The Queen is Crowned
About six weeks had passed since the failure of Mama Binterong's scheme to assassinate Queen Janna and take over the Tree of Life. The Night Pride and the Lion Guard had just finished battling Makucha and his army yet again, and the predators had fled for the time being. "They don't give up; I'll give them that much," an exhausted Rani told the rest of the group. Just then, Ullu flew over to join them. "Rani! Rani!" she hooted.
"That's strange," Rani mused. "We just chased Makucha and his followers off; they couldn't possibly have staged another attack already," "Queen Janna wants to see you and the Night Pride pronto," Ullu declared. "Of course," the Leader of the Night Pride nodded. "We'll leave post-haste,". "Rani," Kion stepped forward. "Would you like the Lion Guard and I to make sure Makucha and his army don't return while you're gone?" "Well, that's very sweet of you, Kion," Rani smiled. "Actually, Her Majesty wants to see Kion as well," Ullu added. "Okay," Kion agreed, though he was a bit confused as to why the Queen wanted to see him. So, Rani, Kion, Baliyo, Surak and Nirmala made their way to the palace... only to discover virtually every inhabitant of the Tree of Life outside it.
At this point, Rani realised why the Queen wanted to see them; her grandmother only had a few minutes to live. As carefully as possible, the Night Pride, plus Kion, worked their way through the crowds. "Terribly sorry, sir," Rani uttered politely as she glided passed Mr. Penguino, the driver of the ice-cream van. "Excuse me, there," Kion apologised as he made his way passed Mr. Green the farmer. "My apologies, madam," Baliyo said awkwardly as he did his best not to bump up Mrs. Green, Mr. Green's wife and the corner shop owner. "Kids these days!" the sour woman scowled as Baliyo left. Eventually, the group got passed the crowd and made their way into the palace.
When they got into the Queen's large bedroom, they saw Janna very weak and tired, with Makini at her side. The Queen's skin, that once looked like it was the colour of copper, was now much whiter, almost the same colour as Rani's, who was the daughter of a coloured Indian prince and a white English commoner. She gestured for the group to come forward. By now, there wasn't a single dry eye in the bedroom. Baliyo was the first to be addressed by the dying Queen. "Baliyo," Janna said, her voice very quiet. "My dear grandson. Stay strong; stay strong for both yourself and your sister. She will need your strength,". They hugged tightly, Baliyo's tears flowing from his eyes like water from a waterfall might flow into a river.
A tearful Nirmala was next. "Nirmala, I remember you coming to the Tree of Life all those years ago," Janna explained. "You have become one of the strongest assets to this kingdom; a fierce protector, but a gentle healer. I now pass the healing powers of the Tree of Life to you; use them well,". Nirmala sadly nodded, hugged the Queen and went back to her space. Surak came forward, dreading having to bid his mother farewell. "Don't go," the Queen's younger son uttered. "I'm sorry, Surak; I have to. God has decided that the time has come for me to see your father, your brother and your sister-in-law again," his mother explained. "I know; I wish I could see them again; Father in particular was taken from us far too early," Surak sighed. "I agree," Janna nodded. "Thankfully, though, his murderer has paid the price for killing his King, his own uncle, as well as his cousins. Now, my wonderful son, Rani is going to rely on you for wisdom; whenever she may need advice, provide her with it,". Surak nodded tearfully, hugging his mother with all his strength. He then stepped back.
Janna then gestured for Kion to come forward. The young man hadn't known the Queen for very long, but she had done so much for him and his friends, and for that, he would always be grateful. Rani saw that tears were beginning to form in Kion's eyes, and this moved her deeply; this was the very first time she had seen him cry. Kion bowed before the Queen. "Kion," Janna uttered. "Your Majesty," Kion replied solemnly. "I'm disappointed that I won't be able to see your healing completed, but words cannot describe how happy I was to see you and the Roar come to the Tree of Life. I hope that you find peace within yourself and, maybe someday..." Janna paused, gesturing for a servant to come forward. The servant put a ribbon with the mark of the Night Pride on it around Kion's shoulder and gave him a sword in a scabbard, which he attached to his waist. The young man looked at the Queen with a mixture of respect and confusion. "...you'll decide to stay at the Tree of Life and join the Night Pride," "Thank you, Your Majesty," Kion uttered politely as he stepped back. A voice from above was telling her that Kion could very well become the most important person in her granddaughter's life.
Rani started to cry as her grandmother called her forward. The Princess had so many things to tell the Queen, but all she managed to get out was "Please stay,", which she knew in her heart wasn't possible. Rani's voice got caught in her throat "I'll never live up to your example,". Janna gave her an assuring smile. "Of course you will," she insisted. "And you'll have the Night Pride and Makini to help you," "I'll try," Rani uttered, overcome with sorrow. " I know," Janna said. She looked up. Physically, she was only looking at the canopy of her bed, but the Queen knew that in the afterlife, her husband King Malik was watching over her. While Janna was upset to leave her youngest son, grandchildren and subjects, she was delighted by the fact that she would soon be in her husband's arms again, and this time, nothing could separate them. "I'm coming, my love," she thought. "It will only be a few minutes before I see you, Sahasi and Ananda again. I've missed you so much, but when I die, we can watch over Rani together as she takes her place in the Circle of Life,".
With that, Janna closed her eyes and died. Everyone in the room shed an abundance of tears at the knowledge of the Queen's death. Baliyo hugged his uncle Surak tightly, Nirmala lowered her head in sadness, and Makini cried into her dress. Rani was crying so much she could've flooded a small village. Seeing this made an-already melancholic Kion even sadder. To comfort her, he walked over to where she was standing and whispered "I'm so sorry, Rani,". He then invited her for a hug, which she gratefully accepted, uttering "Thank you, Kion,". The Leader of the Lion Guard allowed the Leader of the Night Pride to cry into his shirt, with him putting his hands on her back. This hug made the both of them feel a little better.
After a few minutes, the Night Pride and Makini left the palace. Seeing all the people standing outside reminded Makini that someone had to tell them that their Queen had passed away. "And that person is me," she thought as she cleared her throat and spoke up. "People of the Tree of Life," she declared. "It's with the most profound sorrow that I inform you that Queen Janna has completed her journey in the Circle of Life,". At that moment, the dead Queen's subjects altogether shed enough tears to flood a whole continent. Binga was so upset that she took the handkerchief containing a cake she had bought for her lunch and cried into it. Penguino stared in disbelief and put his hands to his mouth, his eyes wet with tears. Even the grumpy Mrs. Green was devastated at the Queen's passing as she cried into her husband's shirt. "The funeral of Queen Janna will take place tomorrow morning," Makini continued. "This will be followed by the coronation of the new Queen Rani tomorrow evening at sunset,".
That night, when everyone had gone home to mourn for Queen Janna, Rani was in her bedroom, looking in the mirror at herself. She pulled back one of the drawers, and took out the two ribbons that secured her pigtails when she was a child. She put them in her hair and glanced at herself. She then pulled out another drawer, revealing a photo of Rani on her fifth birthday. The Princess glanced at herself in the mirror and then at the photo of her five-year-old self. With the ribbons in her pigtails, she didn't look much different from the way she did as a little girl. In fact, she still had the dress she often wore her childhood, but it obviously didn't fit her anymore. Rani sighed as she took the ribbons out of her hair. "I'm a child," she told herself. "I don't have what it takes to be a Queen. I make poor decisions all the time; I mean, look no further than Kion. I was convinced that he was bad news, but, gosh, I was wrong. The Tree of Life would descend into chaos with me as its Queen,".
A/N: This is a prelude I wrote to the song "Long Live the Queen", which is sung during Rani's coronation. The prelude deals with Rani's doubts and insecurities about taking over from her grandmother.
Rani: "God Save the Queen!". That's what I'm going to hear them say. But I don't think I'll take this on. No thanks; no chance; no way!
My heart and my brain aches; the throne's too much to take!
Rani got up from her seat and looked down at the ground.
I've no confidence or experience; nay!
Rani started spinning around in turmoil.
God save, God save, God Save the Queen... who can't do any thing right in any way! God save, God save, God Save...
With that, Rani collapsed onto her bed.
The Queen...
She shifted up to her pillow.
Well... not today!
Rani started crying into her pillow, both from grief at her grandmother's death and from frustration at becoming Queen.
Surak was walking through the corridor, on his way to bed. However, just as he was about to enter his bedroom, he heard crying coming from his niece's room. He opened the door of Rani's bedroom. "Rani, is everything alright?" he asked as he peeked in. He then noticed Rani lying motionlessly on her bed, crying into her pillow. Surak was devastated at the sight of his niece so upset, so he immediately ran over to Rani and put his hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright, darling?" he asked, full of concern. Rani tried to speak, but her tears prevented her from doing so. She lifted her head from the pillow to face her uncle. Surak saw that her face had been destroyed by her own tears. "Oh, you poor girl," he said, overcome with sorrow. He reached into his pocket for a handkerchief and handed it a Rani, which she gratefully accepted. 'Maybe we should take our conversation into your bathroom because, as the saying goes, even walls have ears,". Rani nodded, allowing Surak to escort her to the bathroom, where she locked the door.
"I'm so sorry," Rani cried. "I feel so selfish for acting like this,". Surak put a comforting arm around her. "It's called "grief", sweetie," he said. "Don't beat yourself up over it; you have every right to feel this way,". "I'm not ready to be Queen," Rani sniffed. "I don't have what it takes. I'm a pathetic, child who can't decide on what to have for breakfast, let alone decide what's best for an entire country,". "Darling, you're being far too hard on yourself," Surak insisted. "But it's the truth, ain't it?" Rani stated. "That's why I'm refusing to be crowned tomorrow; I'm not going to be Queen," Surak was so taken aback by this information that he nearly fainted. "But, if you're not getting crowned tomorrow, then who is?".
"Well, that's an easy question," Rani declared. "You are, Uncle Surak,". Surak was speechless. "Rani, please tell me you're joking," he said eventually. "I'm not," Rani shook her head. "I'm absolutely serious," "But... why?" Surak asked. "Well, for a number of reasons," Rani explained. "You're older, you're more experienced, you far less emotional than I am, and you're going to rule from the heart. I mean, who took care of Baliyo and I after our parents were murdered?" "Well, I did," Surak began. "But that doesn't mean that I'll make a good King. Rani, I understand that you're upset, and trust me, I don't envy you at this moment. This is something a villain like Scar or Vurugu would've wanted, though; seeing their foes weak and insecure, and they would exploit that to the fullest. Me? I'm not like that,". "But I could remain the leader of the Night Pride while you rule," Rani suggested. "Rani, you can offer me the throne all you want, but I'm not going to accept it. Why? Because I know that you're going to do a far better job than I could ever hope to,".
Rani smiled slightly as Surak continued. "How about this? At least try being Queen; go through with the coronation tomorrow. Don't give up because I know for a fact that you can do it," "Thanks, Uncle," Rani sighed. "Do you think that we could keep this between ourselves?" "Of course, sweetness," Surak nodded, cuddling his niece. They then left the bathroom, and Surak tucked Rani into bed. "Good night, my amazing niece," Surak smiled as he closed the door gently. Rani lay back onto the pillow and sighed. "I suppose this is what it feels like when someone faces their destiny," she mused. "And it's more that they thought it would be,". She yawned and eventually fell into a restless sleep, thinking about tomorrow.
The next morning, Janna's funeral took place at the church near the royal palace. Rani and Kion sat beside each other during the service, comforting each other. When the service ended, those in attendance went to the Cookie Café. Rani, still recovering from her grandmother's death, sat at the table near the front of the cafe. Seeing her this way upset Kion greatly, so he bought her a cup of coffee and a muffin to cheer her up. "You okay?" he asked politely as he sat down with her. "Been better," Rani replied. "I'm sorry if I'm not in the best today," "Rani, you just lost your grandmother," Kion stated. "It's completely natural to feel this way,". Rani burst into tears, pouring her heart out to Kion. "I just thought that I'd have more time with my grandmother. She was so wise; it was her who convinced me to let you and your friends into the Tree of Life. Truth be told, I'm glad she did; if she hadn't, I wouldn't have made such a good friend," They smiled at each other, and before they knew it, they had clasped each other's hand. Kion's pale hand was intertwined with Rani's darker hand.
There was a minute's silence before Rani continued "I feel much better than I did last night, but I still don't think that I'll ever be a good Queen or, at least, as good of a Queen as my grandmother,". Kion gave her an understanding look. "Well, I don't know about that," he said. "If you ask me, I can see a lot of Queen Janna within you," Kion paused before continuing. "When I first became leader of the Lion Guard, I didn't think that I would manage at all, but with help from my friends and grandfather, I finally settled into the position. I'm pretty confident that you'll just need help and advice from your friends and family to settle into your position, Rani,".
Rani took a sip out of her coffee "If you don't mind me asking, Kion, how old were you when you first became leader of the Lion Guard?" "Eight," Kion replied. "And how old are you now?" Rani inquired. "Eighteen," Kion answered. "Wow," Rani chuckled. "You've held the position for a long time, then?" Kion chuckled, nodding. "And have you been talking to your grandfather lately?" Rani asked. Kion put his hand to where his scar was. "Not since I got this," he said. "It makes me look just like Scar, so I can't let my grandfather see me like this,". "Yes, I heard about what Scar did to Mufasa," Rani stated before showing Kion the scar that Vurugu had inflicted on her after killing her parents. "But we all have our scars, Kion; Sisi ni Sawa. Perhaps you should try speaking to your grandfather; after all, talking to my grandmother always made me feel better," "That's a great idea," Kion said enthusiastically. "Thanks, Rani,".
With that, Kion stood up. "Wait!" Rani shouted, causing Kion to turn back towards her. "I just realised; this is where we first became friends," Kion smiled at her; a smile that could warm even the coldest of ice cubes. "That's why it holds a special place in my heart," he declared as he and Rani shared a hug before he left. When Kion spoke to his grandfather, he discovered that Mufasa wasn't angry at him at all, only scared that he might have forgotten him. Mufasa assured his grandson that he would always be there for him, and, needless to say, this made Kion feel much better.
Meanwhile, a Bhutanese woman named Varya arrived at the Tree of Life with her three young children, seeking refuge. The Night Pride gave her permission to enter and brought her to Rani. "Are you the Queen?" Varya asked. "Er, I think so," Rani said, slightly unsure. "You think so?" Varya asked, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, am I," Rani said. "Although not officially yet. What can I do for you?". Varya bowed, or rather, tried to bow with the kids around her ankles. "My name is Varya. My children and I were getting attacked by a man named Makucha and his friends. We come here seeking refuge,". Rani could see that the woman was telling the truth, so she tossed her bunches and said "Well, Varya, let's find you and your children a home,".
So, Rani led Varya and her children out of the palace. Bunga helped Rani, insisting that he was a qualified babysitter. The good news is that the children were soon attached to him; the bad news is that they were soon physically attached to his legs because they loved him so much, and this made it very difficult for the poor boy to walk. Eventually, the group reached a vacant house in one of the suburbs. Before they could go in, they were interrupted by one of the residents in the area. "What's going on here then?" he asked. "I'm becoming every child's number one fan by the looks of things, that's what," Bunga said as he glanced at the kids around his ankles. "I'm Varya," said Varya. "My children and I were attacked by what seemed like a murder gang, and we've come here seeking refuge," "Is that so?" the man asked before gesturing to Rani. "A word please, madam?" Rani nodded as he pulled her to one side.
"Now, I consider myself to be a reasonable bloke," the man explained. "But how do I know that this woman and her kids won't run amock in this town?". "Don't worry, sir," Rani assured him. "Varya and her kids know the rules,". "And are you sure you know the rules, child?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. At that moment, Rani froze. Did she know the rules? Was she, as the man called her, a child? "No!" she thought. With that, she immediately shoved her doubts to the back of her mind, remembering what Kion and her uncle Surak had told her, and regained her confidence. "Truth be told, my good man, I'm still learning," Rani explained. "But Varya came here seeking a home for her children; I don't think she would be willing to put their safety and happiness at risk by disrespecting the Circle of Life,".
The man sighed. "I suppose that's true,". With that, he called for his family, who came out to see what was going on. "Everyone, Varya and her children are welcome here by decree of Queen Rani!" he declared, much to everyone's delight. "I hope this house suits you well, madam," he said to Varya politely. "And we'll do all we can to make you feel welcome in the neighbourhood," "Thank you," a grateful Varya exclaimed before turning to the Queen. "And thank you too. Now, time to go inside, children," "You heard your mom, kids; time to go!" With that, the kids released him, shouting "Bye, Bunga!" as they followed their mother inside. The man and his family went into their house as well.
Rani turned to face Bunga. "Thanks for your help, Bunga," she said politely. "No problem," he replied. "Happy to help, Your Majesty," Rani gave a slight chuckle. "I don't think I'll ever get used to people calling me that," she admitted. "Well, you better," Bunga retorted. "Because after the coronation, that's what everyone will be calling you,". This was when a realisation hit her. "My coronation! It's at sunset!" she exclaimed before looking at her bunches, her dungarees and her runners. "And I can't go looking like this," With that, she ran off to get ready, with Bunga running off to get a quick snack before heading to the church.
At sunset that day, virtually every inhabitant of the Tree of Life, plus the Night Pride and the Lion Guard, had gathered in the church for Rani's coronation. Makini waved her staff from the alter, indicating that it was time for the ceremony to begin. "Welcome to the coronation of the Queen of the Tree of Life!" she declared; this was followed by an eruption of applause from the crowds.
Nirmala: God Save the Queen!
Fuli: We lift out voices up in praise!
Anga: With wisdom, patience, strength and guile,
Nirmala: Watch over us all our days.
A ray of sun shined through the church window, enveloping everyone present as they started singing.
All: Our hearts and voices sing! All praise and glory bring! Good will and joy in everything! God save, God save, God Save the Queen! God save, God save, God Save the Queen!
At that moment, Rani entered through the doorway and stepped onto the velvet carpet on the church floor. Her now sported a much more mature and elegant look than she did the last time people saw her. Gone were the pigtails that had made her look somewhat childish; she now wore her black hair in a side braid secured with a navy bobbin. She wore a long sleeved dress that reached her feet. The dress was dark blue with symbols embroidered onto it with gold thread. She wore black pumps and a dark purple cape. Silver earrings dangled from her ears and she wore a touch of make up on her face. As she walked down the aisle, everyone present bowed to her.
Fuli: God Save the Queen! To rule the Tree of Life! Protect our land and keep it free from sorrow and from strife!
Everyone: Our hearts and voices sing!
Nirmala: Hearts and voices sing!
Everyone: All praise and glory bring!
Anga: Praise and glory bring!
Everyone: Good will and joy
Fuli: In everything!
Everyone: God save, God save, God Save the Queen! God save, God save, God Save the Queen! God save, God save, God Save the Queen! God save, God save, God save the Queen!
Rani looked around. Some people were smiling at her with reverence, some with encouragement, some with both. Knowing how many people supported her made her feel blessed indeed. "It is time," Makini uttered. Slowly but surely, Rani walked up to the altar. She then got down on one knee and lowered her head. Makini put her thumb in the church ornament containing the royal paint and anointed Rani on the head with it. Following this, Makini put the ornament back on the altar, took the tiara that had been owned by Queen Janna only hours ago, walked over to where Rani was, lifted it up and lowered it onto the new Queen's head. After a minute, Rani rose and allowed Makini to escort her to her throne. Taking a look at those gathered before her, Rani gently sat down on the throne, crossing her legs and placing her hands on her lap. "Queen Janna would be proud," Makini smiled, causing Rani to smile back, before facing the crowds. "People of the Tree of Life," she declared. "It is my honour to present Her Majesty Queen Rani!". The crowds erupted in celebration and Makini started chanting "God Save the Queen!" with the people in the audience following suit. As Rani looked at them, she saw Kion smiling that smile that never failed to melt her heart. "God Save the Queen," he uttered as he looked up at Rani with admiration and kindness. Rani smiled at him, at last confident in her ability to be a good Queen.
That night, Rani was in her room. Despite her newly found confidence, she decided to stay in her old room instead of moving into the Queen's chambers. Before she went to bed, she opened her bedroom window at looked up at the night sky. "Grandmother," she said. "You were right; I'm ready,". The Queen smiled as she felt the moon shining down on her, knowing that King Malik, Queen Janna and her parents were all proud of her.
To be continued ...