A Kings Coronation
Chapter 1
The pale green sky was beginning to awaken, casting its many planets across the horizon which lazily hung over the great kingdom of Edolas. It was early morning as the sky's elegant glow penetrated the thick dark blue satin curtains of the kings room, Jellal winced as the warm rays struck his facial features, he slowly shifted to his side reaching and gathering a bundle of his plush comforter to shield his face as he attempted to sleep once more. He saw no reason in getting up. To him it was another dreadful morning, he had successfully managed to seduce another woman the previous night, of course he never loved any of them, they weren't her… it was just his escape route to a temporary paradise that all dissolved by morning. This one was the type to stay a cuddle, but he brushed her aside just like all the others. His motionless state was abruptly disturbed by a submissive knock.
"Yes?" He questioned while lazily leaning his back against the headboard and brushing some loose strands out of his eyes, not minding his poor posture. Sure this was an improper way of sitting especially for a king but Jellal didn't seem to mind.
"Sir," The nervous voice belonged to one of the royal servants as she spoke from the other side of the door. "I have come to remind you that there is an important council meeting in ten minutes, and most of the members have already arrived, they are anticipating your presence."
His posture jolting upright upon hearing the servants words. "Crap!" He muttered under his breath, totally forgot... "Thank you, I'll be there shortly." he replied as the sound of the footsteps disappeared down the long corridor.
After the worlds fasted clothing change and shower the blue haired king sprinted down the long hallways to the council meeting, with only a few moments to spare, he reached the meeting rooms's large double doors just as he made his way to open one of the doors a calloused hand pushed into his chest, the hand belonged to his captain, Erza Kightwalker, the last person he wanted to catch him running late for a council meeting.
"Running late, as usual." she tested
Jellal's eyes widened while the scarlet haired knight fashioned a sadistic grin as her hands moved up to adjust his collar, he filched at her actions. "N-No… I was…just.. dammit, yes I'm late but, I wouldn't be if you hadn't stopped me!"
"You can't go in there looking like you just woke up, Your Highness."
"I did." he said
"Don't argue with me." her words spewing venom, as she removed her hands from his collar she quickly slipped her way into the council meeting leaving her king out in the hallway. That woman could make even death quiver with fear.
As Jellal entered the council meeting he could feel the ghostly stares he was receiving from the slightly annoyed council members who had already taken their seats and were prepared for this meeting five minutes ago. He strode to his chair at the head of the long mahogany table, taking note of the coy smile plastered upon Erza's face.
"Shall we begin?" He stated.
An older looking man with a long silvery beard who most defiantly had his share of wisdom stood. "As we are all aware The Coronation of the Kings ceremony is quickly approaching, a day in which our king" He gestured towards Jellal. "Is to be formally recognized as the new king of Edolas. Many Nobles and Royal families from neighboring countries will be attending to witness this ceremony, so the council recognizes this as a perfect opportunity for our king to find a worthy princess to become our queen, as it is only tradition for our king to find a fitting bride at this time." At the moment all of the air seemed to be sucked out of the council room as Jellal's eyes widened in shock. "As a matter of fact," the elderly man continued. "Your father, our previous king, met your mother at his coronation ceremony, your grandfather did the same as well."
"I would like to second that notion!" A middle aged woman, who was one of the kingdoms advisors stated. "Your Majesty, the council feels that you have been putting off the topic of marriage and purposefully avoiding the subject at meetings, now is the perfect opportunity, this country needs a royal era to the throne!"
Jellal knew that was the end, no more quickly changing the subject or casually avoiding the topic now, because all the attention in the room was focused on him as the council members anticipated his answer, he knew there was no escape. "When I became king I devoted my life to serving the people and surrendered all of my loyalty to this great country" He stated with hesitance. "I will find a proper fiancé who will meet the needs of our people. Hopefully at the ceremony" When his words reached the council members a faint sigh of relief lingered over the room. Erza couldn't help but notice his the resistance in his voice, almost as if he were on autopilot or was unaware of what he just said.
"Wonderful!" The elder chimed. "As you know the bride you choose has to be of royal blood, must be at least eighteen, and be prepared for partnership between countries.
"I'm highly aware, chairman." his brow twitched with annoyance. "I am offering the floor up to the council, are there any issues that need discussion?"
After a couple of arguments about foreign policies and other topics that the king wasn't listening to, his attention was rekindled once he heard the voice of his scarlet captain.
"What about security at the coronation? We can't runt the risk of an attack when so many important people are planning to attend, so I request we heavily regulate the ballrooms, courtyards, and gate entrances to ensure absolute safety. Along with some undercover military staff who are watching for any suspicious activity among the guests."
The council was surprised when she brought the subject back up again. "Are you crazy!?" A chairman blurted. "That much security for one night? No way in hell, thats far to expensive and no one is crazy enough to attack at a coronation they would be caught almost instantly!"
Knightwalkers eyes ignited "Just what are you implying chairman!? Don't you care about the safety of our people… and king?"
"Captain, if I didn't then I wouldn't be sitting here!"
"Keep this up and I can assure you, you won't be in that seat for long!" she barked back.
"Enough!" Jellal yelled. "Chairman, Captain, although both of your ideals are good I find it crucial to focus on more important matters, To answer your question Captain, the security levels at the coronation are to be kept at a minimum meaning a couple guards stationed at the entrances and a few roaming the castle grounds."
"I hope you realize we aren't just protecting you here, we are also responsible the lives of the many guests coming from neighboring countries." Erza said.
"Yes, I'm aware of that to. But this coronation is only going to last a couple hours, so why bring in so many of our troops for such a meager thing?" Jellal asked. "In that spirit we are only going to have a few guards stationed here and there, no more no less."
His words caused Erza to sit back in her seat with anger, she hated being overpowered by the king, yet it somewhat attracted her. She would defiantly have a talk with him later about his behavior today.
After the meeting Jellal quickly escaped to his large office, avoiding eye contact with the lingering council members. He needed to think about the promises that were made at the meeting, where he had basically promised to find a fiancé and get married in less than a few weeks. Soon he found himself in his dark office leaning against the door letting his muscles relax as he took in the view of the room. His eyes soon adjusted to the darkness, everything was where he had left it with books and papers spastically scattered everywhere. Then he saw shadowy outline of a person sitting on his desk, he couldn't make out their face, only that they seemed to be staring right back at him. Jellal was frozen and unable to move, but something told him not to call for the guards.