Hello, lovelies :)

Thank you for all the reviews on the previous chapter, and welcome to the new readers who joined us on this big adventure! ;)

I'm almost 100k words in (on my document), and I still can't believe it. I thought this story would be shorter than my previous one: well, it might not. Ooops. I hope you're not getting bored, yet! xD because I have some interesting things planned for the next chapters... But I'm not gonna tell you anything yet. LOL

Aaanyway, here comes the next chapter...

Chapter 36

The next morning when I woke up, the first thing that came to mind was "Today is the day. I am going to be officially Queen, the most powerful person in Illéa. Maybe even the most powerful person in the world. Now that is not something to overlook, especially for an eighteen year old girl like me." I had decided, the previous day, to fight back this Queen who was trying to take over in me. I kept the teenager close by. Because I knew I could make the teenager grow up, instead of kicking it away and letting the adult reign. No. I could grow up. Even if I had to do this alone, I could do it. I just needed the will.

I closed my eyes again, trying to go back to the darkness of my sleep. But just when I was going to get there, Judy walked in, opening the curtains to a bright sunny morning.

"Good morning, My Lady," she said in her usual bubbly self. "How are you feeling, today?"

I groaned. "Can I sleep until tomorrow?"

"I'm afraid you can't. I do hope you remember that today is your Coronation day, right?" she said, looking at me, pausing in mid air, the last curtains only half open.

I rolled my eyes. "How could I forget?"

She finished opening the curtains. "Good. Because the whole world is waiting for that."

"Great. Now I'm not stressed at all."

"Don't you go all sarcastic on me, Your Majesty."

"Don't call me that."

She lifted an eyebrow and looked at me pointedly. "Then don't use that attitude."

I glared at her. "You're not my mother," I said in a low voice.

She sighed. "I know. And no one will ever replace her. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

"It's all right. I guess I'll still need someone to put me back on the right track. Somehow. Thanks," I mumbled. I kicked the covers away and slipped my feet in my warm slippers. I took a shower and then Judy helped me in a very simple, but regal day dress. I wanted to give the girl in me the time to grow up. If I never let her out, she would never grow.

When I was ready, I walked down the stairs and almost bumped into Roy.

"Oh, hello Roy."

"Good morning, Your Majesty." He slightly bowed his head.

"Oh, please, Roy. Don't do that. And don't call me that."

He smiled. "What shall I call you, then? My Lady? Madam? Miss Schreave? My Queen?"

"Dora. Plain and simple Dora. Please."

He smirked and took my hand in his, kissing the back of it. "As you wish. Shall we go to breakfast?" He offered me his arm, and I took it, chuckling. We walked in silent companionship and entered the Dining Room together. James was already there, trying to get Lizy to be patient.

"James, you know you can have her start eating before everyone else," I told him with a smile. Damn. This little girl was melting my heart every single time.

"No. She won't learn her manners if she does," he said, looking at his daughter.

"Then don't make her come before everyone else," Roy said, amused. "It's torture for the poor girl."

"Well, she might become a Princess someday, and she'll need some proper manners instilled in her. So I figured I'd start early." He smiled an innocent smile. I don't think Roy deciphered the sarcasm and joke in James' voice, so from the kind, sweet boy that he was, he clammed up and sat at the table as far as possible from James, avoiding both our gazes. James and I looked at each other, confusion covering our faces. I think we mirrored each other pretty well.

"Roy, I was just joking," James said tentatively.

"No, you were not. You and I both know you have a better chance than any of us in this Selection," Roy mumbled, staring intently as his fork, as if looking for some flaw in it.

"Roy, that's not true," I tried to soothe him.

"Of course it's true," he said louder and looking at us this time. "Why do you think he took Lizy with him? Huh?"

"Um, because-" I looked at James for help. I didn't want to tell his story for him.

"Because her mother and grandparents are all dead," James said, all joke and sarcasm out of his voice. "Taking her here was the only option, and you know that. And to be honest, I thought I would be the first one to go. Coming to the Selection with a little girl is unheard of and I was ready to go back home as soon as I had set foot here." He paused, breathing. I didn't know where to look or go. I noticed the other ones coming in one by one, and sitting silently around the table, witnessing the first — at least in front of me — argument between the Elite. "But Dora was kind enough to look past Lizy and straight to me," he finished.

Whew. What a great way to start this day…

"Um, what's going on?" Ethan said as he entered the room a little out of breath, late as usual.

Everyone turned their heads to look at him, and I forced myself not to roll my eyes at him.

"Why do you always have to put your foot in it?" Finn asked, annoyed.

"What? What did I do wrong, this time?" Ethan asked, confused, and a bit angry at Finn's biting comment.

Eric opened his mouth to say something, but quickly closed it. Then opened it again. "It's about James and Lizy again," he quickly said.

"Again?" Ethan said, rolling his eyes. "Aren't we past this, now?"

"What do you mean, 'again'?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest and stood.

They all looked at each other, confused, as if they had just remembered I was there. They all sat down and looked at their plate, like little children who were being

reprimanded by their parents.

"Seriously," I said. "What do you mean, 'again'?" I sighed and waited for their answer.

We could hear a pin drop if it wasn't for Lizy whining for something to eat.

"Actually, this argument has been going on since the beginning," Max started. "Um, I mean, you read the articles, right? Half the country thinks you took pity of James and

Lizy and kept them here for that reason. And, not mentioning any names, but Roy and some others," he pointedly looked at a couple others, "have been thinking and voicing the same thing practically from the start." He paused, letting this sink in.

"And now that you cut us down to the Elite," Hades added, talking carefully, "it has been a little strained in here."

I sighed. I needed to choose my words very carefully. "Okay. You want my thoughts on this matter, once and for all?"

"No," James said. "You don't need to do that. I'll show myself the way out." He stood and grabbed Lizy under her arms. But she started crying, because she was hungry and hadn't had anything to eat yet. She wrestled against her dad who was trying to secure her on his hip.

"Uh, James?" I said. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Home. Goodbye, Your Majesty." He bowed his head.

"James, don't you walk on me like that." But he didn't listen and headed for the door. "James!" I said louder. "Stop right there." He obeyed but didn't turn around. "You have to hear this, too. And besides, you're not allowed to leave until I send you away." I took a deep breath, and when I saw that he was finally turning around to look at me, I let out my breath. "James has the same chance as anyone of you here. You could all come with a personal item. James took his daughter with him. And yes, she has a special place in my heart. But she also has a special place in all of your hearts, doesn't she?" I looked at them one by one, but none of them was looking at me. "Right now, you all have a special place in my heart, otherwise I wouldn't have chosen you in my Elite." I paused, observing them carefully. "But today is not the day for arguing. Please. I already have enough trouble focusing on tonight's event."

I sat back on my chair and nodded to the footmen for breakfast. James slowly came back to the table and sat a whining Lizy in her chair. We all ate in silence. What had started as a relatively good day for me was turning into a nightmare. And it was just eight in the morning. As soon as I was finished, I excused myself and went back to father's- I mean my office to look over my vows for tonight, and the day's schedule.

I wanted to be alone for most of the day and ate my lunch in the study, going over and over on my vows, practicing them in front of a mirror. An hour after lunch, I heard a small knock on the door. I didn't say anything, but just opened the door.

"Oh, is it time, already?" I asked the seamstress who had a huge white linen bag in her arms.

"Yes, I'm afraid, so, Your Majesty," she said, curtsying.

"All right. Come in." I stepped aside and let them walk in the study. The first one was carrying the dress, the second one was rolling a tiny round stage for me to stand on, the third one was pushing a gigantic mirror on wheels, and the fourth one had all the material — threads, needles, and so on. I let them turn the study into a fitting room. Judy and another maid came in with a screen so I could take off my dress. Then, Judy helped me in the Coronation dress.

I stepped on the small round stage and looked at myself in the mirror. It was an off-the-shoulders ivory low-waist, full skirt — with I don't know how many petticoats — ball gown that fit my bust and hips closely. The several women around me adjusted the dress — a few stitches here and there — but overall, it was perfect. I slipped on some royal blue peep-toe high heel shoes, and Judy placed the Royal cape on my shoulders, with ermine fur around my neck. It was extra long and followed me on several yards behind me.

"Do you want to practice walking with your dress and cape before tonight, My Lady?" Judy asked.

I chuckled. "Yes. I think it would be a good idea. It would be ridiculous to trip in front of the whole world, I'd rather trip now." They all smiled and some giggled. "I think the Ball Room should be big enough."

"Very well. Let me take of the cape off so you can walk down the stairs." Judy came near me to take it off.

"No, no, no. It'll be a good exercise."

"As you wish." She stepped away, and I headed for the door, the women behind me, making sure that the cape was not cleaning the floor as I walked. I was hoping not to bump into any of the Elite, but I did. Well, I bumped into Lizy. Does she count as an Elite?

"Woah," she said in awe. "Your dwess is beautiful," she said with a tiny lisp.

"Thank you, Lizy. Where's your daddy?" I asked as I tried to crouch in my huge skirt to be eye-level with her.

She shrugged. "I don't know."

I chuckled. "And you don't seem to mind, do you?"

"No."

"You want to come with me?" I asked her, offering her my hand. A huge smile spread across her pink face and she took it eagerly.

"We'e are we going?" she asked, her eyes not leaving me — or my dress? — for a split second.

"I'm going to practice walking in this dress. Weird, huh?"

Lizy laughed. "Yeah." For some reason, I was glad I had bumped into her. She always lifted my spirits, whatever the circumstances, and this would be fun with her. Judy opened the Ball Room doors and Lizy froze in her steps, her jaw dropping practically to the floor.

"You never came here before?" I asked her.

"No." Funny. James had said she went exploring the Palace on her own.

"And why not?"

She blushed. "The doors we'e too heavy."

"Well, explore all you want, then." She looked at me, making sure I had really said that, and I nodded. She ran on her chubby little legs around the Room, looking at the ceiling and paintings on the walls. I felt my cheeks lift and realized I was smiling like an idiot at this little doll running around my home. She was so lucky to be a little girl, still. Something in me told me that she would be the one to help me stay myself, the teenage girl.

Judy cleared her throat and I snapped out of my reverie. I headed straight for the other side of the room, walking in a straight line, looking ahead of me. I could almost imagine myself as a model, presenting a new line of dresses. I managed not to spring my ankle. Just before I arrived at the other side, Judy spoke up.

"My Lady, you need to practice turning around without stepping on the cape."

"You're right." I carefully turned around and lifted the cape with my left hand, placing it further away around my feet.

"Good," Judy said. "Now come back here and be careful with your cape." I walked towards her and made it to the other end of the Room without incident. I noticed Lizy walking at the same pace as me, a few yards away, head high, like a Princess. I wished James could see this.

"So, how did I look?" I asked Judy and the other women who were still here.

"Perfect." She checked her watch. "We should be going in a few minutes, though." I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Lizy?" I heard James' voice as he peeked in the Ball Room. "Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry," he said, confused, as if interrupting something he wasn't supposed to see.

"Daddy!" She ran to her father and jumped in his outstretched arms. But James couldn't take his eyes off me. I smiled, blushing a little. I had never worn such an exquisite dress in front of any of them.

"Dora, you look absolutely gorgeous," He softly said in awe.

"Thanks." I felt my heart quicken and my palms becoming sweaty.

He tore his eyes off me and looked at his little girl. "It's time to get ready, baby girl." She nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. He looked at me one last time over his shoulder and walked away.

The women all went away resuming their duties, and Judy and I met with General Lodge in the Entrance Hall. I went to the Throne Room to check if everything was ready. Then, General lodge made me hide in the Women's Room until everything was ready: guests, cameras, guards and servants. Judy fixed my hair and make-up. Then, I paced in the room for what seemed like an eternity, repeating my vows until I wasn't sure anymore about the words. I mentally kicked myself for this stupid mistake. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and recited the vows. Thankfully I didn't do any mistake, this time. My heart was drumming fast in my chest, and I was afraid everyone might hear it once I'd enter the Throne Room.

Finally, General Lodge came to tell me it was time. The cameras were rolling, and Felix August had already started the Report. I stood in front of the closed mahogany doors, focusing on my breathing.

"It's going to be all right, Your Majesty," he said softly.

"How many people are there?"

"Almost three hundred people, and the rest of the world watching from their homes." I winced at the thought of doing this in front of the entire planet. And among the three hundred people were other Royals from all over the world — France, New Asia, Italy, Ireland, Brazil, North Africa, Germany, South Africa.

I swallowed as two butlers opened the doors. I held my head high and walked regally to the other end of the room, where a lonely Throne was waiting for me. I walked the three steps to the stage and turned around like I had practiced earlier to face the crowd. The Elite was standing in the front row, and Princess Aislinn and Prince Casper were on the other side, also on the first row. Aislinn smiled encouragingly and I took courage from her.

Felix said a few words and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. I looked straight ahead and the Priest gave me the golden orb — symbol of authority — in my left hand and the golden scepter — symbol of power — in my right hand.

"People of Illéa," The Priest said. "I present unto you Queen Isodora Amber Callie Schreave, your undoubted Queen."

"God save Queen Isodora!" the crowd answered back.

"Is Your Majesty ready to take the Oath?"

"I am ready," I said. I took a deep breath. The two royal objects in my hands were becoming heavy and I needed to hurry up. "I solemnly promise and swear to govern the People of Illéa, according to their laws and customs. I will, to my power, cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all my judgements. I promise to be kind and just, and to keep this country as safe as I can, for our children and the future generations to come."

"God save the Queen!" the crowd erupted again.

The Priest placed the heavy Crown on my head, the same one, but smaller and more feminine, my father used to wear. I felt a single tear streaming down my cheek, but my hands were full and I couldn't dry it away. The teenager and the Queen in me were both side by side, proud of this moment. The Priest made me sit on the Throne and place the two heavy gold symbols on red cushions. He also placed a heavy golden necklace around my neck and the whole crowd stood.

"God save Queen Isodora! Long live Queen Isodora! May the Queen live for ever!" Flashes of cameras blinded me, and I knew I was going to be on the front page of every single newspaper and magazine in the world the next morning, so I was careful to hold my head high, and to smile slightly. After that, I walked out of the Room, one of my advisors said a few words, and Felix ended the Report. The Anthem played and I went to the Ball Room, where I would meet with all my Elite.

A few minutes later, they all came in as a one, Felix August with a photograph tailing them, and I had to pose with each and every one of them.

Eric was first. He didn't really know what to do with his hands so he just slipped them in his pockets and smiled awkwardly.

Then came Max. "Remember our make-out session during the storm?" he whispered in my ear, and the photographer snapped as I blushed furiously and Max smirked, looking at me. I pushed him away playfully and rolled my eyes at him. He chuckled and walked away.

Finn replaced him, and he wrapped his arm around my waist, with a content smile on his lips. He scratched his wrist just as the flash blinded us.

Hades decided he wanted a picture of us where he kissed the back of my hand, and he had it. I'm not sure we could see his face on the picture — only his honey-blond hair — but he didn't care.

Roy was still a little mad from what happened during breakfast, and he just stood next to me, his hands behind his back, a tight smile on his lips. But just as the photographer snapped the picture, I kissed his cheek. He was as red as a tomato and walked away, not making eye-contact with me.

"Okay, I'm next," Ethan said. He swept me off my feet and carried me bridal style, careful not to tear off the cape or strangle me with it. He looked intently at me and kissed me just as the clic of the camera sounded. Seriously? Ugh.

"I can't believe you just did that," I said in shock. "This is going to be everywhere in the newspapers tomorrow, you know?"

"Yeah, I know," he said smugly. "I might even have a better chance in the popular polls." He smiled innocently and kissed the back of my hand before giving his place to Bast.

Bast stood behind me and since he was so much taller than me, he wrapped his arms around my shoulders and rested he's chin on my Crown. "Hmm. Not very comfortable, to be honest," he said. But he smiled nonetheless and we were both blinded by the flash.

And, last but not least, came James with Lizy. I took Lizy in my arms and placed her on my hip, James stood next to me, his hand resting lightly in the small of my back, and his gaze on both me and his daughter. The photographer snapped it just then.

Each picture was very different, pointing out the boys' different personalities. After that, there was a gigantic banquet with the special guests, and I wasn't able to get a minute alone or to take off my shoes before five in the morning, when I fell on my bed fully dressed.

Hope you liked this chapter! After the 2-3 past chapters which were pretty somber and sad, I tried to lift the spirits in this one...

Your thoughts, reactions, and comments are appreciated! so please review! (although I know most of you do it...) THANKS!

Oh, and I based her vows on Queen Elisabeth's oath in 1953 ;)

I'll see you soon for a next chapter ;) Bye!