Dark Witch
Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia.
Chapter 19: The Coronation
Eirlys's POV
The rest of the week has been the preparation for the coronation. The Pevensies were spending time with Caspian, giving him advice on how to rule. Meanwhile, I was working with Cornelius on a particular project with Aslan. We occupied the Professors Studies, where Cornelius pulled out the materials of gold and gems. By tradition, each King gets their own crown. No crown is shared, for a King and Queen is buried with their crown.
My diadem rested on the desk. During my reign of the Dark Narnians, I didn't feel obligated to wear a crown. So, I chose a diadem. It was ornamental headband made out of silver, encrusted in diamonds. At the same time, the center was a sapphire with emeralds on the band.
"Now, how would you like the crown to be, Aslan?" I asked. "Like the Kings of Old?"
As I manipulated the gold with magic to resembled the Kings of Old Crown.
"No, the crown should be Caspian's own," Aslan said.
I thought about it then manipulated my magic to make a crown mixed between Telmarine and Narnian. A celestial and astral mold into one. The gold melted and morphed, transfiguring into shape. Using my other hand, I magically levitated the gems along with a chain of pearls. A sapphire center with two rubies on each side. Aquamarines scattered about along with more pearls. Meanwhile, on the center point, I made the organic symbol of Narnia, which was a viburnum leaf.
"How about this?" I asked.
"Perfect," Aslan answered.
"You seem calm in giving up your reign," Cornelius noted.
"I think after 1315 years, being a ruler is taxing," I joked.
Cornelius and Aslan chuckled, knowing that is true.
"Besides, there's no more Dark Narnians. Only Narnians in general," I added.
"Indeed," Aslan agreed. "But Narnia is still in need of you yet."
"Well, I better go check on Caspian," Cornelius said.
Aslan and I nodded, as the half-dwarf left the room. A thought came to mind as I looked at Aslan.
"What is on your mind?" Aslan asked.
"I was wondering how long will I have this immortal life?" I confessed. "Is it forever because of the forbidden fruit Jadis consumed that I can live forever or the deep magic you bless me with?"
"Do you not wish to live forever?" he asked.
"Many would wish for it, to live a long life and see the spoils of knowledge and history," I answered, then sighed. "Yet making friends and seeing them die from age…along with the riches of life."
"Last I check, you thought it was a blessing to not have children," he reminded humorous, "Especially from watching the Pevensies."
I laughed softly, knowing he got me there.
"Still, the temptations are always there," I said.
Aslan nodded, "When the time is right."
I nodded; Aslan knows best.
"I won't have that death again?" I asked to be sure. "My magic won't turn against me?"
"No, not like the last," he assured.
I nodded, relaxing from it. Five hundred years of anxiety. Wondering when death would arrive or Tash appearing out of nowhere. But now I can relax. All the Narnians are brought out of the shadows. The Children of the Elements are awakened. From the dryads, naiads, and nymphs awake and thriving. The trees singing along the wind. For once, I am happy in a long time.
"You better get some rest, tomorrow is the coronation," he advised.
"Same to you, my friend," I replied back. "Better rescue Caspian from the Pevensies."
"That you should," Aslan agreed, as he headed out.
I sighed, shaking my head before leaving the study in search of my friends. It took a while, but I soon found them in the corridor where Susan was teaching Caspian how to dance. Lucy watching with her brother, until tugging on Peter's sleeve.
"Let's dance, Peter," Lucy pleaded.
"All right, Lucy," Peter chuckled as the two dances.
I walked over to Edmund, "Did I miss anything?"
"Only Peter giving Caspian a hard time," Edmund confessed.
"Why am I not surprise," I chuckled, shaking my head.
"How was your talk with Aslan?" he asked.
"It went well," I answered.
"What did you talk about?" he asked.
"Curiosity killed the cat," I reminded.
"And satisfaction brought it back," he countered.
"Mainly preparing Caspian's coronation and his decision on things," I said.
"Like what?" he asked.
"Can't say," I answered.
Edmund sighed, "Well, care to dance?"
I raised a brow. It has been a long time since I danced. At least one on one, since Coriakin. I mainly do group dancing. Not wanting to be the center of attention.
"I don't think so," I said. "I haven't danced in five hundred years."
"You're kidding," he said.
"I wish I was," I said.
"Then let me teach you again," Edmund offered his hand.
I stared at him, thinking about it. Many thoughts linger in my head before accepting the gesture. There was an extreme height difference, for I was slightly taller. Still, Edmund placed a hand on my waist while the other held my right hand. Meanwhile, my left hand rested on his shoulder that we dance. Edmund grinned as we followed to the music. As everyone danced, I savored this moment. Knowing in a few days, my friends will be gone.
.o0o.
The following day was the coronation.
I woke by the early hours as Bircha appeared to help me dress for the coronation. The seamstress did wonders, as the gown was almost resembling the ones, I once wore during the Corin Dynasty.
The gown was elegant, with a moderately low waistline. There was side lacing that allows the garment to fit tightly around the waist, trim-finished long bell sleeves along with a wide scoop neckline. An exclusive trim with ornament decorates a neckline, upper part of sleeves. The finishing touch to the outfit was an outer bodice corset, of navy-blue suede leather, laced by a gold string. Follow by blue shoes. I secured my pendant while Bircha did my hair, brushing all the knots, then did two braids allowing the hair to be out of my face, followed by a braid in the back. The last thing to put on was my diadem.
"There," Bircha murmured.
"It's been so long since I last saw myself like this," I confessed.
Bircha nodded, "We better get going."
I nodded, collecting my sword and secured on a belt.
"You can leave the sword now," Bircha informed. "All is well."
"Force of habit," I confessed.
Bircha nodded in understanding. She opened the door, where Edmund stood with his hand raised about to knock. His eyes widen as he stared at me, surprised, his mouth dropping slightly. Bircha cleared her throat, breaking the trance the Silver King was in.
"Oh, uh, I was wondering if I can escort you, your grace," Edmund said.
Bircha glanced at me, raising a brow in question. I nodded, walking over to Edmund, as he offered his arm. "Thank you."
Edmund nodded as blushed dusted his cheeks. We made our way to the stables, where the Pevensies and Caspian were. Their eyes widen, seeing me, no longer in dark attire. Then again, other than Caspian, the Kings and Queens of Old only saw me in greys and black. Except for Edmund, who has seen me wear colors before.
"And I thought this was my coronation," Caspian teased.
"I assure you it is," I said. "Unless you want me to use glamour."
"No," Edmund chuckled.
"What's glamour?" Lucy asked.
"It's something jinns have that manipulates people with beauty," I explained. "It has a strong effect on the opposite sex."
"Like Sirens," Susan considered.
I nodded, "But do not worry, I haven't used glamour in five years, and that was to gather information."
They nodded, still Edmund, Peter, and Caspian have experienced the glamour from Jadis and I. Either way, we got on the horses. We made our way to the field outside of Telmar. The coronation will be on Narnian soil, where both the Narnians and Telmarine shall see the crowning of the new King. We were still early that the Pevensies and Caspian made their way to the tent to wait.
I excused myself, going over to the stage where the coronation will take place. The Center was Aslan, where a throne made of branches and vines were. I curtsey before the Great Lion, who bobbed his head in return. Next to Aslan was Cornelius, who held the red velvet pillow that held the crown. We turned around, seeing the union of the Narnians and Telmarines. The Telmarines were still apprehensive and nervous, seeing the Narnians. The children were in awe, staring at their lower half of horses and goat leg. Several of the talking animals allowing the children to pet them. It was a start.
Soon it was time; the Centaurs formed an aisle drawing their claymore swords to create an arch. The fanfare played, as the Pevensies came down the aisle, walking up the steps to the stage where the elder siblings took the left and the younger siblings on the right. Next came Caspian as he walked down the aisle with his head up high, though nervous at the same time. I gave the young King an encouraging smile, which helped him grow confidence. He walked up the steps and kneel before Aslan and me.
"Caspian, Son of King Caspian IX and Queen Seraphina. So long entrusted with the Kingdom of Narnia, yet only a Son of Adam and or a Daughter of Eve can rule. I have defended Narnia and the lives of the innocent across the realm from the time of the Dark Ages. Though the day has come … to resign my reign as Queen and handed off to you, my heir." I said proudly, facing Caspian. "Do you swear to guard the Kingdom of Narnia?"
"I swear," Caspian said.
"And do you swear to preserve the peace?" I asked.
"I swear," Caspian promised.
"Do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambition and to pledge yourself only to the good of the Kingdom of Narnia?"
"I swear."
"Then, on this day, I, Eirlys, proclaim you King of Narnia, and Emperor of the Lone Islands," I declared.
I stepped aside, gesturing Caspian to take his seat on the throne. He stood up, walking proudly as he took his place on the Narnian chair. Aslan nodded his head to me, as I accepted the crown and rested it on Caspian's head. Aslan stepped forward, breathing on Caspian, blessing him with divine right. Anointing him as King.
He stepped back facing the young King, "Once a King of Narnia, always a King. May your wisdom grace us until the stars rain down from the heavens."
Aslan then faced the audience, "Long live King Caspian!"
Right after the crowd cheered for their new king shouting, "Long live King Caspian!"
Everyone was smiling and cheering for their new ruler. I glanced over to the east, where legends foretold of Aslan's Country. The last eighteen years I had watched over Caspian since word came of his father's death. I have kept my promise to Caspian IX and Seraphina in protecting their son and crowning him as King. Another promise fulfilled. Caspian IX would have been proud of his son, becoming a better king than what Miraz had tempted.
.o0o.
After the ceremony, we made our way back to Telmar. King Caspian riding in the lead with Peter and Susan right behind him. Follow by Edmund, Lucy, and I, with the Valiant Queen. As Trumpkin, Trufflehunter, Cornelius, Glenstorm with his sons follow behind with the other Narnians. The crowd cheered for their new King, raising banners and ribbons of red and gold. Flowers were being tossed in the air. Hands waving in greeting their new King and neighbors.
I smiled, seeing Lucy smiling and giggling at their surrounding then looked up, spotting Edmund giving a smile. I smiled back at him, feeling the fluttering in my chest. I was still confused, not sure when the Pevensies will leave and know I have not been treating Edmund fairly. Except for my walls of fear of being hurt again were still there. Any day now, Aslan will send the Pevensies away, back to Spare Oom. It can be another thousand years before they return again. The thought had my heart clenched.
We soon arrived back to Telmar Castle, where a feast was being set, along with a small ball. All the Lords and their families, along with the Narnians, filled the great hall in celebration. The moment we enter, the Nymphs held a performance for the new King. Their movements were graceful, captivating the audience. The Pevensies watched in awe.
When the performance was over, everyone cheered for the show.
The celebration continued as I stepped to the side, allowing Caspian to have all the attention. I stood there, observing as everyone dance and congratulated the new King. Seeing everyone happy for the first time in a long time. A servant passed by with a tray of wine. I grabbed one and took a sip savoring the drink. One of the Lords came over. It was Lord Scythley.
"Lady Eirlys," Lord Scythley greeted.
"Queen," I corrected.
Lord Scythley raised a brow, confused, "Forgive me, I did not know."
"It's alright, the Narnian monarchy is confusing," I assured him. "There are active rulers, and there are none. Caspian is the active ruler."
Lord Scythley nodded, "What are your plans now?"
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Now that Caspian is King, what do you plan on doing now?" he asked.
"Whatever King Caspian asks," I answered. "Since Stone Castle is no more. His majesty request I stay as his advisor."
Lord Scythley eyes widen and nodded.
"By the way, I have a question for you," I murmured, taking a sip of wine. "Do you know the whereabouts of Argoz, Bern, Mavramorn, Octesian, Restimar, Revillian, and Rhoop?"
"I would like to know their locations as well," Lord Scythley replied. "Many believe they have been murdered when returning to their estates. Others believe they've sailed to the east towards the Lone Islands."
"Has anyone made contact with the Lone Islands?"
"Not for a very long time," Lord Scythley said. "If you can, help Caspian fixed the mistakes that many Lords and I fail to notice."
"I promise," I vowed.
Lord Scythley nodded in return, he held a look of internal confliction. The adjustment of the Narnians in Telmar. Three hundred and five years of war and separation. All for not.
Edmund came over, "Care to dance?"
"Why do I have a feeling I won't be able to say no," I replied.
"Not a chance," Edmund confirmed.
I chuckled, shaking my head, finishing my glass of wine before joining Edmund on the dance floor. Over and over, Edmund and I dance. Not caring if others were watching. Edmund hardly let anyone dance with me. Peter and Caspian managed to get one dance.
"Remember that one dance we had at the lake?" he asked.
"With your terrible singing?" I chuckled.
"Hey, I warned you I wasn't perfect," he said with a laughed.
I nodded with a smile. "I miss those times."
"Can you give me a second chance?" he asked.
"Edmund," I started.
"I'm back," he said. "Yes, giving a few years, so it doesn't seem awkward with others. But I haven't forgotten about you. Let me make up all the times we have lost."
"I don't know," I sighed, looking into his eyes. Seeing how much he wants to fix this, fix us. But I knew it won't work. Any day now, Aslan will send the Pevensies back to Spare Oom. Will it be days, months, years, or centuries before he or his siblings returned again. I glance over his shoulder, seeing Aslan standing there with a sad look. I took a deep breath, "We will see."
Edmund couldn't help but smile.
Let him have this moment.
So we danced and spend time together.
When night time came, there was a surprise as fireworks went off. Never have I seen fireworks up this close. Many were in awe. Especially the children. Seeing different colors that took the shape of flowers in the sky. Once the show was over, exhaustion came.
"May I walk you back to your chambers?" Edmund asked.
I nodded, wrapping my arm around his as he led me back to my chambers. It was a peaceful silence as we walked along the corridors until reaching the door to my chambers.
"Thank you for the walk," I said.
"You're welcome," Edmund said, then paused. "That thing you did after Jadis return, of going back to a memory…can you do it again?"
"Is there a memory you want to see?" I replied, staring at him.
"Not quite," he said, rubbing his neck.
"I don't follow?"
"Can you…um…maybe put us in a dream…back in my older body?" he asked.
I stared at him for a moment. A memory when we first met during the Eternal Winter, where he asked Jadis if he can make him taller. Losing my barring, I couldn't help but laugh. Edmund smiled a little when hearing me laugh.
"What?" he asked.
"Just a memory of you asking to be taller."
"Yeah, not one of my proudest moments," he said, his cheeks turning red.
I took a deep breath and opened the door. I gestured him to come in, before entering as well. Edmund nodded as he looked around the room, noting it was an apartment and not a bedroom.
"I guess you get more benefits when being the king's nurse," Edmund noted.
"Well, if I wasn't, he wouldn't have heard stories about the Narnians," I said, removing my diadem.
Edmund nodded, "Shall I get a fire started."
"It's a bit warm for a fire," I said, then waved my hand, lighting all the candles. "Make yourself comfortable. I'm going to change."
Edmund nodded as he sat down on the lounge. I went to my bedchambers, changing out of my dress and into a nightgown and robe. When I came out, Edmund had taken off his doublet and boots. I sat down next to him on the lounge. He looked at me, giving a smile.
"You truly wanted to go back to the past?" I asked.
Edmund nodded.
I took a deep breath, "then let's lay down in my room. I'm not going to wake up with a sore back."
Edmund nodded again as we went to my bedroom. We laid down facing each other. I moved closer, pressing my forehead against his, mentally casting the spell to place us in a memory where we have control.
Hey guys, should I write the chapter of the memory? Or a separate story making it rated M. I'm stuck on where to go? Please, I could use some suggestions.
The coronation was inspired by Thor 2011.
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review!