Aelryk intended to have his coronation and wedding in the palace courtyard overlooking the ocean. Hundreds of citizens could gather on the beach and still have a decent view of the ceremony. All Na’zorans were welcome, regardless of their rank or class. This was to be a day of celebration. The dark cloud of his father’s reign had ended, and a new era of peace and prosperity lay ahead.
Lisalla’s maids buzzed around her, preparing her for her wedding. The lavender gown which she had brought from Ra’jhou had been retrieved from her carriage, and today she would finally wear it. She brushed a hand lightly over the tiny pearls that accentuated the bodice and admired herself in a full-length mirror.
The gown was stunning, but a sadness found its way into Lisalla’s heart. She could not help thinking of Danna and how much she had looked forward to this day. It pained Lisalla that her friend was gone, and she missed her deeply. Her mind wandered back to the day Danna had been killed, the image forever embedded in her memory.
As the maids began to decorate her hair with ribbons and flowers, Lisalla did her best to brush off the sad thoughts and put a smile on her face. Today was a day to celebrate, not mourn. Her new life was about to begin.
Out in the courtyard, a huge crowd had assembled to witness the day’s events. It was nearly midday, and the coronation was soon to begin. The winter air was chilly, but that did not deter Na’zora’s citizens from gathering to greet their new king. The ocean sent a warm breeze to comfort them and bring joy to their hearts.
As Lisalla appeared in the courtyard, a silence fell over the crowd. She walked softly to her seat, her satin shoes making no sound against the stone pathway. Taking her seat, she looked upon the crowd and the faces of her people. Both young and old, whether peasant or noble, returned her gaze, and she smiled warmly at each of them. Her heart swelled with love for her citizens. Na’zora was her true home from this day forth, and she knew her life here would be happy.
Aelryk finally emerged from the palace to take his seat in the courtyard. In near-perfect unison, the assembled guests dropped to one knee. As the king took his seat, the crowd rose to observe his coronation.
General Luca, who had served as First Advisor under King Domren, lifted a golden crown from a soft velvet cushion. His flowing blue robe danced on the wind as he held the crown high in the air and proclaimed, “Na’zorans, I present to you Aelryk, son of Domren, your true and undoubted king!” With great dignity, he strode to the king and placed the crown upon his head before kneeling in reverence. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
King Aelryk stood and reached for Lisalla’s hand. Placing her hand in his, she smiled gently at her betrothed and curtsied respectfully. He kissed her soft, pale hand and looked deeply into her blue eyes. From this moment he would love her, and no other woman would ever come between them. He vowed in his heart to be a faithful and loving husband.
The pair made their way to the marriage altar, which had been placed only a few steps from the throne. A golden chalice full of deep purple wine awaited them. Lifting the chalice before his new bride, Aelryk said, “I vow to love you and honor you in all things. I take you as my wife and pledge my fidelity.” After taking a long sip from the chalice, he passed it to Lisalla.
Trying to fight her nerves, Lisalla lifted the glass before her husband. “I vow to love and honor you in all things. I take you as my husband and pledge my fidelity.” Pausing for a moment to take a quick breath, she smiled playfully and drank from the goblet.
After she returned the goblet to the altar, Aelryk took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. The warmth of his touch soothed Lisalla, and her nerves soon melted away. Lovingly, she placed a hand on the back of his head and gently stroked his dark hair. As they separated, she looked into his eyes and saw kindness.
The couple once again joined hands, turning to face the crowd. The citizens cheered for their new king and queen, raising their voices in celebration. Together, Aelryk and Lisalla returned to the palace along with scores of followers. A feast had been prepared to celebrate the momentous day, and hundreds of citizens had been invited. Tonight they would celebrate with music and dance along with fireworks presented by the court mages.
As the couple walked slowly through the long marble corridor of the palace, Lisalla placed her arm in her husband’s. “May I offer you some advice, my king?” she asked, her voice soft and kind.
“Always,” he replied.
“Above all else, love your people,” she said. “Do what is best for them, and you will be a good king.”
“I shall endeavor to do so,” Aelryk replied. “You must also do something for me.”