Coronation

After many, many boring conversations, the day had finally arrived for Felix's coronation. Flora knew that she would still need to attend to many guests afterward, but for the first half of today, she was given a break. Given this, Flora decided to treat herself to sleeping in and having a breakfast completely devised of pastries. For the next couple hours, things were going to be good.

When Amelia and Rose returned to dress her in a fitting gown for the event, Flora was disappointed but at least somewhat rested. They carefully draped the exquisite dress around her and tightened the corset around her waist. Flora quite liked this gown. It was a a glorious scarlet ballgown that glimmered like flame come alive. The sleeves were decorated with gold beading trailing from her chest to her wrists. She was bedecked in jewels from head to toe. Flora absolutely ADORED the gown that was fit so only the waist was tight around her figure.

Flora examined herself in the vanity mirrors, admiring the way she looked. She rarely ever felt this confident her appearance and wasn't minding the thought of being seen by others today. Flora smiled as Rose pinned the last bit of hair in place. Her golden hair tumbled down in loose curls, framing her face already adorned with makeup. Lastly, Rose carefully opened a box, decorated itself with gems and gold. Rose gently placed the royal tiara on Flora's head, making sure to secure it to her. Flora had a love hate relationship with the tiara; it was stunning, but it pinched her scalp in an annoying way. Either way, it made her look like the elegant princess she had always aspired to be.

A soft gasp came from Amelia as Flora stood and turned around. Amelia's eyes sparkled as she uttered, "ya look just like a fairy tale yer highness." She spun around to see the back of Flora's dress. "Even yer behind looks like a story."

Rose tisked at Amelia's comment, displeased. However, she didn't say anything, probably because Amelia didn't understand how her words could be misconstrued. Rose finished off the outfit by spraying Flora with a mist of lavender-scented perfume. She examined Flora from head to toe, smiling in approval. Very quietly, she spoke, "your mother would be so proud of you Flora." Her eyes sparkled as tears formed.

Wiping away a stray tear, Flora smiled back at her. She would give anything to have her mother here with her, if only for a moment. Flora lifted her chin high, announcing, "thank you both for your help. I will be going now to meet our new king." Amelia clasped her hands in joy as Flora twirled one last time before leaving the room. Flora would do just about anything for that girl.

As she made her way to the royal chapel, where the coronation would occur, she reflected on the past year. A lot of things had happened since Flora had first entered society. Some things she wished she could forget, but she knew that it was all part of her journey. Prana was finally healing from the war, and with Felix as king, it would prosper. Flora had the utmost confidence in her brother. Yes, he could be a pain in the ass, but she trusted him with her last breath. Things were going to be alright.

She knocked lightly on a nearby door, one she knew Felix would be preparing in. Slowly, she eased the door open and stepped through. She expected to see a flurry of activity with advisors and servants, but it was only Felix seated on a chair looking out the window. He must not have heard her come him, so she gently cleared her throat, causing him to turn. "Hello Felix, how are you doing?" He took one more pensive glance outside and sighed. "Are you nervous?"

Felix looked back at her and flashed a weary smile. "Yes and no." He scratched at his neck and repositioned himself in the chair. "I knew this day would come, just not so soon. It's not as if I haven't been king now for awhile now. This is more of a formality than anything." He tugged on his suit jacket, made from the finest silk and golden thread. It was the same red hue as Flora's dress. Felix's hair was styled backward in a soft swoop, making his hair shimmer like molten gold. He already looked like a king. With their matching outfits and golden hair, they looked like two sides of the same coin. Felix rolled his shoulders. "I feel much better seeing you my sweet baby sister." Flora swatted at his shoulder as she sat next to him. He chuckled, "that is a capitol offense now dear sister."

"Not for another hour dear brother." Flora tried to make light talk to calm her brother's nerves. "Do you know what is for dinner, or more importantly, dessert tonight?"

"You and your sweets Flora." Felix patted her head, careful not to ruin her hair. "I'm sure there will be everything you desire tonight." He stood up, seeming like a mountain over Flora's small stature. Felix looked even more grand than before as he strode to the entryway of the room. "It should be time for you to take your place in the grand hall. The ceremony will be starting soon." Flora stepped towards the door, her heels clicking softly. As she passed Felix, he told her, "and by the way Flora, you look beautiful."

The smile didn't fade from Flora's face as she sat in the front of chapel, awaiting for Felix to walk through the main doors. Almost all of the guests had been seated by the time Flora had arrived, and it took everything in her not to look at those in the crowd. Mostly because she really did not want to see a certain arrogant prince. When the doors opened, all rose to their feet as Felix was announced. He made his way down the isle toward the high priest, staring straight ahead with a determined look. Flora had never been more proud.

When Felix stopped, the priest asked everyone to sit down, and he started on his long spiel. Flora tried to listen in, but after the first ten minutes, her attention span was shot and she zoned out. At one point, Felix kneeled before the priest to take the sacred oath. Her focus was reclaimed when the priest finally said, "Felix Arthur Augustus Premoni, in the mother's name, do you swear to uphold the values of the great country of Prana to the best of your ability?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear to hold Prana to the greatest esteem and service?"

"I swear."

"And do you swear to serve Prana until the end of your days as its king?"

"I swear."

The priest turned around, grabbing a crown off of a pillow presented by another holy man. He placed the crown on top of Felix's head and declared, "as he who holds the royal lineage of Prana and has taken the oath before its people and the sacred mother, I present you as King Felix Arthur Agustus Premoni!"

The chapel erupted in applause as Felix stood, facing the audience. His expression was stoic as he walked back down the isle to cheers of "Mother bless the king! Mother bless the king! Mother bless the king!" The noise didn't die down until well after Felix had disappeared behind the doors.

Flora gathered herself and stood up before the guests. Standing right below the main dais that Felix came off of, she cleared her throat and announced with as much volume as she could muster, "Thank you all for attending the coronation of his majesty, King Felix Premoni. If you will, please head towards the grand hall so that we can begin the feast to celebrate this holy day." She exited through the doors, the guests following suit. Flora endured the stares as they all snaked through the halls toward the dining area. She kept reminding herself that this was all for Felix, and she would be rewarded with desserts in all due time.

Eventually, everyone was seated at their respected tables, and Felix was again announced into the room, causing everyone to stand and bow. He took his place at the head table and shouted for all to hear, "Let us all celebrate and let the feast begin!" As soon as Felix sat down, servants rushed out to start serving the guests.

Flora looked around the grand table at all of the royal officials and prominent figures. To Flora's displeasure, she was seated next to Prince Andrei on one side of her. Thankfully, Flora was seated next to her brother. It was unusual, but Felix had requested it. Who was going to tell him no? She decided that she would direct all of her attention at her brother, the new king, and avoid talking to the prince if possible. Flora turned toward her brother as a plate was placed before him, full of steaming food. She smiled brightly as she asked, "how does it feel to be king, your majesty?"

Felix responded rather lively, "quite interesting I must say princess." Before the conversation could go any further, his attention was drawn elsewhere at the table. It seemed like everyone at the table was trying to get his attention. Flora resigned to stay silent and listen to the conversation for the rest of the night if she couldn't talk to her brother.

A smooth voice sounded on her other side, "enjoying your evening princess?"

Flora couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes as she turned towards the prince, refusing to make eye contact with him. "Yes, your highness," she said shortly. Why did he even feel the need to talk to her? He had made it VERY clear that he hated both her and Prana. She probably wouldn't ever understand him.

"Here," he purred, handing her a filled glass, "you should probably stick to water tonight." Her head snapped to look into the prince's eyes, giving him a glare strong enough to melt iron. Her apparent irritation only fueled his sly smile. "I'm only trying to look out for your health princess."

Sure, she thought, he was SO worried about her health after he shoved drinks down her throat all night. Prince Andrei could go to hell. The prince obviously toying with her emboldened her even more. "I'm flattered your highness." When she opened her mouth again, she made sure that only the prince could hear, "I see now that the Leostan reputation becomes you." Flora made sure he heard the bite in her words.

Prince Andrei shifted subtly closer to her, irked. "I would watch yourself princess. Insulting Leosta is a dangerous move."

Quite frankly, Flora didn't care. She was still a little afraid of the prince, considering all of the things she had heard about the Usoros, and the prince's behavior had all but confirmed her suspicions. However, she was no longer going to let the prince insult her home. "So your highness can insult Prana with every breath, but I can't give you a compliment?" Flora definitely didn't mean her comment as a compliment. "It seems as if opening our home to your highness was a burden to you." She grabbed a napkin and dabbed at her face delicately, purposely taking her time. "I hope that you don't have to endure much more." Flora started cutting into some fresh carrots glazed with honey and plopped them into her mouth. That's right Prince Andrei, she thought, you can leave now.

To Flora's surprise, the prince snorted in response. Apparently he found something in what she said to be humorous. "I appreciate your kind words princess." He refilled her water glass before a servant could reach it, garnering a look from Flora. "I suppose we should try to get along with each other, considering the situation."

His last comment confused Flora a bit. Was he referring to the dinner? After taking a sip of the water she replied, "yes, it's probably best to get along on such a special day." Would he just stop talking to her already?

Prince Andrei lifted an eyebrow in question. "You mean he hasn't told you?" He gave her a knowing look that got on her nerves.

"I'm afraid I don't know what you are referring to."

"Ah," the prince countered, "this should be interesting."

Flora tried to get the prince to explain, but he wouldn't answer any of her questions directly. What was this thing that he knew about but she didn't? Eventually, she gave up and spent the rest of the night avoiding Prince Andrei's attention. She could at least enjoy some fruity beverages and sweets. At the end of the feast, hours after it had started, she was full enough to tide her over for months. It was such a relief to finally ditch the celebration and get some rest. Hopefully she wouldn't have to see the prince again.