Chapter 75 - Royal (Part 3)
Luxana smiled benevolently at her people, her ruby eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light. She raised her hand, and the crowd fell silent in anticipation.
"My esteemed subjects," she proclaimed, her voice ringing through the hall, "it is decreed that the members of the royal family shall henceforth be severed from our courtly affairs. They shall return to their ancestral domains, save for Her Highness Princess Isabella, who shall remain by my side, serving me in perpetuity."
A collective gasp rippled through the assembly. Before anyone could react further, the great doors of the Coronation Hall burst open. A contingent of knights marched in, followed by a thousand clergy members and nobles. Among them were the Lobis Household members and Lord Heron, their faces grim and determined.
Luxana's smile grew wider, almost regal in its grandeur. "Furthermore, my people, I hereby declare that justice shall be served forthwith in the aftermath of the tumultuous events at the Hunting grounds. These individuals, bound in chains before you, are the perpetrators of that chaos, and they shall face the ultimate penalty for their transgressions."
The crowd's shock was palpable as they beheld the sheer number of individuals implicated in the recent upheaval. Nobles gasped, commoners whispered furiously, and even the stoic knights shifted uneasily.
"Their execution shall commence in a few hours," Luxana decreed, her voice commanding and unyielding. "Now, let the coronation festivities proceed as ordained."
Despite the ominous pronouncement, the allure of celebration proved irresistible. Nobles, clergy, and commoners alike approached the newly crowned queen, eager to pay their respects and curry favor. The Coronation Hall buzzed with a mix of excitement and trepidation as Luxana received her subjects, her ruby eyes gleaming with satisfaction at the unfolding of her grand design.
Luxana sat regally in her gilded carriage, the embodiment of majesty and grace. The carriage itself was a masterpiece, crafted from gold and adorned with intricate carvings of phoenixes and flames, symbolic of rebirth and power. Six pristine white horses, their manes braided with crimson and gold ribbons, pulled the carriage at a steady pace. The soft clinking of their bridles harmonized with the jubilant sounds of the kingdom celebrating its new ruler.
As the procession moved through the cobblestone streets of the capital, then out into the towns and villages beyond, Luxana waved to her people with a serene yet commanding smile. Her black-red gown shimmered in the sunlight, its intricate embroidery catching every ray as if woven with threads of fire. The ruby crown on her head gleamed brilliantly, a beacon for all to see. Her ruby-red eyes scanned the crowd, meeting the gazes of her subjects who cheered her name with unrestrained joy.
The streets were alive with celebration. Banners in hues of red, black, and gold fluttered from every window and rooftop. Flowers were strewn along the path of the procession, their vibrant petals crushed under the wheels of the carriage, releasing a sweet fragrance that lingered in the air. Musicians played lively tunes on flutes and drums, their melodies weaving through the laughter and cheers of the crowd. Children ran alongside the procession waving small flags, their faces alight with excitement.
The kingdom was reveling in its newfound hope. The Imperial Family had declared that all food and drink for this day would be free to every citizen, paid for from their coffers. Taverns overflowed with merriment as ale and wine were poured freely. Stalls lined the streets offering roasted meats, fresh bread, and sweet pastries to all who passed by. Families gathered in squares to feast together, their worries momentarily forgotten.
Luxana’s gaze softened as she watched her people celebrate. She raised her hand gracefully to wave at a cluster of commoners who had gathered near a fountain adorned with garlands. They erupted into cheers at her acknowledgment.
"Long live Luxana!" they cried. "Our Queen! Our salvation!"
But as the carriage turned onto a quieter street leading toward one of the kingdom’s older villages, Luxana’s smile faltered. Her ruby eyes caught sight of a figure standing apart from the jubilant crowd—a man cloaked in black. His pale blond hair peeked out from beneath his hood, glinting faintly in the sunlight like spun gold. His piercing ruby-red eyes locked onto hers from across the distance.
Her breath hitched as recognition struck her like a thunderclap. It was him—Helios. Her father.
For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still. The noise of the crowd faded into an indistinct hum as Luxana’s focus narrowed entirely on that solitary figure. His expression was inscrutable, but his gaze bore into hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.
Then, just as quickly as he had appeared, Helios turned and began to walk away, his black cloak billowing behind him like smoke dissipating into the air.
Luxana’s smile faded completely as she watched his retreating figure disappear into an alleyway. Her hands lowered slowly to rest on her lap as the carriage continued forward, carrying her farther away from him with every passing moment.
The cheers of her people surged once more around her as they entered another bustling village square filled with joyous revelers. But inside Luxana’s mind lingered only one thought—that fleeting encounter with Helios—and what it might mean for her reign yet to come.
She straightened herself in her seat, masking her unease beneath a composed exterior. The parade continued on its path through Domino’s lands, but deep within Luxana’s heart stirred questions that only time would answer.
-Helia Palace; Entrance Hall, After the Procession-
The grand entrance hall of Helia Palace echoed with the sound of Luxana's sigh as she entered, her hands reaching behind her neck in a gesture of fatigue. Her eyes, the color of rubies, gazed upward at the ornate ceiling adorned with intricate frescoes depicting the kingdom's storied history. The hall, a masterpiece of architectural grandeur, boasted soaring columns of polished marble and gilded accents that gleamed in the warm light of crystal chandeliers.
"HAAAh..." Luxana exclaimed, her voice carrying a hint of weariness from the day's procession through the villages. Her elaborate gown, a symphony of black and crimson, rustled softly as she moved, the fabric catching the light like liquid fire.
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As Luxana and her newly appointed ladies-in-waiting crossed the threshold, the tranquility of the moment was shattered. A throng of noblemen and noblewomen, their faces contorted with indignation, burst into the hall like a tempestuous sea. Their fine silks and jewels glittered in stark contrast to the fury etched upon their features.
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Luxana turned, her movement as fluid and graceful as a dancer's. Her gaze, now sharp and penetrating, fell upon the intruders. The young queen's expression hardened, transforming from contentment to a mask of regal skepticism. She tilted her head slightly to the right, a wordless question hanging in the air between her and the assembled crowd.
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"How dare you ascend to the throne, child!" a silver-bearded nobleman exclaimed, his voice ringing out across the hall. "You're but fifteen, an illegitimate heir with blood on your hands! What good could you possibly bring to our nation?"
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A noblewoman with a shrill voice added, "What of the traitor, the twin of His former Majesty? How can we trust a queen with such secrets?"
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A young lord stepped forward, his face flushed with indignation. "And what of the unrest at the borders? How will you protect us from the threats that loom beyond?"
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An elderly duchess, her expression stern, questioned, "We've heard rumors of your... unusual abilities. How can we be certain you won't use them against us?"
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A merchant-turned-nobleman inquired, "What of the economy? How will you ensure our trade and commerce flourish under your rule?"
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A noble clergyman called out, "How do you plan to handle the religious tensions in our kingdom?"
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A lady with ties to the former court exclaimed, "What right do you have to dismiss the royal family? They've ruled for generations!"
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A stern-faced judge challenged, "How can you justify the executions you've ordered? Is this the justice you speak of?"
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A diplomat asked, "What of our alliances with neighboring kingdoms? Will you honor them or break them?"
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A lord from the northern provinces demanded, "How will you address the famine in our lands?"
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A reformist noble accused, "What of the corruption in the royal court? How can we trust that you're not part of it?"
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A treasurer inquired, "How do you intend to fund your grand visions for the kingdom?"
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A superstitious noblewoman whispered, "What of the rumors that you've made deals with dark forces?"
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A retired general questioned, "How will you ensure the loyalty of the army?"
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A noble known for his philanthropy asked, "What of the common people? How will their lives improve under your rule?"
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A genealogist challenged, "How can you claim legitimacy when your own parentage is shrouded in mystery?"
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A conservative elder demanded, "What of the ancient laws and traditions? Will you uphold them or cast them aside?"
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A wary politician inquired, "How do you plan to handle dissent and opposition to your rule?"
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The cacophony of voices grew louder, each noble trying to outshout the others, their faces twisted with a mixture of fear, anger, and uncertainty. The grand hall, once a symbol of order and majesty, now seemed to vibrate with the intensity of their collective outrage and skepticism.
Luxana stood unmoved, a pillar of calm amidst the storm of dissent. Her ruby eyes swept over the crowd, and when she spoke, her voice carried the weight of centuries of royal authority, yet held a note of reassurance:
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"My esteemed lords and ladies of Domino," she began, her tone as smooth as velvet yet as unyielding as steel, "your fervor speaks to the passion you hold for our great kingdom. It is this very dedication that will propel us into an era of unprecedented glory."
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She paused, allowing her words to settle over the crowd. "The concerns you raise are not insignificant, for they touch the very heart of our nation's future. But know this: every decision I make, every decree I issue, is born from a vision of a stronger, more prosperous Domino."
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Luxana's gaze intensified, her eyes seeming to lock with each noble in turn. "The wisdom to rule comes not from age, but from understanding. The legitimacy of my reign is etched in the very fabric of our kingdom's destiny. And the blood that stains my hands? It is the price paid to cleanse our land of those who would see it fall to ruin."
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She raised her hand, a gesture both commanding and inclusive. "I stand before you not as a tyrant, but as a shepherd guiding our flock to greener pastures. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but together, we shall overcome them all."
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Her voice rose, filling every corner of the grand hall. "Let it be known that your Queen hears your concerns. They will be addressed, not in haste, but with the careful consideration they deserve. For in this new dawn of Domino, every voice has its place, from the highest noble to the humblest commoner."
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Luxana's final words rang out like a clarion call: "So I ask you now, esteemed members of our court: Will you stand with me? Will you lend your strength, your wisdom, your loyalty to forge a kingdom that will be the envy of all others? The choice lies before you – to be part of a legacy that will echo through the ages, or to fade into the shadows of history."
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The hall fell into a hushed silence, the nobles' earlier outrage replaced by a mixture of awe and contemplation. Luxana's presence seemed to fill the space, her authority and vision palpable in the air around them. It was clear to all that this was no mere child on the throne, but a queen who would lead Domino into a new era – with or without them.
-Night in Helia Palace; Luxana's Study-
The opulent study within Helia Palace was bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, casting long shadows across the intricately carved wooden panels and richly woven tapestries. Queen Luxana sat regally at her ornate mahogany desk, its surface polished to a mirror sheen. Her head rested on her fist, her elbow propped on the armrest of her high-backed chair, while her other hand held out a paper. Her ruby eyes, sharp and focused, scanned the document intently, the weight of her new responsibilities evident in the slight furrow of her brow.
The silence of the night was suddenly shattered by a joyous cry. "Sister!" The voice rang out from beyond the study's heavy oak doors, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. In a whirlwind of emerald silk and golden hair, Princess Isabella burst into the room. Her gown, a masterpiece of tailoring, shimmered in the candlelight, complementing her bright blonde hair, vivid emerald eyes, and cherry pink lips.
Anticipating her sister's enthusiasm, Luxana rose from her chair with fluid grace, her own gown of deep crimson and black rustling softly. Isabella ran across the room, her footsteps muffled by the thick Dominian carpet, and threw herself into Luxana's waiting arms.
*HUG*
"Sister!" Isabella exclaimed, embracing Luxana tightly, tears of unbridled joy rolling down her porcelain cheeks.
Luxana's smile, though subtle, held warmth as she patted Isabella's back comfortingly. This moment marked a pivotal change - the end of Isabella's suffering and the dawn of her newfound happiness. The Former Queen Daleyza had been exiled to her village, her influence now a fading memory. Prince Tarian, Isabella's older brother, despite being registered after her due to bureaucratic complications in that year's royal births, had returned to his academy. His future lay abroad, far from the intrigues of court. Isabella, long manipulated by her mother's machinations, was finally free from that toxic influence, never to be ensnared again.
"Now, now, Isabella. Off of Her Majesty you go," came another joyous voice, rich with affection. Lady Lily Furia entered the study, her presence commanding attention. She was followed by her own retinue of ladies-in-waiting, their dresses a coordinated palette of muted colors that served to highlight Lily's vibrant personality. As the only remaining member of the royal family registry besides Luxana and Isabella, Lily's position was unique - she was the only mother Luxana had ever truly known.
"R-right," Isabella stammered, slowly disentangling herself from the embrace. Her eyes, glistening with tears, met Luxana's in a moment of profound understanding. A deep, honest smile bloomed on her face, matched by Luxana's own. With gentle care, Luxana wiped away her little sister's tears, her touch both regal and sisterly.
To be Continued...
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