Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
Escaflowne: All you need is Love, Isn't it?
Chapter 17
At Palas, the capital of Asturia, in the cathedral of the god of the sea, Jichia
---
The cathedral was filled beyond capacity. Nobles and royalty from all across Gaea crowded into the enormous structure. All of the dignitaries from Asturia as well as the rulers of the important kingdoms throughout Gaea filled the first row. At a very prominent location in the first row sat King Van Fanel and his two young companions. His Minister of Trade and other officials from Fanelia sat five rows back. As the cathedral continued to fill, minor murmuring could be heard. Other rulers wondered why the king to such a minor kingdom as Fanelia should be granted such an honored position. Others speculated at the reason for the high honor may have to do with the soon-to-be queen's affection for the young king.
Hearing such talk got Hitomi to wondering. 'Van and Millerna, could it be? Politically, it would be a big plus for Fanelia… but, no, no they're just friends. That's all. … But the way they greeted each other three days ago.' The teen remembered how they showed such admiration for each other and when they held hands, the look in each of their eyes. 'Could they have falling in love while I was away? Does Van love Millerna? No, he wouldn't lead me on like this. … Would he?' Looking over at the object of her affections, she couldn't help but show the sadness and doubt that lay in her heart.
Sensing a pair of eyes on him, Van turned to look at her. "What's wrong Hitomi?" Concern expressed on his face.
"Au, nothing." She turned away quickly. "It's nothing." She repeated as she placed her hands on her lap.
Taking a moment to listen to the conversations that were going on around them, it quickly became apparent to the king that her statement was not true. Placing his hand over hers, he leaned over and whispered into her ear. "They're just rumors from gossiping fools. That's all, nothing more. Pay them no mind."
She looked back into his eyes and saw no hint of deception in his expression. Smiling meekly, she nodded and turned her hand over so she could clasp his. Van returned her smile but his eyes went wide a moment later when he felt a strong tug on his other arm. Turning, he saw Merle clinging to his arm, rubbing her cheek against it. Reaching up with his hand, he placed it over hers and pulled her hand way from his arm but continued to hold onto it. Looking up at him with a questioning stare, he simply smiled back at his childhood companion and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Smiling back at him, she straightened up and placed her other hand over his.
**********
An hour later the coronation ceremony began. As the music began to play everyone stood and turned to the back of the cathedral. Entering on queue were the twelve Knights of Heaven, Allen Schezar at the head, entered and proceeded down the aisle to the front of the cathedral, then entered Princess Eries dressed in her royal finery. As she approached the knights they drew their swords and raised them high. She passed in the midst of them and proceeded to the altar. There she bowed to the priests of Jichia and took her position to the right of center. A moment later Princess Millerna entered the cathedral dressed in a courtly gown more elaborate than the dress she wore for her wedding. As she approached the Knights of Heaven, they tilted their swords forward so each knight's sword touched the sword of the knight they faced. Under this archway the princess passed. Reaching the altar, she knelt down then laid face down onto the altar, kissing the ground then slowly rising up to a kneeling position again. At this point the high priest stepped forward and commenced the ceremony.
After three hours of reading from ancient texts and reciting the duties of a monarch, the high priest anointed Millerna with ceremonial oil and placed on her right index finger the royal ring, which contained the royal seal on it. The ring only the ruler of Asturia was allowed to wear.
Then after reciting her vows to protect and serve her kingdom the high priest kissed her forehead with a holy kiss then placed upon her head the crown of Asturia, followed with the words. "Rise Queen Millerna, Queen of Asturia."
Upon rising, the priests all got down on their knees and bowed down to her, then she turned to the masses in attendance and everyone in the cathedral got down on their knees and bowed. Upon rising, the giant hall erupted with the cheer, "ALL HAIL MILLERNA, QUEEN OF ASTURIA!"
Outside the cathedral in the immense courtyard, thousands of people broke out in cheers as a knight exited the building and declared in a loud voice, "Long Live the Queen of Asturia, Long Live Queen Millerna!"
Sheathing their swords, the Knights of Heaven turned to the back of the cathedral and once the queen was a step behind the last two knights, they preceded to march down the aisle to the exit. After the queen, her sister then the priests followed.
At the entrance to the holy building the doors opened and the Knights came out, making a semi-circle around the entranceway to ensure the Queen's protection. At the appearance of the Queen the multitude erupted in cheers.
At the front of the cathedral the visiting rulers and their guests were being escorted out a side exit. Hitomi turned to Van and said. "That was so beautiful."
"That was so long." Replied Merle, as she rolled her eyes. "Gosh, King Van's coronation didn't take one-fifth as long as that did."
"Well, different kingdoms have different traditions Merle. We need to be respectful to all of them and not fall asleep during them." Her king gave her a knowing smile.
The catgirl just grinned as her face turned a bright red.
Once outside, they were lead to one of the many carriages that took them back to the palace for the start of the coronation celebration.
Meanwhile, Queen Millerna entered her royal yacht and began a slow ride around her capital to allow her subjects a glimpse at their new queen. People lined the route to the palace as the queen's yacht and escort flotilla made its way there.