Melodious Coronation

June 23rd 20--

Today is the first entry of the new archives for ‘Reign of Melodious Ananda-Belander An’. Truly, it is a new reign on many accounts. In many cases historic. By the end of the day, Melodious shall be the youngest monarch, not just in Ambrias’ history, but in all of Avaboya. However, that notion invites criticism. Already, other kingdoms are wary of the Ambrias kingdom; its dark past still lingers in Avaboya’s collective memory.

One thing is certain, though; between myself, her Agents of the Courts, and our allies, the Furlaunde Clan-she will be okay. I should know. We have been friends for decades now. We have been each other’s support and since appointed as her lead assistant, shall loyally be by her side throughout the upcoming era.

In a couple of hours, Melodious’ coronation is to commence. So far, everything has gone off without a hitch. Then again, anything is an improvement compared to a few days prior. Once again, Vardimir partook in an unsolicited visit; to push upon another proposal once again. The goal is to unify in marriage and merge the Oldest and largest Kingdom with the wealthiest. As always, she refused and as always; he doesn’t take the news in kind.

He is a minor distraction and Melodious, as always, will pull through.

May her reign be glorious.

-Lead Steward of the Crown, Jino Corver.

Jino reflects upon a long friendship which, for both, would provide support and trust that would lead to being trusted into a high and trusted status.

-Knock, knock, knock- “Jino?”

Thinking back to the last written words, ‘’May her reign be glorious.’ He whispered to himself, “How I truly hope that with all my heart.

-Knock, Knock, KNOCK- “Jino!”

His focus snaps back to reality as his daydream flees from his mind.

“Jino?” -knock, knock, knock.—Opening the door, the messenger with her hand still poised comes face to face with her superior.

Jino addresses the caller, “Greetings, Jila, how may I assist you?” Jila momentarily pauses, trying to recollect her visit. Recalling the message speaks up.

“Master Jino, message direct from Lady Melodious-Your majesty awaits your presence in the gallery hall immediately.” Jino looks back, eyebrow raised.

“Now? Surely it’s not the time for such nostalgic musings.” He reprimands. Jila replies,

“I was just told it was urgent for you to meet her there.” Jino rakes his hand through his hair and lets out a sigh. “Fine, I shall take my leave.”

****

Melodious crown princess awaits the hour of her coronation. Reflecting on the past half year, both parents passed. Her short time of mourning came and went. Time and emotions blurred during preparations for the Coronation. Last opportunity of solidarity she reflects upon the many royals’ past. The Gallery presents Last several generations since the fall of the Cold Iron Reign of the former Matriarch, Queen Lavurna Amviar- Ananda. Her own daughter, younger of half-sisters, Avclaire Ananda, Liberator of Ambrias.

Avclaire is the first ancestor to rule after the fall of ‘The ruined kingdom’ some say. She makes her way down the family line to her parents’ portrait. It’s not the same, but the artist captured the likeness well enough, especially in the eyes. She places a hand on each of her parents and bows her head. A few moments later, she looks up at their loving gaze. Her attention falls on her mother; late Queen Aldria Ananda-Ambrie Belander.

Melodious, an exact image of her mother; black hair, dark eyes, and cream-colored skin. But does she have the strength and wisdom to carry on with her legacy? Will she be able to carry her own? Will they look down upon her as a pale copy or one that can and will excel expectations? Already, there is skepticism; while the reputation of the past has slowly healed, some tensions still linger. She will be the youngest monarch to step forward for her own kingdom and of Avaboya overall. The Child Queen, at one hundred and three, is fairly young by Elf standard or any long-lived species ‌.

“Dear Melody,” Jino calls to her from behind, in a soft tone. Turning to her lifelong friend smiles and replies. “Dear Jino.” He stood several paces away, having arrived a moment ago. Seeing her in the bowed pose kept a respectable distance. This was perhaps the first since the funeral that she had a prolonged moment to mourn them. Jino had the patience. He lightly bows to her and replies‌, “I came upon your request, your majesty.”

“Thank you. I have an important concern.” She fidgets with her hands, deciding how to word it. Opening up with him isn’t hard, but the subject itself is hard to speak about. She blurts it out, though. “What do you see on this wall?”

Jino gives a quizzical look at her. Was she serious, literal, or metaphorical? It was hard to tell what she wanted, so he went for the obvious answers, “A long line of great monarchs.”

“Do you see that in me or as a clone of my mother?”

“You are indeed like your mother in multiple ways; looks, character, personality.” He closes the gap and places his hand on her shoulder. “What she had, and they had inside them is in you. It will be part of you being a prominent leader like them. But it will also be your own self that will make you an influential leader as well. You are a part of a whole and yet your own person. Does that make sense?”

She nods and he adds, “Also, unique challenges that even they haven’t encountered yet will be present to you. Do not feel shadowed by them, Melodious. If it’s any comfort to you, I’m sure they felt the same. Especially compared to the Liberator of Ambrias.”

“Yes, that would be a big shadow, but there is a darker shadow too.” Silence.

“Indeed,” He agrees, “but it has lightened.”

“Also, still lingering in the whispers of the court and other monarchs. I feel judged based on her crimes. It just hit me now that they have as well.” Gesturing to the former rulers. “After all, her blood flows in me as well as theirs. Diluted it maybe, but it is there.”

“No, no more doubts about her. Your family, even one of her daughters, rejected her icy hand. There is nothing left except the exiled branch, her elder daughter who has chosen her path and chosen for her descendants to continue the legacy. The choice was also all those that followed Queen Abriea’s lead, and the choice is yours as well.”

****

Front Hall leading up to the coronation and ball room were underway being decorated for the coronation ceremony. Fairies from Gailia Gales adorn the halls and banisters with garlands. The maids polished the floors and put up the banners. Extra hired hands arrive to help the resident chefs and bakers prepare the refreshments and dinner. All branches of staff had their jobs to complete prior to the ceremony. Certain tasks must be done and stages set up. Each leads’ job to guide their own sector. Brunik, the Captain of the Guard, gave specific directions on placement for each sector and rank. The sentry’s stations at the gates. New scouts to help the visiting royalties out of carriages, patrols, and such. Dressed in traditional ceremonial uniform befitting of rank of Guardian of the Crown and an Agent of the Court. His charges waited in their respective ranks and sections, awaiting instructions. Nearing the end of the groups, all going smoothly.

“Brunik, a word.” Shrills out Kanda’s voice throughout the vestibule. The servants and workers momentarily halt at the sudden shout.

“In a minute.” His curt reply.”

“Now! It is urgent.” He turns to the foyer steps where the demands came from. Walking down the stairs was the resident Spellcaster, Kanda; Agent of the Court storms down the steps. Her long, flowing dress held up by one hand as the other held the banister. Her magic flares up, matching her rage; magical energy dances about her like an electric current. Loose ends swirl about as she stands on the second-bottom step.

“What can’t wait?”

“Do you know where your scouts are?”

“Where I posted them, in the Coronation room. If you are implying, they are not at their post- “

She holds up her hand, “So you know where they are, but they are not acting like scouts. They are acting like love-struck teenagers chasing about the fairies. They are running around in unruly matters, shamefully flirting with them and interrupting their work.”

“My scouts are professionals, and they know better.” He was quite irate at the news. He taught them better than that. Perhaps they were just blowing off steam before the ceremony. It is common to goof off between jobs and the coronation isn’t close to starting, but still there was a line. He better checks on them, leaving a senior swordsman in charge of assigning the rest left with Kanda and Karma in tow.

****

Jino made his rounds, checking every step is on schedule: the kitchen, the stables, the ballroom. He headed there ‌after placing his pocket watch back in his front pocket. Things were going to plan and smoothly, but he heard about an issue that he thought needed tending to. Making his way to the door checking his notes finds himself face planting into a broad chest. Looking up to find him face to face with Vardimir. Jino quickly jumps back a couple of paces. HICcup. A nervous tick of getting sudden hiccups. Right now, he has reached his threshold. He stammers an apology and tries to regain his composure.

“Vardimir, forgive me, but your presence is a surprise. I… you are early.”

*****

Melodious and her cousin, Lady Am’Clara, strolls through the garden; an attempt to relax before the coronation. Lady Am’ Clara smelling the flowers; a blue flower with red speckles on its petals. Its sweet fragrance is ideal for perfumes.

“Oh, these blood speckled flowers are just beautiful this year.” She states, plucking a few and placing them in her hair. “They are my favorites. What about yours?”

“I don’t know, never really had a favorite.” She replies, feeling the velvet soft petals of a black flower with a golden center. Silver butterflies’ flitters in and out of the centers of the cluster of black flowers. Fluttering starlight on a blooming night. It is the reason why the flower is called the evening flower. “I do like these though, but I like a variety of flowers.”

“They match your hair.” Am ‘Clara picks a few and starts weaving them together. You should wear a corsage of these, they suit you so well. Or perhaps a necklace of them.”

“I doubt that would be appropriate.”

Am’ Clara rolls her eyes. She hardly cares much about strict rules. “Nonsense. It will go with the décor. They decorated everything with flowers. Why not you?” She places a flower crown on her head. Three of the biggest evening flowers at the center, completed with some smaller golden flowers intertwined and some of the blood speckled flowers.

Leading her over to the pond, Melodious knelt down to see her reflection. Her cousin by her side, flowers tucked into her hair.

“Oh, I think I will leave my hair like this for your coronation. Both coming back up Am’ Clara looks up at her older cousin, more like an older sister. The flower crown rests on top of her head elegantly wrapped around. Strands of hair frame her face. She and Jino have been by her side since childhood watching her grow up into this role. As well as making sure she had a childhood.

Am ‘Clara notes how much she looks like her mother. Melodious' father was her father’s brother. Close to her Uncle, the tragedy hit her hard as well. Seeing Kanda and her father step in to aid her to this point.

“In a few moments,” her voice almost cracks, “A real crown will rest upon your head.”

“I know, I miss them too.” Solemnly taking off the crown plucks an evening flower to place on her breast and the rest she gently rests on top of the water it slowly floating away before Sinking. The pond’s edge is lined with a special type of flower, the Melona flower or soul flower it’s called. Named for a special ability it has when touched. Just a brush of her hand against a white petal is all it took for one to close up. Its six-petals ‌turn color at first all-black as it moves about growing more petals. As it unfurls the petals and the flower continues to change. It is brief, and slowly changes with an ombre coloring from black to light blue; the vein gold and silver. The petals multiplied by perhaps twenty or thirty small petals. Their shapes are soft and round. The transformation lasts for a moment, though; unless one maintains contact and plucks it at a moment of completion, it just converts to its default state. It is a peculiar trait in this flower.

The Melona flower became their new seal; inspired by the concept of change and transformation. “Perhaps,” Melodious begins. “If I were to narrow it to one. This would be it. They are truly unique on their own. They can show your true self.

“Melodious, Melodious, where are you?” They hear Karma’s frantic voice. Running back towards her voice, announcing their location.

“Karma, what is wrong?” Melodious asks. Karma is huffing and red face.

“There is a commotion in the foyer. Jino, Vardimir, Brunik, a whole spectacle.”

***

Vardimir has Jino in his grasp. Holding him up by the collar of his jacket lifts him up to be face to face.

“Listen up, I will have a private audience with her and she will do the smart thing and accept a proposal I have for her.” Baring his teeth, especially his sharper second canines on his upper jaw.

“Enough!” Brunik firmly commands, placing his hand on the arm that held Jino. With a quick motion gets him to lessen his grip and frees Jino, fleeing away. By now, guards on both sides came but stayed back. Brunik turns towards Vardimir, about to face him. Drawing his sword, but not poised to strike yet.

“You dare?”

“You bet I do. Your rank means nothing to me here.”

“I only wished for an audience…”

“I don’t care about your silly fantasies, either. She made her point already, many times.”

“If she knows what is best for her kingdom, she should reconsider.”

“There is nothing more to consider.” A new voice echoes in the foyer. All parties face the princess and her two charges entering from the side door. “I made my decision final and clear the other day. It will always be NO.”

He steps over to her. When Brunik makes a move, she holds her hand up to halt him. “We both know a union is ideal between our kingdoms. It will help your kingdom grow. You are still inexperienced compared to the rest. Most still don’t trust your family. You need a long-lived family and kingdom of Avaboya to support you. I am providing an opportunity to grow in strength.”

“I am strong enough to hold it up on my own. An arrogant king, as you will not do. Mind your own affairs. Henceforth, I will not tolerate any more blatant proposals. Today, you will be among the rest of the monarchs and watch me rise ‌without you by my side. When the time comes, someone else will one day stand in the place you wish to take. I tire of faltering and worrying about the thoughts of others like you. Last time, stand down.”

With a resigned huff, bows and steps back. Through all these commotions, Lady Am’Clara made her way to Kanda, whispering in her ear something no one else will be privy to. The moment Kanda decides the situation settle takes the two women to the back garden.

*****

Coronation is beginning, and guests enter the ballroom. Melodious takes her place behind the large doors. Thick dark hair weaves into braids and put up into a bun. A half up do and half down. As suggested, she went with the flowers weaved into her hair in the shape of a half-crown. The blue speckled and starlight made into a corsage. White flowers and the starlight weaved into the braids of her bun and pin to her cascading black hair down her back.

Her dress is the colors of the kingdom; purple and silver thread weaved into floral patterns of the Melona flowers. A long train trails behind.

In front of the large, ornate doors leading into the ballroom, she stood. On her left stood Brunik; the head of the Guards department and titled Head Guardian of the Guardian Crown sector. In military dress and sash decorated with metals and a pin belonging to his father on his right shoulder. Hair slick back and broad face. An attendant hands him a decorative rapier; gilded handle and hand guard.

Jino to her right; also, in formal attire, suitable for his station of Department Head, and second of the Queen, her chosen hand. Jino’s dark hair also pulled back. His purple jacket with silver hem and white ruffles at the sleeves. Another assistant is handing him a staff; ornate staff of gem inlays and floral carvings. An orb rests on the top and colors swirl within it.

The doors open and Melodious steps through. They follow five steps behind her. Going down the aisle with Monarchs and Diplomats standing on either side of them. Towards the front was the attending council in the second and first rows. Her family are one the right and remaining active Agents of Court members on the left.

Going up a few steps to the top of the dias stands face to face of the Senior Head of Briars Halls.

"Today is the official end of the late Queen, Aldrias reign. Upon the ending of mourning another Reign starts anew. Lady Melodious, will you promise to rule by abiding by the laws of these lands?"

"I will."

"Will you govern with a level head and with the guidance of your council."

"I will."

"Will you uphold treaties and trade among allies?"

"I will."

"And in times of turmoil provide support to your kingdoms, our allies, and approach such challenges with wisdom and mediation?"

"I will."

"Then my power, may the Monarchs of Avaboya's seven kingdoms henceforth recognize you as rightful ruler of America's."

As the last line is spoken Brunik gave the sword to her with the blade pointed downwards. Jino provides the staff, held up high. She turns as an attendant to the side presents the crown made of a metallic material shaped in a triangular circlet. With the impression of the Melina flower put into it.

The attendant gives it to the Senior councilor who places it upon her head. In doing this announces,

"I present to you her Majesty, Melodious Ananda-Belander, Queen of Ambrias. May her Reign be glorious."

A rousing applause fills the room. A short time later the coronation ball commences and celebrates the new chapter in her life and the Ambrias kingdom. It is a bitter-sweet event, just a few months ago she lost her parents and took the reins sooner than she expected.

But the future will be what it will be, and the unraveling road will be taken alongside her closest friends and trusted Agents. This ball commemorates that as well.

End.