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Meanwhile, Arthur stood confused and frozen amidst it all, torn between worrying about Mierna grieving her deceased mother, Aria with the evil king, and where the world was headed in light of the new information.
***
Over the week that passed, he only received three more messages. Given her circumstances, Aria was practically crippled. The child she was carrying took up most of her energy, and she couldn’t even summon her wings to fly anymore. But she reported that Travus had become too occupied with her to leave her alone.
The whole situation was jarring to Arthur. The fact that she was Travus’ mate made no sense. Someone as just as Aria to be paired with someone as ruthless as Travus was a joke that nature was playing on them, he believed. Nevertheless, he knew Aria could no longer provide information from within the castle while she rested.
“It doesn’t look like he’s going to try anything soon,” Arthur said to the advisors. “His armies haven’t returned either. All the other nations’ barriers have been strengthened with their Council Stones guarded heavily as per our advice to them.”
“We should go ahead with the coronation,” one of them said. “The pearl’s been left unclaimed for too long. We can’t allow it to remain vulnerable while King Travus is still at large.”
Arthur glared at them. “Every coronation has been held at least a month after the late ruler’s passing. We can’t rush Princess Mierna. She’s grieving.”
“It will be a quiet ceremony,” reasoned another. “I’m sorry Sir Guisgard, but this is a matter of urgency. There’s been no real explanation as to why King Travus has fallen back on his efforts.”
He wanted to tell them about Aria’s pregnancy but worried about how it would affect her image. And word got to Aria’s mother, he was sure the Fairy Guardian would react in an unfavorable way that might put Aria at risk.
“The Humans and Nymphs are working together to guard the pearl’s location,” Arthur reasoned. “I assure you that my squadron is as devoted to its protection as yours are.”
All the advisors looked at him quietly while exchanging uncertain glances with each other, and he knew he had no choice. He had to talk to Mierna and convince her to follow through with the coronation earlier than expected.
Disappointed in everyone, he got up from his seat and marched out of the Council room, making his wayto Mierna’s bedchambers. He knocked softly, and her soft voice allowed permission to enter.
Mierna stood at the window in a daze, still as a tree. She blinked occasionally and sighed deeply when Arthur stood close to her. In the warmth of the sunset, her mournful eyes glistened brightly with unshed tears.
“I thought I was prepared,” she said. “I’d been preparing for years but…”
He said nothing and only took her in his arms, and she dove into his shoulder to weep softly. Strengthening his embrace, he lifted her to her bed and allowed her to bury herself against his chest. Sobs racked her small body, and he wished he could do something to alleviate her pain.
“The advisors refuse to wait,” he sighed. “They want you to be crowned immediately.”
“I know it’s for the best,” she sniffled as she grabbed his shirt to nuzzle her face. “Times are dangerous, and we can’t take any risks.”
He remained silent, allowing her to breathe so that she could collect herself. When she finally looked up at him, she allowed his fingers to wipe her tears.
“Promise that you won’t leave me, Arthur,” she said with a heartbreaking crack in her voice. “You’re all I have left.”
Leaning down, he kissed her forehead tenderly. “I’m by your side in whatever way you need, My Love.”
***
As the advisors had promised, it was a quiet and intimate event with only Arthur, his two subordinates, the Council members, her ladies in waiting, two Nymph guards, and the advisors. She led them to the base of the castle and underground.
Arthur marveled at the sight. The translucent cave-like area had its own bluish glow from within, making it look like they were in a tunnel of ice with sunlight penetrating through dimly. Symbols and sentences of the old language were carved into the walls, emanating a warm golden light from within its engravings. He wished he could read the language, but he would have to be either royalty or the castle scholar to do so.
Princess Mierna wore a beautiful ceremonial gown, one that was passed down for generations. All the rulers before her, both men and women, had adorned the flowing iridescent turquoise fabrics, its edges and lapels embroidered with the imagery of Nexis’s history and the vows she would make as a ruler. Her crown of shells and scales, formerly her mother’s, rested elegantly on her head.
He worried for her but watched as she held herself straight and squared. The light of the tunnel clung to her, and he realized she was growing brighter and brighter the further they made their way down.
“This is a privilege to witness, young man,” whispered one of the advisors to him within the procession. “Even more of a privilege to be protecting this sacred ceremony.”
Arthur knew that very well, but he worried what it would mean for his relationship with Mierna once she was officially the ruler. Would her personality change? Would the grief of her mother’s passing pull her away from him?
Would she abandon him?
They descended down a flight of steps and came across a beautiful pond that shimmered with many soft colors. It was still and undisturbed, becoming a perfect mirror that reflected the beautiful stalactites above.
Princess Mierna was glowing more than ever now, her pale hair catching the colors around her as her form began to shimmer. There was the soft sound of rain coming from somewhere, and Mierna began to mutter something under her breath in a language he didn’t understand.
