The day of Athenia's coronation dawned bright and clear. A golden light bathed Northenglades, as If the sun itself was celebrating. I slipped into my golden ballgown, the fabric shimmering like molten sunlight. Torrance stood behind me, his dark presence a comforting anchor, wearing a suit that was black with gold accents.
"You look breathtaking, Seraphina[1]," he murmur, his voice a low rumble that only I could hear "And Athenia will be stunning too. You've done a wonderful thing."
I took his hands and squeezed them, grateful for his support. Torrance never interfered with my decisions, but always offered his unwavering strength whenever I needed it.
Then, It was time. I felt a familiar flutter of nervousness as I stood in the doorway of the grand hall, but it vanished as soon as I saw Athenia. She stood at the far end of the hall, radiating an ethereal beauty that stole my breath away. Her dress was a masterpiece of golden silk and silver bells that chime ever so quietly, with delicate black shoes peeking from underneath. Her black hair was styled into soft curls, framing her face. She was a vision, a princess born and bred.
Tears pricked at my eyes. It seemed like only yesterday that she was a lost, frightened little girl, and now, here she was, about to embrace her destiny.
My own coronation felt like a lifetime ago. I remembered standing in this very hall, a young woman overwhelmed by the weight of the crown. My brothers were there, Ace, Jacob, Mason and James, their faces a mixture of pride and protectiveness. My father, his eyes filled with love, had placed the princess crown on my head, a symbol of my commitment to Northenglades.
Now, it was Athenia's turn.
Before the ceremony began, I took the necklace from around my neck, a red rose preserved in a crystal jar. It was a gift my father had given me on my coronation day, a symbol of love, resilience, and the enduring beauty of Northenglades.
I knelt before Athenia, my heart overflowing with emotion. "My father gave this to me," I said softly, my voice thick with emotion. "And now, I want to give it to you. May it always remind you of the love that surrounds you and the strength you hold within."
Athenia looked down at the necklace, her eyes shining with tears. "Thank you, Mommy!" she whispered, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug.
I hugged her back, then stood and gave her a gentle nudge towards the coronation room. "Go on, my love. Your kingdom awaits."
I stepped onto the dais, my voice echoing through the hall. "Greetings, everyone. As you know, I have a daughter, Athenia. I ask that you treat her with the respect and love she deserves. This coronation marks a new beginning for the Alexandro royal line, starting with me, and now my daughter," I announced, my voice ringing with conviction. "I welcome Princess Athenia."
A wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd. Everyone rose to their feet as Athenia entered, her steps graceful and elegant. I saw my brothers and their kingdoms enter in. To them I was scared and in disbelief to see them but they all smiled. A wave of relief washed over me.
I took a deep breath and cleared my mind.
She stood before me, radiating a quiet strength that belied her young age. I bowed my head slightly as the crown and scepter were presented.
"Athenia Rosealine Rivera," I asked, my voice steady, "do you accept the responsibility of becoming princess of Northenglades, vowing to protect its people and uphold its values?"
She looked at me, her blue eyes filled with determination. "Yes, I accept."
I picked up the scepter and placed the crown on her head, a perfect fit. "I pronounce you, Princess Athenia of Northenglades."
The hall erupted in cheers. Athenia looked out at the crowd, her face radiant, and offered a graceful bow. The people of Northenglades had a new princess, and I had a daughter who was ready to embrace her destiny.
The after party was a joyous affair. The kingdom was full of life! People from all over Northenglades gathered to celebrate, along with representatives from other kingdoms, including my siblings and friends. The halls of the castle were filled with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses.
I found Harley, Queen of Aurelia, her blue hair a vibrant splash of color amidst the crowd.
"Bella, darling! Athenia is absolutely radiant," Harley exclaimed, engulfing me in a hug. "You've done an amazing job."
"Thank you, Harley," I said, smiling. "It means a lot coming from you."
Kristy, Queen of Silver Kingdom, walked over, her brown hair pulled back in a neat braid. "Isabella, congratulations. Athenia is a wonderful addition to the royal family. The kingdom needed something new and that's what she brings."
"Thank you Kristy, it truly does" I said.
We were soon joined by Ginny, Queen of the Angelic Kingdom, her ginger hair pulled back in a loose bun. Ginny was shyer than Harley and Kristy, but her warm smile always put me at ease.
"Isabella, the coronation was beautiful!" she said, her voice soft. "Athenia is going to be a wonderful princess."
As we chatted, the music changed to for a daughter and dad dance. The dance floor cleared as Torrance and Athenia took center stage.
A hush fell over the crowd. Torrance, looking every inch the dark, brooding figure he was, held Athenia close as they swayed to the music. I noticed him whisper something in her ear, making her giggled. The sight of them together, so different yet so connected, warmed my heart.
Suddenly, a maid from Ginny's kingdom approached me, her face pale. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice trembling, "I apologize for interrupting, but is that King Vincent?"
I frowned, confused. "Torrance isn't a king. He's Athenia's father."
The maid shook her head, her eyes wide with disbelief. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, I used to serve him and his ex-wife. His real name is Vincent Tylo. He has another name, one that no one dares to speak." She bowed deeply and quickly excused herself.
I stared at the dance floor, my mind reeling. Was she telling the truth? Was Torrance hiding something from me? Why would he keep such a secret?
As I watched them dance, the question swirled in my mind. Was the man I loved, the man who had saved me, Vincent Tylo. What secrets lay hidden beneath the surface.
[1] Heavenly, Winged Angel-meaning