For Elizabeth, today would be one of the most important days of her life.
Today, she received her crown.
At 16, the princesses of Liones received their crowns in a big ceremony held just outside the castle. Out of the three princesses, Elizabeth would be the last to receive her crown. The royal jeweler made them secretly with help from the "Placer".
The Placer was the person who would place the crown on the individual. It was always interesting to wonder who would be the Placer.
Margaret had been crowned by her Father. Everyone had been excited as it had been a long time since a Crowning Ceremony, not to mention that Margaret would be their next Queen. Her crown was made of gold to represent her heart of gold. It was beautiful, with quite a traditional shape. Each point was dotted with a sapphire.
Veronica was next to be crowned and hers was a rather unusual design. Her mother, knowing her daughter's tomboyish ways, had her daughter's crown styled into a circlet made of bronze. It appeared rather plain but inlaid were tiny rubies, making it look like flecks of blood across the piece of jewelry. Veronica had been delighted with the results.
Finally it would be Elizabeth's turn.
She made her way to her sister's who were waiting for her patiently in the main hall.
"Oh Ellie," Veronica gasped, when she turned to look at her younger sister.
"You look beautiful," Margaret gushed.
It was true.
Elizabeth wore a dress of silver which fell off her shoulders, revealing her elegant, slim collarbone. It clenched at her waist and then flowed out around her. Her hair was placed into a low bun, with her bangs covering her eye.
"Thanks," Elizabeth giggled, nervously twisting a plain ring on her finger.
"We better hurry," Veronica murmured, hearing the roar of the impatient crowd gathering outside.
"Just wait for the signal before you come out," Margaret smiled before leaving through the main door. Veronica followed quickly. Seeing the two princesses caused the crowd to become even louder if possible. Curious, Elizabeth went to one of the windows.
Elizabeth watched as her sister assumed their positions on the makeshift thrones outside. A massive stage had been set up so that the whole kingdom could gather and watch this momentous occasion.
Waiting for her signal to enter, Elizabeth's mind began to wander. Who would be the Placer?
With her mother gone, she'd assumed that her father would have taken on the role. However, he was already seated outside, meaning that he couldn't be the Placer. So who-?
"Your Majesty," a servant whispered, startling Elizabeth," It's time."
"Thank you," Elizabeth whispered, calming herself as she went to the main doors. She nodded to the guards who bowed before opening the doors. It was time.
Elizabeth began her walk, lifting her skirt slightly as she ascended the stairs so she didn't trip on the silk and make a fool of herself. The crowd roared in approval of their princess and she couldn't help but smile slightly. In the centre of the stage, a small purple pillow had been placed for her to kneel down on. Elizabeth kneeled, her head down and her eyes closed. The audience suddenly went quiet. Footsteps could be heard, nearing the princess. This must be her placer.
"Today," the warm voice said," We are here to witness the ceremonial crowning of Princess Elizabeth, who came of age not long ago."
It took all of her strength not to gasp as she immediately recognized the voice. In fact, she bit her cheek, the metallic taste of blood stinging her tongue. Looking up slightly, she saw Meliodas holding a small pillow, containing a tiara.
It was stunning, to say the least.
"The crown I hold has been made of silver," Meliodas smiled. Though he was announcing this to the crowd, to Elizabeth, it felt like he was speaking only to her.
"Silver is something that endures," Meliodas continued," it stands the test of time and hardship, something which I am confident Princess Elizabeth will be able to do."
"For the gemstones, diamonds were chosen."
This left the crowd gasping and whispering. Diamonds were expensive, generally reserved for Kings, Queens and those immediately next in line. Not a princess who was third in line, at best.
"These, however, aren't ordinary diamonds," Meliodas grinned, not caring about the gossips," These diamonds were each gifted by members of the Seven Deadly Sins."
On closer examination, there were only seven diamonds in an array of colors.
Green from the Grizzly Sin of Sloth.
Yellow from the Lion Sin of Pride.
Orange from the Serpent Sin of Envy.
Blue from the Boar Sin of Gluttony.
Purple from the Goat Sin of Lust.
White from the Fox Sin of Greed.
And finally the largest diamond in the center of the crown.
A Blood Red Diamond from the Dragon Sin of Wrath.
"These are to remind Princess Elizabeth that, no matter what, the Sins and I will always be at her side, ready to serve her in anyway."
"I, Sir Meliodas, The Dragon Sin of Wrath and the Leader of the Seven Deadly Sins, now bestow this crown onto Princess Elizabeth of the Kingdom of Liones."
Elizabeth raised her head, her teary eyes meeting his gentle ones. He placed the tiara onto her head gently and then extended a hand to assist her up. When she did, he placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles and then helped her up, continuing to hold her hand even when she had risen.
Elizabeth turned to face the crowd, who now cheered at such a volume, it could be heard for miles around.