Chapter 3: Coronation Day
On the morning of Alex's coronation, the gates were finally opened as a light snow drifted from the sky. All of San Theodoros grew excited for the occasion. Thousands of townspeople gathered by the castle gates, eager to meet the queen.
And, to add to the growing splendor, the docks were packed with ships coming from other kingdoms that were visiting. There were noble dignitaries that have come to San Theodoros from afar. They stepped onto the docks as the cold air gave way.
"Welcome to San Theodoros," one nobleman said as he greeted a dignitary stood by him. "Ah, what a lovely day for a coronation!" he said as the two men shook hands. From above, a little girl was walking with her mother. "Why do I have to wear this?" the girl asked. "Because the queen has come of age!" her mother said. "It's coronation day!" "That's not my fault!" the little girl complained while field workers hoisted up a ceremonial ribbon pole.
From the distance, Young was making his way toward an open stall. Now a strong and fully grown-up man, he and Chabela became true jungle sailors. Today was the perfect day to sell new shipments of cargo to the people. "Well I'll be. A coronation on a cold December day, eh? You know what that means, right?" he asked Chabela. Pretending to be the horse, he answered, "By noon I'll be sweating like a rabid dog." "Of course you are, dear," Young said. "But the people will need all the resources they need."
"I can't believe they're finally opening up the gates!" a man said eagerly. "And for a whole day!" his wife said. "Come now, Pablo! Let's go!" Nearby, a few dignitaries were approaching the castle. One of those dignitaries was Rastapopoulos, the Duke of Brandelaria. Two guards followed behind him, carrying his luggage. "Ah yes, San Theodoros, our most mysterious trade partner," he said breathily. "Now open those gates so I can unlock your secrets and exploit your riches!" He immediately regretted saying that out loud.
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It was the most exciting day for Malina. "Today's the day!" she exclaimed. "I can't believe it's today!" For Malina, the coronation was the best day of her life. For the first time ever, every door, window, and gate in San Theodoros was open. No one was going to shut her out! Bursting through the courtyard in her brand new emerald-green coronation gown, she skipped through town happily, watching all the ceremonial dancers, a maypole, singers, merchants, and food stalls! Everyone was here celebrating for her sister!
"Oh my gosh, I can't wait to meet everyone!" Malina exclaimed to herself. She gasped eagerly. "Or what if I meet the one?" she asked herself. It seemed impossible that she would meet anyone special on this day, but it never stopped her from daydreaming about finding her one true love. Today could be that chance.
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Everyone was so joyful in celebrating the coronation. Everyone…except Alex. She was still worried that she might accidentally unleash her fiery magic. She just wanted to feel normal among everyone else. "Be the good girl," she told herself as she tested herself by holding a candlestick and a jar on her bare hands. "Make one bad move and everyone will know…"
Feeling nervous, Alex looked down and suddenly saw scorched marks appearing on the objects. Hastily putting them down, she put her orange gloves back on. "It's only for today," she told herself. After today, the gates will be locked again, and she'll conceal herself once again.
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In the market square, Malina strolled dreamily through the village. Watching the ships at the harbor, she already began to imagine the fun at the coronation, like lively music, dancing, delicious food, and meeting new people. More than anything else, she also dreamed of finding her love to be.
Malina was stuck in her imaginary revelry when WHAM! A horse had rammed straight into her, knocking her over into a boat! The boat tipped precariously from the harbor, but the horse stepped down on it with one hoof. "Hey!" she said, coming around and glancing at the horse and its rider.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," the rider said. "Are you injured?" He was dressed rather sharply for a prince. "No, I'm fine. I mean, yeah, I wasn't looking where I was going," Malina fumbled for the right words, but she could not help but notice that the man was strikingly handsome. "But I'm great, actually," she said at last. "Thank goodness," the man said. As their eyes met, Malina felt a sudden yet strange excitement going on.
Smiling, the man introduced himself. "Prince Ian of the Northern Isles," he said, bowing to Malina. Malina stood and curtsied, saying, "I'm Princess Malina of San Theodoros." "Princess?" Ian said, suddenly shocked. "My lady!" he said abruptly, bowing down to her. The horse bowed awkwardly too, and accidentally tipped the boat over, causing Ian to fall on Malina. He recognized the mistake and shifted the boat back…with Malina on top of Ian! "My goodness!" Ian said.
"Ha! This is awkward!" Malina said, struggling to stand up. "I mean, not that you're awkward! But we're just…okay, I'm awkward!" She tried to unfumble her legs. "You're beautiful," Malina said abruptly, and gasped. Did she just say what she thought she said? "Wait, what?" she asked. Ian quickly regained his bearings and stood up. "Well, I'd like to formally apologize for hitting the Princess of San Theodoros with my horse. And every moment after that," he said.
"Oh no, no," Malina said. "I'm not that kind of princess. I mean, if you'd hit my sister Alex, then this would just be all…Jeez! Because, you know…" Malina paused for a minute, then found herself facing the horse. "Hi," she said to it. She shot a smiling glance at Ian. "But, lucky for you," Malina said, "it's just me."
"Just you?" Ian asked, grinning. "Yep. Just me," Malina said, smiling. Suddenly, she heard the castle bells ringing from a distance. "The bells," Malina suddenly said. "The coronation! I, uh…I have to go. Goodbye!" She ran off to the coronation, with a second to wave to Ian.
Ian waved goodbye back, and so did the horse. Suddenly, Ian found himself toppling into the water! Watching Malina run, Ian smiled, thinking about his chance meeting with the princess.
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The castle cathedral was packed with many villagers and townspeople as the ceremony began. A lively orchestra played while a choir overhead began to sing during the commencement of the royal procession. The lord General Alcazar led the procession, followed by Alex, looking regal and calm, and finally Malina, who held the train of Alex's dress.
At the front of the altar, Malina and Alex faced General Alcazar. Near him lay a velvet pillow containing the royal crown, scepter, and orb. Peeping over her shoulder, Malina found Ian in one row, sitting straight and tall, and with a stranger sleeping on his shoulder! They both silently waved to each other.
General Alcazar placed the crown neatly on Alex's head. Then, he presented the scepter and orb before her. But before Alex could lay her hands on the royal items, Genera; Alcazar cleared his throat. "Ahem. Your gloves, Your Majesty," he reminded her. Alex stared at him as if she did not fully understand what he just said. She was still nervous about concealing her fire powers.
Alex slowly removed the gloves from her hands and placed them on the pillow before her. With shaky hands, Alex reached for the scepter and orb and held them.
"As the undoubted queen, protector of this kingdom," General Alcazar began, "keeper of the doctrine and government thereof from this day forth, I present to you, Her Majesty…" Alex stood vigil, growing pale with worry as the general kept talking. She suddenly noticed little sparks of fire flaring up in her hands! Alex tried to control her emotions. She was so nervous!
"…Queen Alexandria of San Theodoros!" General Alcazar finally said. As he had finished his royal decree, Alex managed to place the royal items back on the pillow and put the gloves back on. Everyone in the cathedral began to cheer for their new ruler.