xxviii

The whole castle seemed to be in overdrive trying to make sure that everything was perfect for Ophelia's coronation. The servants went ran through the castle, finishing some last minute touches.

Ophelia herself was in her room, sitting in the bathtub full of hot water as Anaieese scrubbed every inch of Ophelia that she could. Once finished, Ophelia slipped underneath the water, closing her eyes and holding her breath.

She stayed, and thought. She worried, and wondered. Once Ophelia's lungs felt like they were going to explode, she broke through the surface of the water, sucking in deep breaths.

"Here's your towel, Ophelia. I'll be in your closet, gathering your dress." Anaieese bowed, leaving the bathroom for Ophelia to get out of the bathtub.

She wrapped the soft, fluffy towel around her soaked body and made her way towards the closet. Anaieese walked out, holding a crimson gown. Ophelia sucked in a breath, admiring the way the light bounced off of the multitude of rhinestones. Anaieese hung the dress up on the hook on the room divider before turning back into the closet.

She walked back out, holding onto a large red and black item. She dropped it, allowing the fabric to unfurl and land on the ground. Slowly, Ophelia reached out and ran her hand over the velvet-like cape. "Oh, wow..." Ophelia trailed off, one hand holding up the towel, the other one fully gripping the cape.

"Ophelia, it's time to get ready," Anaieese said, bowing her head and gently moved past her and hung up the cape. "Everyone's going to love to see their new queen in this dress."

Ophelia smiled and stepped behind the room divider, stepping into a pair of skin tight undergarments and allowed the towel to drop to the floor and pulled the undergarments around her hips.

Anaieese grabbed the corset from the small table to beside the room divider and wrapped it around Ophelia's torso. Ophelia walked to the bedpost and held onto it, allowing Anaieese to lace it up.

Once finished, Anaieese grabbed the dress and positioned it to where the neck hole would hover over the top of Ophelia's head before sticking it over. Ophelia worked her arms through the sleeves and Anaieese pulled the dress the rest of the way down before zipping it up.

Anaieese and Ophelia both turned back to the room divider. Anaieese unbuttoned the cape and moved it to put it around her neck. She buttoned it and fixed the cape around her shoulders and smiled.

"Perfect." Anaieese whispered and ushered Ophelia to sit at the vanity before starting to work on her hair, curling it until it was perfectly placed around her head. She pulled the sections of her bangs to the back of her head and pinned it.

Anaieese grabbed the makeup and started smoking out Ophelia's waterline. Once she was finished, Ophelia looked into the mirror, and was at a loss for words.

"I've never felt so... beautiful." Ophelia murmured, studying her face. Anaieese smiled and gently patted Ophelia's shoulder and smiled lovingly at her.

"You are beautiful. Now, let's get your beautiful self up and out the door. Your people are ready to see their queen."

Ophelia nodded and stood up, turned and wrapped Anaieese into a tight hug and whispered a soft 'thank you'. Anaieese patted her back gently and smiled.

Ophelia pulled away and reached down to grab the shoes she was permitted to wear and slipped them onto her feet.

I've got this

Ophelia steeled her nerves and walked towards the bedroom door and walked to the grand staircase - which was directly outside the throne room. Her shoes echoed off of the high roof and walls, and the guards standing outside the throne room pulled open the door.

The sound echoed through the hall, causing everyone to turn and look. Caspian was the last one to look up.

Although this was her coronation, Ophelia looked ready for their wedding. She stepped forward, slowly. The cape drug the ground, and gave the air of importance. The citizens looked on in awe.

Ophelia made her way down the aisle, looking towards Kahlil, who smiled encouragingly. Ophelia finished walking up the aisle and bowed to Kahlil, who bowed back.

"We gather here today to pass the crown officially to our Queen, Ophelia." Kahlil started. The citizens smiled happily.

Kahlil turned and picked up a golden staff and turned back towards Ophelia. He held the staff towards her, waiting for her to hold out her hands. Ophelia did, palms towards the roof. Kahlil set the staff in her hands and Ophelia wrapped her hands around it tightly before turning and facing the crowd.

"Long live Queen Ophelia!"

Ophelia raised her head up and turned back to face Kahlil. She gave back the staff and knelt down. "The gods bear witness to this pass in power. From a fallen king to a strong standing queen." Kahlil grabbed the crown: golden with sparkling diamonds. Ophelia closed her eyes and looked towards Kahlil's feet.

"I hereby announce," Kahlil placed the crown on Ophelia's head and stepped back. "Queen Ophelia!" Ophelia stood up and turned, facing the crowd.

They clapped and smiled. Caspian walked up beside her and led her down the aisle. Before she could fully leave the Throne room, however, she turned back around and smiled at every one of them. "Please, join me in the dining hall."

The crowd rose from their seats, surprised at the sudden invitation. Ophelia and Caspian led them to the dining hall, instructing them to sit anywhere they'd like. As soon as Ophelia and Caspian sat down, servers immediately started bringing food to the tables.

After everyone was served, Caspian stood up and held a glass of champagne in the air. He called out and gathered everyone's attention.

"Let's make a toast: To our new Queen!" Caspian looked down at Ophelia and smiled, raising her glass slightly and bringing it up to her lips and drank. Everyone repeated the toast and drank.

Caspian sat back down and lightly nudged Ophelia's shoulder. Ophelia smiled and looked out at her people.

This is where I belong.

---

That night, Ophelia sat down in front of her vanity and wiped the make up from her face. Ophelia saw movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned.

"Yuki." Ophelia sighed and turned back to the mirror, wiping at her face once more. Yuki sauntered into the room, looking slightly bored.

"I see you didn't listen to me." Yuki stated, looking at her nails. Ophelia shrugged. "I'm not giving you the crown just so you can torment my people." Ophelia looked at Yuki, tossing the makeup wipe on the vanity and pushed out of the seat.

"You should've given the crown over. Now you have a war on your hand."

Yuki turned and left the room, disappearing with a cold wind.