Liridyn sat as ladies in waiting swarmed around her fixing her hair and applying odd things to her face. They pulled at her eye lids and lips and poked at her ears with needles. She was afraid. Everything was happening so fast. Only five nights ago she sat at her father's bedside and held his hand while he drew his last breath.
"Your Highness," a deep voice spoke from far above her, "The Coronation is in one hour. You will need to..."
She was listening, well more accurately she was trying to listen. her mind was swimming with the things that had been spoke to her that morning. Stand erect, bow to the people, keep your chin up at all times, never look down, and never show weakness, were only a few things. Names and places and expectations, so many expectations were being thrust upon her at once, ands he felt the urge to run and never look back. but, her father's dying words to her rang louder than any other that had been chattering about her head today.
"Liridyn, my dear daughter," he had said, "I am sorry to be leaving you so soon. I know you are strong, in your heart and in your mind. Now you must learn to be compassionate and caring because all the people will be looking to you for strength and unity. They will be afraid my Dear. You must give them hope and do not let anyone despise you for being young. speak you mind and all will be well. I know you can do this , even though you are very young. Do not be afraid. You are my daughter, the blood of many kings runs in your veins. Be strong and courageous."
The deep voice was rambling on still about the proceedings of the coronation and she looked up at him, "I will be ready at the appointed time," she said cutting him off mid-sentence. "However, your presence here prevents me from donning my coronation gown. If you would be so good as to elave my dressing room, I will dress and meet you in the hall shortly."
The Vicar looked at her slightly taken aback, "As you wish Your Highness."
Her ladies dressed her and hug a heavy necklace about her neck. She had been told it belonged to her mother, but she had no idea if it was true. Her mother had died giving birth to her, so she had never known the woman. Her father had never remarried, so she had only the ladies as an example of what a woman ought to be. He father had chosen to teach her about swordplay and riding, instead of seeing she was instructed in the courtly arts. he was now grateful for it. She was by no means proficient in any discipline at her age, but she at least was not completely vulnerable.
She stood less than an hour later upon a grand podium surrounded by men who had been advisers to her father for many years. She stood as tall as she could, but the weight of the gown and the jewelry she was wearing made it difficult. She was announced as the new Queen of Felsland and a loud cheer rang out in the cathedral. She looked out over the crowd holding the royal scepter and ornament in her hands as fear and pride mingled together. She knew she was expected to speak to the people now, and he mind was filled with terror at the thought of it. What could a child of only nine say to a room full of adults to give them hope?
She stood now with the crown upon her head and looked at them. Her voice echoed through the great Cathedral, "People of Firesend. It is with a sad and heavy heart that i accept this honorable crown upon my head. My father believed me capable of ruling, and so I shall. Do not fear. Firesend will prevail and prosper. I will devote myself to this end." She kept her voice strong and clear throughout the short speech, but she had tears in her eyes by the end of it. Oh, how she missed her father and she had only worn the crown for five minutes.
