We will discuss my reign as queen."

"Yes, Your Highness."

He turns to leave as I wonder about what's going to happen. If I make a good impression on the officials and nobles and win their respect, my rule will be prosperous. If I make an impression of incompetence, my nightmares will only have just begun.

I still have to memorise the speech that the officials have given me to regale to the public. A whole piece of paper talking about how I will learn from the mistakes of the previous rulers and make Luna prosperous and so on and so forth. It doesn't sit right with me.

"Your Highness. I have assembled them all. They are waiting for you."

I turn towards him. My twelve personal maids, advisor, caretaker, and bodyguard follow me.

It's time to face the people who will either let me live my days in peace or let my days be filled with misery.

Face to face with the court doors, I take in a deep but unnecessary breath.

I nod to the guards.

"The Crown Princess Malai!"

They push open the doors ushering me forward to face a crowd of people who say as one:

"We welcome our superior!"