I gasped when I saw myself in the mirror. I twirled around with a wide smile on the face. The intricate designs on the helm of the gown were Lilarian symbols.
Beaded silver at the waist and neckline, the royal blue ball gown flowed to the ground in waves. The long sleeves were net and the bodice lace. My curly hair was wound back to the side of my head in a twisted bun held up by pins.
“Perhaps Victoria is a great fashion designer.” Queen Gabrielle praised and nodded her head at my dress with a slight smile on her face. She also wore Lilarian colors but in an elegant A-line dress.
I laughed lifting the skirt a bit to walk across the room. Not wanting to acknowledge Vickie's expertise in fashion, Queen Gabrielle had reluctantly let her make me the dress.
“Here.” In her hands was a jewel box. She slowly opened it and a jeweled necklace and pair of earrings glowed. I gasped in awe at the silvers that lined the blue diamonds. These are the royal jewels worn by only Queens on very rare occasions.
“I believe you recognize these. The jewels have been passed down from Queen to Queen over the centuries and now, it's yours. Today, you will be crowned Queen of Lilaria and I am entrusting you with them. Anna, keep them safe and pass them down the same way I have done to you.”
She placed the box in the nearest maid's hands and wore the jewels on me. Giddy with excitement, I touched the necklace.
“I won't let you down.” I beamed at her.
“I know. Now the ceremony will start soon and-”
She was cut short by the door which opened. Grandma Penelope walked in baby Elian in her arms. The little man had a firm grip on her dress and a yawn played on his small mouth.
“I see you are wearing the jewels.” Grandma Penelope gave me a stern glare. We don't really get along much.
I nodded while Queen Gabrielle asked, “Is everything alright?”
“Oh. Elian is a good boy except for the fact he keeps groping my breast.”
“He sure knows what he wants.” I commented and collected him from her.
He had a huge smile on his face when he saw me. He had my brown curly hair but the remaining features were definitely Nolan's. Especially the eyes.
“My big boy is hungry but Mama can't take off her clothes. You be a good boy and take from the feeding bottle, okay?” I waved my hand to his maid to bring a bottle. He cooed and pulled at my dress.
Nolan chose that moment to walk in. “Everybody ready?”
“All except Elian. I fed him before getting dressed.” Exasperated, I try to make him drink from the bottle which he kept pushing away.
“We will be leaving now. You two better hurry.” With that, Grandma Penelope, Queen Gabrielle, and the maids exit the room.
“Be a good boy, Elain.” Nolan carried Elain from my arm and twirled him around, making him giggle.
“He takes after you.”
Nolan kissed his son and placed him on his chest. “Elian is a smart boy, Anna.” He had a wicked grin on his face and indicated for me to twirl around for him.
I did so with a smile on my face.
“You look absolutely beautiful.”
“You look ravishing handsome.” I giggled. I promise it's not a lie. In his tailored royal Lilarian suit, he still had me swooning.
He sighed hugging me. “Anna, in a few minutes, we would be King and Queen of Lilaria. I'm delighted but I'm also nervous.”
“I will be there by your side. Every step of the way.”
“Thank you, Anna.”
I kissed his cheek. “You're welcome.”
“Woman, my lips are right here.”
“Oh. So you want lip stick stains on you?”
“Everywhere.” His gaze was heated and his tone husky.
“Everywhere?” I whispered locking my gaze on his lips.
“Kids! Get out of there. The procession is starting!” Grandma Penelope yelled from the outside.
“We will finish this discussion after.” He shifted his arm to support Elian.
“Definitely.” I hook my arm with his and walked out of the room with him.
Queen Gabrielle collected Elian from us before we walked into the throne room. The doors opened and we stepped in hand in hand.
We will do it all together. In marriage and in power. Nolan and I, together.
THE END.