The room erupts into chaos as Baron Farfall is taken away in handcuffs. Many of the lords feel they are above reproach and are upset with the way the Baron is carted off. They realize I will not tolerate the way they have behaved previously. The Loyalist and Purist are always pitted against each other, but tonight proved to reach a new level. The royal army helps quell the infighting.
“As Queen, you need to do something about this.” Daniel instructs quietly, covering the microphone with his hand. “This will only add to the civil unrest that exists.”
“My Lords, if you please. There is still more to discuss.” I say in as loud a voice as I can.
The rumblings start quieting when they realize I’m standing at the podium again with Daniel beside me, but there are still a few who ignore me. The commander returns when the Baron is safely ensconced away. He walks over to the gentlemen whispering something to them. The sunlight filtering in through the large windows reveals the serenity of the countryside. I wish I could be out there frolicking in the snow-covered mountains instead of in here dealing with the aftermath of my father’s death. Daniel nudges my side.
“Okay then, where were we?” I ask. “Yes, it seems with the untimely death of my father, we need an official royal figure. Cardinal, are you ready?”
The murmurings and blank stares clue me in that only a few of the Lords know what is about to happen. Daniel takes my hand as the Cardinal approaches. A large group of royal guards enter followed by AnnaBelle carrying the Queen’s crown and Donald carrying the King’s, both of which are nestled in thick purple pillows. Dante approaches with his palms open and the royal staff placed across them.
“If there is anyone who feels Princess Freya and Duke Balwart should not be officially crowned Queen and King of Farquadt, please speak now.” The Cardinal announces in a booming voice, one I didn’t think the man possessed.
No one speaks after a few minutes. The Cardinal continues with the ceremony but I interrupt him.
“I have a just a few words I need to say before we go any further. I know many of you doubt my ability to rule Farquadt effectively and I truly understand that. But I think what you need to remember is that your King will always be who you thought it should be. The Duke has been effectively assisting the King for years. Please have faith in his ability and trust in his belief that I will always do what is best for the citizens of Farquadt.”
The round of applause that follows is unexpected and brings a few tears to my eyes. These people are willing to trust in me because of Daniel. I silently vow that I will do everything in my power to never have them lose their trust in him or me.
The crowning is performed with the least amount of pomp and circumstance. I’m sure if my father was alive and handing the crown over to me there would have been much ceremony and tradition. After we are crowned and I am handed my staff, we turn to everyone, watching as they kneel before us. We hold our heads high as we walk amongst them towards the door. The doors open and we are escorted by armed guards to the smaller conference room holding the press. A trumpeter, somewhere in the distance, announces our arrival as the doors to the room open. The press turns as one and quickly kneel when they see us approach, but not quick enough that I didn’t see their shocked expressions. They remain bowed until we are standing behind another podium.
“Please rise.” I instruct the mass of people cramped in this small room. “Be seated.”
Daniel stands ramrod straight slightly behind me. Donald, Dante and AnnaBelle are off to the side, inconspicuously observing and taking their own mental notes.
“Thank you all for coming. Being raised a New Yorker, I’m just going to cut to the chase. Last night the King, my father, was murdered in his sleep after the Duke and I were married.”
I give them a few minutes to process what I’ve said and make notes.
“I have met all the requirements per our ancestor’s edicts as it was witnessed.” I can’t help but blush at the memory. “A few minutes ago, the Cardinal performed the crowning ceremony in front of the House of Lords. We stand before you united as Queen and King of Farquadt.”
Some of the press start talking amongst themselves while other start to voice questions. I raise my hand quieting them.
“I know many of you have questions and we will take a few in a couple of minutes, but first I want to reassure the people of Farquadt that every future decision made by us will always be in the best interest of Farquadt. My father believed in the people of Farquadt. During the short period of time I spent with him, he did instill this in me.”
Daniel clasps my hand squeezing it reassuringly.
“I know you know nothing about me, but I want to remind you that King Daniel has been among you his entire life. Some of you have met him walking the streets as a simple man.” I smile at him.” Well, maybe simple isn’t the right description.”
They laugh at my joke.
“My father treated him like a son and groomed him the time when he would take the throne. Please trust that King Daniel believes I will be a good Queen to all.”
I see out of my periphery Daniel nodding.
“Now, we’ll answer a few questions.”
I point to a young man in his mid-thirties with dark brown hair wearing glasses. “Yes, you sir.”
“How was the King murdered and do you know who did it?” He asks.
“I don’t want to get into the specifics of his death, but we do have an idea of what transpired. I will say that we don’t think my father was the intended victim. He happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But knowing my father, he is looking down on us saying I am wrong, he was in the right place at the right time if I am still alive.”
“So you’re saying you were the intended victim?” He asks quickly.
“Yes, we believe so.” I reply. “Next question.”
I point to a female in the front row wearing a nice beige suit with a single strand of costume pearls.
“Who do think is responsible for his death?” She questions.
“At this time, we prefer to not answer that question.” I explain but Daniel raises his hand cutting of the remainder of the statement.
“Baron Farfall is being held for questioning and for kidnapping the Queen last night. Lady Elizabeth is suspected of the murder.” Daniel answers.
Another gentlemen stand ups and asks, “Why did she do it?”
“She was part of the kidnapping plot. Some of the statements she made to the Queen during her kidnapping implicate her. There are only two people who knew the route that was used to access the King. I am one of them and she is the other. As you all know, I have no motive to kill the King. The crown would have eventually been mine and needless to say,” he looks at me wickedly, “I was otherwise preoccupied with my bride.”
My cheeks reddened at the mention of last night’s intimate activities.
“I don’t think I have ever seen a Queen blush before.” Daniel jokes.
I smack his arm playfully. The press notices and half of them laugh while the rest blind us with their flashes.
“We know many of you still have questions and we will be releasing a joint statement in a few hours, but now we need to handle some pressing business. We just wanted the people of Farquadt to know there is still a power structure.”
And for the first time since all this began, I feel like I truly belong here, especially when I hear the room erupt in “Long live the King and Queen.”
The guards flank us on all sides as we leave the room, flashes blind our exit. Once we’re outside the room, AnnaBelle and Dante walk along my left side. Daniel is on my right and Donald is to the far right. I look to Daniel as he and Donald talk. Daniel is leading us towards the front of the castle, but I have no idea where we are heading.
I look at AnnaBelle. “Has my father’s body been cared for?”
“Yes, my Queen. After the crowning, the Cardinal went and said a prayer. The royal undertaker has taken his body. It should be back at Hadley Castle by the time you arrive. His body is being guarded by his most loyal guards. We have started making the arrangements for the funeral.”
“Good. Thank you. Where do we stand with moving our personal items?” I ask remembering I am still a wife and the household stuff usually falls to that role.
“The Duke-. I’m sorry the King has already taken care of that. Your things were moved before the meeting with the House of Lords.”
Surprised, I glance at Daniel and see him speaking with Donald, but smirks at my questioning glance. The only reaction I get is a squeeze of my hand. I shake my head disbelieving. Dante chuckles. I lean forward to get a better look at Dante.
“You helped him?” I ask with mock annoyance.
He smiles, shrugging his shoulders.
“Fine, gang up on me. I know where I stand with the two of you.”
Daniel stops shortly, tugging sharply on our clasped hands, forcing me to turn towards him. He pulls me towards him and says loudly, “It has been awhile since I kissed my bride.”
He kisses me passionately in front of every one present. I hear the clicks of cameras from the press who were quick to pack up. When he pulls back, I look at him dazed. He chuckles softly then hugs me to him.
“I love you.” He whispers.
I sigh leaning into him. Loving he said those words to me, and losing myself in him.
“Me too.”
When we reach the double doors in the foyer, there is a bustle of activity. The staff is running here and there with arms full of garment bags, suitcases and shoe boxes. Daniel turns around once more, looking around thoughtfully.
“I knew this day would come, but I never thought it would be this soon. There are many memories here. I will miss it. It has been my home since I was born. Now it will be my family’s home once more. We can finally bring my brothers and sisters back.” He says wistfully.
During all this, I forgot Daniel has not spent quality time with his family. They were sent off to boarding schools for their protection too early in his life. They have their own lives now and have many friends. Those friends have been there for them in the good times and bad.
“Why don’t we bring them home and have a celebration. I mean we’re entitled to celebrate our wedding and the coronation, right?” I suggest.
Daniel seems to think this through. He frowns then looks to Donald who shrugs. He glances at the guards surrounding us, contemplating.
“I think that would be a good idea. They will need to be here for your father’s funeral anyway. They can take a holiday from their studies for a little time.” He finally smiles. “Donald, make the arrangements. I want the jet picking them up as soon as possible. Make sure they are guarded at all times. My sister is known for being rambunctious and pig-headed. She will give the guards the hardest time.”
I giggle. “Did you just call your sister pig-headed?”
He laughs, hugging me to him.
“Yes, I guess I did. I think my American beauty’s euphemisms are starting to rub off on me.”
“I would love to rub off on you more.” I waggle my eyebrows at him.
His eyes darken with lust. I chuckle, embarrassment coursing through my body that I would be bold enough to say such a thing. He smiles then sobers too soon.
“It would have been nice to hear the house full of life again.” He says sadly.
“I’m sure we’ll be back. We can always vacation here especially when we need to get away.” I offer.
“It will be a while before we can get away.” He retorts.
“But what about our honeymoon?” I ask, remembering we didn’t have one.
“Right now, we need to build our power base as the ruling couple. The Purists are still there, despite cutting off the snake’s head. They want a change. Just because you’re father is gone doesn’t mean all his troubles are.” Daniel says tensely.
“I understand. Rule first, secure power then personal life, but always be watchful. Got it.” I say, trying to lighten the mood of our conversation. “Why don’t we have a masquerade ball? I mean we can, can’t we?”
“Oh yes, please let’s!” Dante says, excitedly rubbing his hands together.
“I don’t see why not.” He says glancing at Donald. “It must be after the funeral and allow for the proper amount of mourning time to pass.”
“AnnaBelle? Can a ball be planned within two months’ time?” I question her.
“Why are you asking her?” Dante asks petulantly. “I’m the one who plans the parties and dinners. Ask me.”
“Fine.” I sigh exasperated. “Dante, can you plan a ball in two months’ time?”
“Of course, I can. We just need to discuss budget and number of guests.” He replies.
Two months will bring us to the middle of May. Flowers will be blooming. The air should be warmer. The grounds and gardens at the Hadley Castle are known, as I was told by my father during one our walks, throughout the world for their beauty.
“The ball will be a celebration of our union and coronation.” I say glancing at Daniel.
“Invite everyone. Farquadt hasn’t had a ball since before my parents’ death. What we would have spent on the wedding and the coronation, we’ll spend on the ball.” Daniel explains.
I jump into Daniel’s arms excitedly, not caring who is watching. He wraps me in his strong arms kissing my neck. When he places me back on my feet, I feel a blush creep along my neck. I shyly lower my head not able to look Daniel in the eyes. He can read my thoughts clearly now-a days. His eyes dilate with lust when I gather the courage to look at him.
“Let’s get going. I want to be settled in the castle before midnight. I have a wedding night to continue.” Daniel states.
Dante whistles behind us as we leave. Footmen open the double doors as we near them. As we walk through them, I know a new, harder stage of my life is about to begin. One I will tackle with Daniel by my side.