บท 68: Part LXVIII

"No! I'm always going to choose white chocolate over dark. Always." I half-yell, already frustrated from arguing about chocolates with Sean. I don't have to like his favorite things, I'm entitled to have my own favourites too so I wonder why he's so bent on winning me over to the black chocolate side! He can be really frustrating sometimes honestly.

"Crystal." He says seriously, not in the usual playful tone he's been using and I frown a little with a cocked eyebrow. "You know why you're the greatest alive?"

"Huh?" I ask puzzled, "why?"

"That's because you don't know anything!" He laughs and I force a frown on my face, trying to purse my lips to keep my laughter in.

"That's really lame Sean!" I laugh mockingly after few seconds and throw a shoe at him playfully which he dodges and comes to carry me in the air, turning around real fast.

"Stop!" I yell, hitting him and laughing, "please stop!".

He finally stops and we both try to stop laughing and catch our breaths while I smoothen my red dress and give him the stink eye through the mirror which he smirks at. He's really changed between last night and this evening, he isn't scared of me any longer although, he avoids looking at my legs at all costs.

He brought this dress for me earlier today which covers my legs completely and I'm a little bit grateful for. I'm not ashamed of my scars but I think it's better kept away from the people for now.

"Why red?" I ask as we stand in front of the floor length mirror in the closet, ready for the ritual. The long off-the-shoulder dress fits me perfectly, with it's lacy long sleeves and skillfully embroidered chest made to reveal just little cleavage, my necklace dazzling in-between. The red colour goes perfectly with my light skin tone and compliments my soft makeup.

"That's the tradition." Sean says and places my crown on my head, "It signifies love and blood. It means you're ready to shed blood for the love of the kingdom." I nod in response, unsure if I'll be able to live up to that standard. I can't even save myself when needed, how can I possibly fight for an entire kingdom.

"Don't be scared honey," he holds me close and pecks my cheek, looking at me in the mirror, "I chose you because I believe in you. You're beautiful. You're strong. You're queen."

My heart swells at his words and I smile as I look at his handsome figure in the mirror, his red inner shirt has its first two buttons undone as usual and as usual, he looks hot. I won't let him down. I'm going to be strong, I'm going to rule and I'm going to fight not just for myself but for this kingdom until I have to leave in the inevitable end.

"Now," he holds my hand in his firmly, "let's go."

Just then, we appear in front of the large brown door at the end of the hallway and it opens up to the hall where the wedding ceremony was held.

Soft air fans my face as the door opens and my palms start to get sweaty as I become nervous and afraid of the crowd sitted silently inside, the priest standing solemnly at the end of the aisle.

Sean squeezes my hand in his gently and it strengthens me a little, knowing that someone believes in me and expects something great from me. It might not count as a lot to other people but it does to me.

Sean's the first person to ever openly believe in me and I would do everything I can to not disappoint.

Taking a deep breath and holding my head up high like the queen I am, we both walk in still with intertwined hands and everyone stands in respect to us. The walk is slow but steady as we move with grace and elegance, the feeling of being Queen overwhelming me and surprisingly, it's feels good this time. It's not scary or intimidating, but rather it makes me feel powerful and needed.

Soon enough, we get to the front of the altar upon which the priest stands, looking at us with a plastic smile but I keep a straight face, not giving off any emotion or weakness. His robe is white with sky blue edges and as he bows slightly, Sean nods once and walks towards two large chairs placed in front of the altar just few steps away from us. I sit on the silver chair while he takes the golden one and for the first time, I look up to the crowd.

Joe, Adrian, Miranda, Keisha and Zara all sit in the very first row on right part of the hall while the other part is filled with only citizens, I guess.

Behind them are the other people from the council which includes Imelda, Celine, Kurt, Fred and Vincent. I could swear not one eye is on Sean as I can feel every pair of eyes on me, watching my every move. I have to make sure they find no flaw whatsoever. I'm queen and so many people look up to me, I have to set a good example.

"Welcome all!" The priest says aloud and I look away from the crowd immediately, giving him my complete attention.

"Today as we all know is the long awaited ritual we perform for every ruler of this kingdom. Due to some factors, it was delayed but by the help of our powerful goddess we are here!." He pauses and an applaud is given by the people in appraisal of the goddess. He didn't mention the war meaning they still do not know about it. Oh well, thank goodness it's over now.

"We all know the purpose of this ceremony." He continues, "It isn't just for the fortification of our rulers but also for the betterment of the kingdom. The goddess will strengthen them and empower them so they can be even much more effective in protecting and fighting for the kingdom. We shall begin and ask for guidance, wisdom and strength from our beloved goddess for our rulers. She chose them, she shall empower them!".

Another round of applause booms through out the hall and the love and respect they have for the goddess cannot be ignored. It's amazing.

"Please," the priest turns to face us, "step forward as we begin."