Chapter 20
"Coronation of a Queen"
A few days later, the main hall of Dunwyn castle was filled with its citizens and Gummi Bears from all over to witness Princess Calla become Queen of Dunwyn and of all Gummi Bears. Sitting on his royal throne, King Gregor, dressed in his finery, stood before his subjects and raised out his arms to all of those who were present before him. The Glens, now wearing their repaired formal clothes, were all in the front row with Foxglove, Night Wing and Starbuck to their left also dressed in their finery.
"Welcome, my people!" called King Gregor. "We are gathered here today in celebration of a momentous occasion. My only daughter, Princess Calla, has done something that no past royal of Dunwyn has ever done. She has discovered that Gummi Bears have not been proven as just fairy tales, but of as living breathing creatures that deserve a chance at living on this Earth. Throughout these encounters, she was able to learn about their secrets as well as an opportunity to learn from them on how to be a better ruler over her subjects and a good friend to all."
Sunni and Grammi each wiped away tears of happiness as they watched King Gregor speak. Even Ursa, who was convinced to put on a dress for the coronation, was also crying quietly.
"Now, my subjects," continued King Gregor. "May I present for the very first time, Queen Calla of Dunwyn and Gummi Bears!"
Princess Calla, dressed in the long white dress and red cape she wore at Cubbi's knighting entered the throne room with her servants and guards chanting old Coronation songs behind her as the music and the singing filled the throne room. Stepping up to her father, Calla removed the gold tiara from her head and King Gregor beckoned Cavin over to them. Cavin, dressed in his finery that was also repaired, brought over the crown jewels that were passed on to Calla for her royal confirmation. Calla knelt down before her father and taking the crown jewels from Cavin, King Gregor first placed the white pearl necklace around neck and then with his two hands, placed a large gold crown on her head and then, she rose up and King Gregor beckoned her to face her people that were in the east, the south, the west and the north. With each turn she made, the people cried out, "Long Live Queen Calla!"
As they all cried out their undoubted loyalty to her, Calla wanted to cry out of happiness, but she had to be regal before her subjects. Later, after the short and brief ceremony, Calla and King Gregor walked out onto the balcony where those who couldn't attend the ceremony were given the opportunity to see their newly crowned Queen for the first time. King Gregor then whispered to Calla to say a few words and then, Calla stepped forward to face her subjects and she was later joined by the Glens and Barbics as well as Cavin.
"My loyal subjects," she began. "Today is a glorious day in the history of Dunwyn and in the history of the Gummi Bears. For two years, I have lived in front of you as your loyal and undeniable princess. Now, I stand before you as your loyal and undeniable Queen of Dunwyn. But, I want to recognize the friends that have helped me achieve this tremendous accomplishment and the ones I want to recognize the most are the Gummi Bears of Gummi Glen and especially my best friend, Sunni Gummi, who have shown me what life is like outside of being a princess. For that, I will always be grateful. Today, I consider myself the luckiest woman in Dunwyn. Thank you friends and thank you, everyone!"
A loud roar was then heard from the crowd below and then Calla, Cavin, her father and all of the Gummies departed the Balcony. A little while later, Calla had changed out of her coronation dress and into her favorite blue and white dress for the coronation reception. The reception was even greater than the Coronation ceremony itself and in most regard; Calla thought that it brought back memories of her first grand ball. Throughout the night, everyone danced in celebration and Calla enjoyed the attention as much as anyone.
After the reception, Calla and Cavin walked through the Dunwyn gardens alone and taking in the cool night air as Calla had now taking the step that Duke Igthorn never achieved and that was to succeed King Gregor as ruler of Dunwyn.
"You know, Cavin," said Calla. "I may be a little bit nervous about succeeding my father, but as long as you are with me standing by my side with the rest of the Gummi Bears, then maybe it won't be so nerve-racking after all."
"You have a lot of support, Calla," said Cavin. "Just because you are a queen now, it doesn't mean that things are going to change. The Gummies will and always be here for us and they are ready to give you the best support as possible in helping you rule over Dunwyn and the Gummi Bears."
"But, I think that there will be moments that I lose my composure," continued Calla. "And I want you to be there for me and just think of all the new and exciting adventures that we will have with the Gummies."
"I'm glad you see it that way, Calla," replied Cavin. Just then, Gusto and the rest of the Gummies appeared in the distance with Gusto's masterpiece hiding right underneath a large tarp.
"Before we continue to let you have your moment alone," said Gusto. "The rest of the Gummies and me want to give you something to celebrate your big day. Ta-Da!"
The rest of the Gummies pulled off the tarp and revealed to Cavin and Calla the statue that Gusto finally managed to complete without it being involved in any type of accident.
"Gusto," said Calla. "It's beautiful! You did an amazing job!"
"Anything for you, Calla," said Sunni. "You may be a queen, but we are still friends, no matter what!"
And to prove what she said was true, Sunni ran over to Calla and hugged her tightly. This made Foxglove wipe away a tear of happiness as Zummi placed his hand on her shoulder.
"I hope that this is the start of a new era for all of us, Zummi," she said. "I am looking forward to what lies ahead for us all in the not too distant future."
"You know, Foxglove," said Zummi. "Maybe perhaps the future will be brighter one day, as long as we stay together and keep our friendships strong."
But, just then, Bobo arrived and crashed right in front of the group with his crown and scepter, but also a boquet of flowers for Calla.
"Duh, your highness," he chuckled handing Calla the bouquet of flowers. "Congratulations on becoming queenie."
"Why, thank you, Bobo," replied Calla. "This is the best day of my life and I have all of you to thank for it."
"We love you, Calla," said Sunni and all of the Gummies surrounded their human friends in a group hug.
"I love you too, Gummies," she said happily as they all hugged each other and with that, a new era had begun and who knows what the future may hold, but one thing is for sure, as long as the Gummi Bears and humans remained friends, anything could be possible.
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THE END
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