Well, here goes. I've honestly been wanting to make a story like this, since there's not many in-depth stories of Sectonia, so I've come to fix that. My first (of many) works on this site. Hope you enjoy, and please comment any tips and criticism. After all, this is my first step.
-Gordo
Sectonia's Lament
Chapter 1
High above Dreamland, at the peak of the Dreamstalk, the final blow had been dealt. The mad queen of Floralia had finally been defeated. As the stalk holding up the blossoming tyrant collapsed and fell, Sectonia was finally freed. She had long since been corrupted by that strange mirror, and she had fallen captive to her own image. With each meter she fell, she remembered more and more from the time when she was loved. Before everything crumbled…
"I give you your new queen, Queen Sectonia III!"
It was coronation day. The entire kingdom of Floralia had come to celebrate the coming of age for the next in line for the throne. Sectonia herself wasn't very prepared, so she had to request some assistance for speaking in public. That help came from her beloved friend and advisor, Taranza. Taranza had always been at her side, giving her all kinds of advice. It was he who had taken her hand and lead her out of her grief when her mother died. It was his arms that protected her from would-be assassins. It was he whom she would trust with her life.
"My subjects", she spoke with certain brightness in her eyes, "As your queen, it is my duty to protect all of you. I hope to be as good a queen as my mother, maybe even better. I will do everything in my power to ensure the safety and happiness of my people. All you need to do is ask and I will assist you."
"Long live the queen!" Taranza cheered, beside himself with joy and pride.
"Long live the queen!" the crowd echoed.
After the ceremony, the entire kingdom partied. For three days straight, the streets were filled with liveliness and merriment. From every window, the noises of celebration could be heard. Every house, from humble apartments to modest mansions, was bursting with laughter. Even the castle had its own party. Guards could be seen dancing with commoners, and even the council members, who were easily identifiable via the plant headdresses they wore, were seen amongst the buffet table, chatting and drinking an occasional beverage. However, the queen herself was high above the commotion, spending time with the one who helped put all this together.
"I don't get it, Your Highness. Why aren't we down there, along with the others?" Taranza inquired.
"Taranza, we've known each other our whole lives. You don't have to address me by my title; call me Iris", the queen said with an amused smile.
"Right, Your High- sorry, Iris, but you didn't answer my question…" Taranza replied.
"Well, the reason I brought you up here to dine with me is because none of this would've been possible without you. You've been the best friend anyone could ask for. I mean, at this point, we've almost become a couple," Sectonia answered, still holding that smile.
"O-Oh. W-Well, you're too kind. I've only ever done what I thought was necessary," Taranza said, nervousness creeping into his voice.
Sectonia sighed, and rose from her seat, motioning Taranza to follow. They both walked out onto the balcony, overlooking all of Floralia, as well as most of Planet Popstar.
"All this is because of you, Tary," Sectonia pointed out, using Taranza's childhood nickname, "All this is thanks to your kindness. I wanted to thank you for that."
They both watched the moon get higher, illuminating the balcony in a silvery glow.
"What do you plan to do tomorrow, Iris?" Taranza asked, eyes still fixed on the heavens.
"Well, I did promise my subjects that I would protect them. It's been three days of partying, so I expect tomorrow there will be people showing up, hungover and missing a couple items. Belongings always go missing after parties," Sectonia said with a yawn.
"That's true. Well, I better get going, I'm pretty tired," Taranza mentioned, eyes already drooping.
"Wait, where do you even sleep? I've always wondered why you weren't around at night."
"I sleep in the servant's quarters. I am still a servant, after all. Even if it's the queen's servant."
"That's ridiculous! Tomorrow, I'll have the carpenters make you a new room, right next to mine," Sectonia said, astonished that her dearest friend still slept in those horrible beds. She made a mental note to visit the servants and order new and improved living quarters for them.
"That's okay, Iris. I'm pretty content sleeping down there, anyways."
"Taranza, that wasn't a question. That was my first command as queen," Sectonia pronounced triumphantly.
"If it matters that much to you, fine. I do have to warn you, I sleeptalk," Taranza admitted, both of them knowing that the walls were about as thin as cloth.
"And I bet you say the strangest things, Tary. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Iris."