Chapter 31 – Coronation
Kim watched as parliament disbursed and slowly made their way out of the room. People smiled and bowed their heads in respect. When she was the only one left sans Drake and her sisters Kim sighed in relief and laughed to herself.
"I can't believe that just happened." She breathed
Drake smiled and walked over to her. Placing his hand gently on her shoulder he smiled.
"You did well." He said, "Now we can begin preparations for your coronation."
With that Drake led himself and Kim out of the room. Before she exited she looked over at her sisters and smiled wide.
Lilly watched as her eldest sister disappeared from view. When she couldn't see her anymore she looked over at her remaining sisters, looking a little lost.
"What do we do now?" She asked
"We live." Riley answered
One Week Later
"Let's discuss what has the twitter-verse exploded over the last week – the break up of 'Eternal Pegasus'."
Mikey turned around from the kitchen, taking notice of the gossip show Raph had randomly switched to. He was about to switch it again when Mikey shouted.
"Wait!"
Raph raised an eyeridge at his brother but complied.
"Personally I think they've broken up too early into their fame." One woman remarked to the three others sitting around her. "Their songs are making the top 10, their recent tour was sold out and sales have been strong. Why quit now?"
"They could be quitting while they're ahead." Another woman joked with a laugh. "Most of us are aware of the decline in popularity with girl bands. People aren't interested in them anymore. Could've been a career saving move."
"Or it could be personal." A man added. "I'm hearing rumours of a pregnancy."
"I think there's been a fight." A third woman remarked. "The youngest, Lila, is now going solo. She's partnered with the same record agency her band was and yet only after 1 year she's decided to go at it alone? I think she's fought with the other 3."
The first woman smirks wide. "And speaking of Lila Phoenix," She begins, looking directly at the camera. "Only weeks into her new solo career and her fans are in the 1000s. Her debut single has reached the top 3 with no signs of dropping."
"When did she go solo?" Mikey wondered
Raph shrugged. "Somewhere between almost dying and now maybe." He said sarcastically, ignoring Mikey's glare. "What do you care, anyways?" He added, looking over at Mikey. "You broke up with her."
Mikey's eyes fell. "Well, what if I un-broke up with her?"
"Then tell her." Raph advised, turning back to the TV. "Grab her after Kim's coronation and get her back."
Mikey looked back over at Raph, his eyes wide. "Her coronation is today?"
Raph nodded. "Yep."
"If you've missed her debut single, here is Lila Phoenix's music video for 'Sound of Silence'."
Mikey turned to the TV and watched as his Lilly's face appeared on the screen.
"Growing tired and weary brown eyes
Trying to feel your love through face time
Symphonies of dreams and highlights
Caught up in this crazy fast life
But baby you're not here with me
And I keep calling, calling
Keep calling cause"
As he watched her sing Mikey could feel a smile forming on his face, his heart beating hard in this chest.
"Now my heart awakes to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence"
He raced back up the stairs, burst into his room and started searching his room frantically.
"Now my heart awakes to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence"
Mikey roughly opened his desk draws and cheered when his eyes landed on what he was looking for. He carefully picked up the little box and smiled at the ring inside.
'I made a mistake.' He thought, 'But I will make it right.'
Raph chuckled when he heard his younger brother's cheer. He turned back around to the TV and switched the channel.
"Worked like a charm." He smirked before his eyes landed on Master Splinter and Donnie as they walked in.
Master Splinter wore new maroon-coloured robes while Donnie wore a dark purple cape and purple belt. Raph raised an eyeridge at his brother before he broke into laughter.
Donnie scowled. "It's not funny." He said
"Oh, yes it is!" Raph replied, wiping away a fake tear. "What are you wearing?"
Donnie smirked. "Apparently, for our bravery and sacrifices in helping Rayon in the war, by Royal decree, we are heroes." He explained before his smirk widened. "We all have to wear these robes whenever in Rayon now."
Raph's laughter stopped. His eyes widened.
"Oh shell no!" He cried, crossing his arms.
With a giggle Violet entered the room followed by a sheepish looking Leo. His cape and belt were a navy blue and Violet wore a form fitting pale blue dress. It had white designs embroidered around the bodice, wore short white gloves and wore a white gold Diadem around her forehead.
Violet walked up to Raph, her hands full with an orange and red cape. She manoeuvred the orange on to her shoulder and held up the red cape to Raph.
"I think this will suit you." She snickered
Raph growled at her before he grabbed the cape and belt and put them on. When he did so Violet left them in search of the youngest turtle. Raph looked over at Leo questionably.
"You're coming?" He asked
Leo nodded. "I am." He replied before he looked around the room awkwardly. "I…I want to get Kim back."
Raph nodded knowingly. "I think Riley knows how you can surprise her."
Leo looked over at his brother in shock. At the approving look his face broke out into a gracious smile. Before the two could say more Violet walked back into the room with Mikey at her heels, his orange cape billowing behind him.
Mikey looked over at his brothers and started laughing. "You dudes look ridiculous!" He laughed
Raph narrowed his eyes. "You're wearing the same garb as us, shell for brains!"
Mikey calmed down and winked cheekily at his brother. "Yeah, but I'm the only one who makes this look good."
"Personally, I think you all look handsome." April's voice sounded as she and Casey entered the lair.
April was wearing a long black strapless dress that had a slit up one side. Her heels wore gold, she wore gold hoops and her hair was straightened and let down.
Casey stood beside her dressed in a simple black tuxedo with a white vest, shirt and bowtie.
As soon as he entered he looked over at his friends and held back a snicker, his friends doing the same when they saw his attire.
"Now that everyone is here, we have a coronation to get to." Violet smiled before she orbed herself and her friends to Rayon.
Kim stood on the balcony of her new bedroom in the castle. It was massive. The walls were a light tan with beige coloured curtains surrounding the three tall windows around the room. There was a huge king sized canopy bed at the far end of the room. 3 arm chairs, a 3-seater couch and a glass coffee table were in the middle of the room. At the back of the room sat a table with mounts for her sceptre and orb and cross that sat next to a long mahogany desk and comfy desk chair that both faced her bed. To the right of the bed was a huge walk in wardrobe and the ensuite bathroom was to the left of the bed. Kim's balcony was in the middle of the room, just beside the sitting area.
Kim wore a long strapless that hugged her top half and flowed from her hips. It was a light gold and had a sweetheart neckline. A long light gold cape was draped on her shoulders and flowed down. Both the dress and cape was embroidered. She wore silver heels, diamond earrings and a diamond necklace. Her hair was curled and placed into a low messy pinned-back French roll bun. Some curls framed her face and her makeup was light. She was the picture-perfect princess.
Kim sighed as she stood on her balcony. Her view was amazing. Nothing escaped her eye. She looked out over the lake, the royal paladins grazing nearby, whilst hover cars, creatures, and even people, flew overhead. The wind blew around her face as she hugged the cape behind her around her bare arms.
Kim knew this was her new beginning and hated that it would be without Leo. She thought that maybe he'd come around and take her back, but he never did. She waited anxiously since the parliament hearing for him to come after her, but he never did. Every time a door burst open or one of her sisters visited, she hoped she'd turn and find him standing there. It was a foolish thought and she knew it.
She took a breath in and broke her stare from the blue lake and looked, closing her eyes as the wind blew her hair out of her face. She heard the doors behind her open and a person walk behind her. She smiled when that same person cleared their throat.
"It is time." Drake said softly.
Kim turned around at her guardian and smiled wider. Drake held out a hand for her. Kim let go of her cape and placed her hand in his.
Drake led her back into her room, out into the hallway, through the grand hall and up to the tall double mahogany doors that led to the throne room. Drake stopped in front of Kim and kissed the back of her hand before letting it go.
"Your mother would be very proud of you." He whispered before he bowed his head and walked into the room ahead of Kim.
When the doors closed again Kim released the breath she didn't realise she was holding and fidgeted with her hands. She looked down and tried calming her nerves down. She looked up when she heard approaching footsteps. Two knights took their place on either side of the doors and Kim smiled wide.
It was Jesire and Edmund. The two knights smiled wide at the princess and bowed low. Kim chuckled softly at the irony of these two guarding these doors now. Although, it seemed fitting that two knights she befriended at the beginning of this journey were now guarding the doors to her future.
"Jesire, Edmund." She greeted with a chuckle.
"Your highness." They greeted with a knowing smile of their own.
"I present, her royal highness Riley of Rayon, her royal highness Violet of Rayon, and her royal highness Lila of Rayon!"
Kim's heart sped up at the loud announcement and the thunderous applause that accompanied it. Jesire and Edmund turned on their sides, their hands clasping the doorknobs.
Kim took one last deep breath as she heard the applause died down to be replaced by a brass ensemble announcing her arrival.
The doors opened and Kim walked through, her pace slow and her stance tall and regal.
Kim stepped onto the landing and looked at the room below, at all of the people gathered in the room. She saw her sisters on the steps under the landing where her mother's throne sat along with the three new chairs that sat on a lower step in front of it. Her sisters were sitting in those three chairs, newly crowned tiaras sparkling bright on their heads to accompany their diadems. They were turned looking over at their older sister, watching with pride.
Kim looked away and began descending her stairs, one of her hands holding her dress a little while the other gracefully held the banister. Knights stood at attention on the stairs and saluted. When Kim made it to the bottom Drake held out his arm to her. Kim smiled wide and gently grasped it and was led over to her new throne.
Drake helped Kim sit down before he stood dutifully behind her but still on her right.
The royal minister stood up to the podium with a young page behind him, Kim's silver and red crown sitting atop a plush midnight blue cushion. Beside the crown was a silver sceptre and a silver orb.
Kim looked down at her sisters below her and held back happy tears. They were smiling proudly themselves. She looked back to the crowd assembled before her, noticing familiar faces of Sir Albert, Sir Vladimir and Emily.
The minister picked up the orb and placed it in Kim's left hand. He then picked up her sceptre and held it in front of Kim. She grabbed it and held it firmly at her right side.
Finally, the minister picked up the crown, walked up behind Kim and held it high above her head.
"Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the people of Rayon?" The minister announced loudly, his voice echoing over the now silent throne room. "Will you rule according to the traditions and laws of the realm? Will you, in your power, rule with dignitary, grace, mercy and justice in all judgments?"
The room went silent, patiently waiting for Kim's response. Kim looked confidently out to the room and replied in a strong voice:
"I solemnly promise so to do."
With that the minister placed the crown on her head and moved to stand back at Kim's right. Kim stood from her throne.
"Presenting," The minister declared, "Her Majesty, Kimberley Nicola Anderson-Phoenix, Queen of Rayon."
The room burst into applause, Kim's sisters applauding the loudest. Kim laughed a little to herself and nodded at the room. As the applause was dying down the sisters stood up from their thrones too and faced the room.
"Presenting," The minister announced again, quieting the room one last time. "The Rayonian royal family. Long may they reign."
"Long may they reign!" The room repeated with a loud cry before bursting into applause again.
The sisters looked up at Kim and laughed. Kim winked at them before she gracefully walked down the steps onto the floor and led herself and her sisters out of the throne room.
As soon as the girls exited the room they were escorted to Kim's room, waiting for their cue to enter the after party in the ballroom. As soon as Kim walked into her room she gently placed her orb and her sceptre onto their displays in the corner of her room.
When she did so she placed her hands on the table and breathed a deep sigh of relief. She looked back at her sisters before they all screamed and came together in a group hug.
"Oh my god, we did it!" Violet cried when they all pulled away.
"Look at your crown!" Lilly gasped, pointing at the magnificent jewel on her sister's head.
"It's really heavy." Kim chuckled, touching the crown softly. "I still can't believe it."
"I don't think any of us can." Riley snickered, touching her own tiara. "But, you know, this doesn't mean you can order us around and expect us to listen."
Kim rolled her eyes. "Like you ever listened to me."
The girls laughed at that and hugged again.
"I love you guys!" Lilly cried
The girls all groaned and pulled away, laughing at Lilly.
"Such a sap." Riley chuckled lightly.
"But seriously," Violet said, looking at Kim. "You may be living in Rayon now, but we'll still come visit often. And we'll be there when you need us."
Kim nodded. "I know." She said softly. "But I want you girls to live your lives how you want. I chose how I want to live my life, this life. You go out there and live how you want to." She winked, "Just make sure you're amazing at it."
A sudden knock at the door interrupted the moment as all girls turned to the source of the noise. Drake poked his head through and smiled.
"It's time, your highnesses." He said then smirked, "Your majesty."
The girls nodded and with a giggle left the room and proceeded to the ballroom.
Leo stood in the ballroom looking slightly out of place. He had a glass of champagne in his hand as he walked around the room. He stopped when he saw Sir Vladimir approach him and slap a hand on his back.
"Leonardo!" He greeted warmly, "Glad you are here, my friend."
"Thank you." Leo replied
Vladimir laughed. "Relax, my friend." He added, "This is a time of celebration. Our realm has its rightful queen and the war for the throne has ended."
Vladimir took a sip of his drink and watched Leo's nervous deposition out of the corner of his eye. He smiled slyly at him.
"So, have you forgiven my queen yet?"
Leo, who was taking a sip of his drink, almost chocked at the question. He looked over at Vladimir and noticed his suspicious and guarded gaze. Leo shook his head and smiled warmly at him.
"You don't need to fear for Kim." Leo said, "I love her deeply. And I won't stop until I have her forgiveness and she is mine again."
Vladimir nodded. "I am happy to hear that."
His face suddenly morphed into a warm smile again.
"Now don't you two get engaged again." He laughed, slapping Leo's back again. "We might go round in circles."
Leo smiled a true smile again, finally relaxed. "I've been told that was hardly a proposal." He chuckled, "I'm not proposing anytime soon. When I eventually do it'll be real, and for the right reasons. It'll be just for us."
Before Vladimir could reply the horns sounded and a knight announced the girls' arrival. Vladimir discreetly made his exit when Leo's attention was solely on Kim as she gracefully walked into the ballroom, her crown firmly on her head.
Kim and her sisters walked into the ballroom and smiled as the entire room bowed at their entrance.
Kim walked into the centre of the room, everyone parting as she did so. She spun around to face the band and took a discreet deep breath.
"And now," The knight added, "For the traditional royal waltz. Her majesty shall now choose a partner."
Kim stood nervously in the centre of the room and slowly surveyed the crowd. She was looking for him, but she couldn't see anything. When she was about to give up and ask Drake for a dance when a voice cleared their throat behind her.
Kim turned around and saw Leo appear from the crowd. Kim let a surprised and nervous breath escape her lips as Leo walked up to her. He stood in front of her with a loving smile on his face. He gently grasped the edge of his cape and bowed low. He looked up and smiled.
"My I have the honour, your Majesty?"
"…You may." Kim eventually whispered, shocked.
Leo released a breath he didn't realise he was holding. He straightened up and held a hand out to her, noticing her hesitation.
"I'm not here to fight." He whispered with a soft smile.
Kim returned the smile. "Good." She replied breathless. "Cause I'm all out of comebacks."
Leo chuckled softly as Kim finally placed her hand in his own. Leo smiled wide and pulled her close to him. As soon as he did the band began to play. Kim never took her eyes off of Leo and he never took his off her. He held her close, his hold firm yet gentle, as he and Kim danced around the floor.
"Please say you forgive me." Kim almost begged, searching his eyes.
"Only if you do the same and forget everything I said to you. My queen."
Kim's eyes teared up. She forced them back and nodded, her throat incapable of speech now. She smiled wide and nodded her head again. Leo released a sigh of relief and smiled back at her. He leaned his forehead against hers and the two continued to dance, their focus solely on each other.
"Serves me right though," He said after awhile, pulling his head back.
"What?" Kim asked
Leo smiled cheekily at her and dipped her slow and low, mindful of her new crown. "Serves me right for not getting you a ring. Or a decent proposal. "
Kim laughed and Leo pulled her back up to him and continued to dance.
Lilly smiled wide at the pair. She thought the waltz had gone on long enough. She walked over to the band, who stopped playing at her arrival. She smiled at them and conjured a guitar.
"This is for all the couples out there." She said softly into the microphone before she began strumming the guitar.
"Before you came
I don't even remember what it was like
They say, I already had it all
But I was empty, oh
Your face, your gaze
You were the first one to look at me, the way that you do"
Everyone around the room began to pair off and joined Kim and Leo on the dance floor, dancing slowly to Lilly's song.
"You are, the reason that my heart beats again
The reason that my eyes see the day
What meaning is life, if I didn't know you were by my side"
Riley and Violet smiled wide at their sister before Raph and Donnie bowed and held out their hands for a dance before leading them out to the dance floor.
"You are, the home I never had before
The only one to love and adore
You're my everything, you're my everything"
Mikey stood at the back of the ballroom, his eyes watching his brothers and April and Casey enjoying the romantic moment dancing with their partners.
"My friends think I'm crazy, they don't get me"
Lilly looked out to the crowd and suddenly locked eyes with Mikey. She smiled sadly at him.
"But it's okay
Cause if they have what I had, they would be doing the same"
Lilly closed her eyes, letting her emotions take hold as she sang. She opened her eyes again and looked at Mikey.
"The reason that my heart beats again
The reason that my eyes see the day
What meaning is life, if I didn't know you were by my side
The home I never had before
The only one to love and adore
You're my everything, you're my everything,
Ohhhh
Ooooo"
As soon as she finished the song everyone stopped dancing and turned to applaud the youngest princess. Lilly smiled wide and excused herself, her guitar disappearing as she left the stage.
Two guards followed behind Lilly as she left the ballroom. Mikey watched her go, his heart hurting. He looked behind him and saw Raph indicating he follow her with his head.
Lilly sighed and held back the tears that threatened to fall as she stumbled into the throne room. She ignored the guards behind her that stood at the now closed doors, giving her privacy.
Lilly bent over and clutched her stomach. One guard stepped forward, worried for the princess but she shooed him back. Lilly took a few deep breaths and stood back up. She walked over to her throne slowly and sat down.
It felt weird. Being a princess felt weird. She looked up at the painting of her mother on the wall to her left. Her mother looked so composed and regal. Would she be able to do this like she did?
"So what do you think? Think I will make a good princess?" She voiced aloud.
"I think you will."
Lilly jumped and snapped her head back to the front of the room. There, standing in the middle of the room, alone, was Mikey. The guards looked both annoyed and cautious at the ninja who snuck in.
Mikey looked behind him at the guards sheepishly before he realised what he had to do. He dropped to a kneel and looked desperately at Lilly.
"If I may be so bold," He began, his voice becoming serious and soft. "I would like an audience with Your Highness."
Lilly blinked, surprised. She looked up at her guards, their stance showing they were ready to move if she declined Mikey. She looked back at Mikey, his eyes imploring her. They were gentle and sad. They held no hostility. She sighed internally.
"Your audience is granted." She replied, her voice wavering and soft.
The guards nodded at Lilly and resumed their posts. Lilly looked back at Mikey and settled back in her chair, trying to calm her emotions and appear authoritative like her new title required.
"What is your dilemma, young man?" Lilly asked
Mikey smiled in relief before he stood back up.
"Love." He said simply.
Lilly froze. What did he mean?
Mikey's eyes filled with tears and he smiled.
"There is this amazing dudette-I mean princess." Mikey explained, "She's kind, she's fun, and she's honest. And she was mine. But I lost her. I messed up and I lost her."
Lilly's breath caught in her throat and her eyes filled with tears too.
"I am still very much in love with that princess." Mikey continued, taking a step closer. "I am enquiring whether she will accept my sincerest apologies for acting like the biggest goof in all the realms? For hurting her and making the biggest mistake of my life."
Lilly swallowed the lump in her throat.
"Is…Is that all, sir?" She whispered
Mikey chuckled a little and shook his head. "No." He replied, "My dilemma is…I don't know if she will take me back."
Lilly's eyes widened.
"I don't know if she'll ever forgive me. I don't know if she still loves me. As much as I love her."
"…That is quite the dilemma." Lilly whispered, which made Mikey choke out the smallest laugh.
"Can you help me, Your Highness?" Mikey asked
Lilly looked at Mikey. His shoulders were slumped, his eyes sad and full of tears. She didn't even need to think twice. She suddenly jumped off the throne, ran over to Mikey, into Mikey's waiting arms and threw her arms around his neck.
Mikey sighed with relief as he felt Lilly's body pressed against him again. He squeezed his arms tightly around her and smiled when he smelled her coconut shampoo. He laughed in joy, picked her up and spun her around. When he finally set her down, his lips met hers passionately.
"I forgive you, Mikey." Lilly whispered against his lips. "I love you so much. I missed you."
Mikey sighed and kissed Lilly's forehead.
"I'm so sorry, Lilly. I shouldn't have-"
"It's okay." Lilly assured him, caressing his cheek. "We both should have stayed out of Kim and Leo's business."
Mikey shook his head. "It's not okay. I really shouldn't have said all of those things about you, about Kim. She's great! And I should have known you would stick up for your family like I did for mine. I should have kept to myself and stayed out of their business. And I shouldn't have broken up with you over a stupid fight. I didn't mean anything I said. I promise. I said it all in anger."
Lilly nuzzled Mikey's face.
"Forget it." She whispered, "I'm just glad we're back together."
Mikey pulled Lilly close to him and kissed her passionately again. When the need to breathe became a problem the two parted, but kept their heads pressed together.
"Marry me." Mikey breathed breathlessly against her lips.
Lilly pulled away in shock. She looked up at Mikey to see his face serious, his eyes full of nerves and love.
"What?" She gasped
Mikey pulled out of Lilly's embrace before he got down on one knee.
"Oh my god." Lilly chocked out past the lump in her throat.
Mikey smirked at her reaction. He pulled out the small box from his new orange belt and held it out to Lilly.
Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she watched Mikey open the box. Inside was a beautiful silver ring with an orange diamond in the centre. Surrounding it was one white diamond on either side.
Lilly looked up from the ring and into Mikey's eyes.
"I can't lose you again." Mikey said, tears falling down his face too. "I've wanted to marry you for so long and I'm not wasting another second without you being forever mine. I saw you disappear in front of me and I won't let more time pass and more fights stop me from asking you this question: Lila Phoenix, my princess, will you marry me? And be mine forever?"
Lilly laughed and nodded. "Yes." She whispered, "Yes, yes, yes!"
Mikey smiled widely, took the ring out of the box and slid it on her finger. He stood back up and kissed Lilly even more passionately. Lilly squealed in delight when he picked her up and spun her around again, her guards smiling wide.