Chapter two
Eight months earlier
The corridor falls silent, the walls hold their breath as the sound of heels click on marble as if to announce the majestic presence of the Princess. Her elegant black gown imbedded with pure red rubies matching her marvelous red wavy locs reflected the moonlight, creating a more mystical appearance as she saunters confidently through the gallery passage.
As she passes, an image to the side of the walls catches her eye, making her stop abruptly as she gazes upon a familiar painting of a figure who looks exactly like herself but older, stronger and above all powerful.
She smiles bitterly and reads the title aloud
Queen Rosella the third, twelfth generation monarch.
"Yes it was me" it says at the bottom making a small cheery smile appear on her lip
"It indeed was you mother, though we never met, I believe this portrait failed to capture you in your full glory. Sighs
"Wish me great fortune mother, I'll need it"
A figure walks up to her.
"Your highness it's time"
"I'll be back mother and when you see me next, I will no longer be your daughter but bear the title you once held so dear". Smiles and follows.
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The grand hall is filled with red and black velvet drapes, the air thick with anticipation. The ceiling is high, covered in intricate symbols of tarot—stars, moons, and hearts. The scent of incense lingers, mixing with the coolness of the evening.
At the far end of the hall, the throne sits in the dim light, decorated with a crown of rubies and gold. A red carpet stretches across the floor, lined with golden lanterns that flicker softly.
The doors creak open, and the crowd falls silent. The heralds step forward, their voices ringing through the hall as they announce the arrival of the next monarch. The sound of distant drums fills the air in a dramatic form to symbolize the power she held, steady and strong.
The Princess walks in slowly, her elegant gown of black with touches of scarlet flowing behind her. A silver crown rests on her head, catching the light. With every step, she moves with purpose and grace, her eyes fixed on the throne ahead.
The court bows as she passes. She reaches the stairs of the throne, pauses for a moment, and then takes her seat. The room goes silent again as the Herald resounded his words
Princess Ravenna daughter of the great Rosella Arenhart, first Princess of the Heartian clans thirteenth generation
"Do you solemly swear by the stars above and the earth beneath, to bear the weight of the crown with strength and honor?
Do you pledge to rule this kingdom with a steady hand, to protect its people and preserve its power, even when darkness falls?
Do you vow to uphold the legacy of your ancestors, to walk the path of justice, and to lead with the courage of your heart?"
" I do solemnly swear ,with every fibre of my being "
The Herald receives the ultimate symbol of Heartian power and leadership,The crown of Arenhart named after the generational ruling family. He lowers it slowly on her head.
"I hereby crown thee, Ravenna of Hearts, sovereign of this realm. Let your rule be as unshakable as the towers that rise in your name, and may your power echo through the ages. From this moment, all who live under your gaze shall know strength, and all who challenge your reign shall fall before it."
The present nobility and royals applaud softly and the herald announces,
"Hear this, all who dwell in this land
Queen Ravenna of Hearts takes her rightful place upon the throne, her reign born of blood, strength, and unyielding will. Let her rule begin, and let all who stand before her feel her might."
Long live Queen Ravenna of Hearts.
Long live the queen.