Standing frozen in the darkness as I stared at my mother's body.
Blood pooled beneath her, still warm...still real.
I stared at her face while chaos surrounded us, trying to remember the last time she smiled at me.
It was that morning, she had bent down to fix the ribbon in my hair.
Her fingers were so gentle as she told me to stop moving. She smelled like warm bread and smoke, like the kitchen after morning meals.
I didn't know that would be the last time.
"Princess Liorah. Princess." The distant voice pulled me out from the sad memory.
"Princess Liorah" I heard once again. It was Nyra, I could sense the worries in her voice.
The memory dissolved, leaving a a familiar hollow in my chest.
'A princess doesn't grieve' I reminded myself.
I simply smiled and got on my feet.
The smile has been a practice thing-a mask.
I walked to the tall mirror, not gracious - precisely and stared my reflection.
I barely recognized the girl staring back at me
I looked so beautiful.
The white dress that hung on my body in a way that made me sudden feel aware of myself...and how grown I looked.
Layers of silk and fine lace fell from my shoulder in a soft cascade.
My hair fell down my back as it framed my face and for a second I believed what I saw-a princess.
Someone who is calm... someone who belonged to a room full of eyes and whispers.
Just then, a knock came on the door.
"Your highness, the coronation is about to commence." I heard them say behind the doors.
I turned to looked at Nyra and instantly, she understood what my gaze meant.
"Her highness will be on her way." Nyra said in a loud voice.
I straightened my posture, reminding my self that I am not just that quiet girl who is always in her chamber. I am a princess
" I'm ready." I said, with confidence in my eyes.
---
Standing behind the closed large doors.
I stared blindly ahead as my presence was announced by the royal herald
"Her royal highness, princess Liorah of valencrest." The doors swung open and I instantly felt the intensed yet curious gazes on me.
My gaze were fixed on the throne seats infront and with gracious steps, I walked to my little throne which was right beside the queen's, ignoring every other person around.
Just then, the trumpet Blared, louder this time. The herald's voice rose.
"Their majesties, King Aldric Thorne and Queen Elowen of solthera"
The entire court room got on their feet's and bowed as the king and queen walked in.
I bowed my head quietly until I saw the Queen's feet beneath my eyes.
"Liorah, dear." The queen said in a soft tone which made me raise my head up to look at her.
She had this soft smile as she gazed lovingly into my eyes.
"Mother." I said with a little smile.
"You look beautiful my baby girl."
"Thank you, your majesty." I let the small flicker of myself shine through the mask.
She smiled even more and moved to take her position right beside me.
Silence fell across the hall as their majesties took their seats along with me.
Then the Lord herald stepped Forward, staff striking the stone.
"By ancient law and unbroken crown," he started off
"The court is now inorder. Let truth be spoken and oats be sworn and the line of succession stand revealed." He declared.
The lord Herald turned, staff striking the floor a second time.
"Let it be known,"he proclaimed, his voice carrying to the furthest arches.
"That by the will of the crown, and the consent of the realm, the heir to the throne is summoned."
The hall rose as one
"Call forth His Royal Highness, prince of the blood, lawful son of the crown, to stand before their majesties and be invested as the crown prince."
A pause followed-deliberate, heavy.
Then the doors at the far end of the hall were drawn open again.
Steel rang softly as the guards parted and the crown prince stepped Forward.
Banners behind him, as he walked the long path towards the throne beneath the unblinking eyes of the realm.
I wore my perfect mask again-the unwavering smile.
The prince walked to where I and their majesties were and bowed before the king.
He stood still. He did not kneel, not yet. The law required he stand and receives the charge before he kneels and receives the weight.
"Does the heir approach of his own will, to bear the mantle that cannot be laid down?" The lord Herald's voice broke the stillness
"I do." The prince's voice was clear, carrying no effort.
I couldn't help but stare at him, just some hours ago, he was so nervous and worried he might mess it up, but here he is- doing it effortlessly.
'Her Majesty will be so proud.' I said inwardly and turned my gaze to look at the congregation.
I noticed Lady isolde, who is known to be the king's mistress.
She smiled brighter than everyone else and that gave me an unsettlement in my stomach.
But something wasn't right.
I felt something, something I couldn't explain.
Immediately, I turned to Prince cassain. He knelt right before the king as the king held an ancient torc of ruddy gold - the cincture of the first vow.
The moment the torc was placed on prince Cassian's neck, I felt a sudden sick throb. It was a sharp ache, right behind my eyes.
The relic shone so bright, as though I was looking directly into the sun.
A coppery taste flooded my mouth and I swallowed, trying to push it down, but a strange, heavy drop settled in my stomach.
I fought so hard, trying not to fall and draw attention, but the pull was so strong. My heart raced, and I felt dizzy.
The relic instantly dimmed, a wave of silent pressure washed through the hall and for a heartbeat, the weight of the relic seemed to settle in my throat, a phantom cinch of cold gold.
The prince rose up and the ache in my head slowly faded. The taste of copper still lingered and then I knew... something wasn't right.
"Mother, C-Can I retire to my chamber?" I asked the queen whose smile dropped as she turned to me with a worried look.
She brought her hand to my cheeks as she gazed at my tired eyes.
"What's wrong? You look pale. Do you feel sick? I'll call the royal physician."
"I just need a little rest mother, I'm fine." I said, forcing a smile.
"Okay, you may go rest. You don't have to attend tonights event."
"Thank you, mother." I said with a little bow, then I walked away from the hall, ignoring the questioning gazes.
"Your highness -" Nyra trailed behind me as I walked with hurried steps.
"I need a little rest Nyra, if anyone asks, tell them that."
I said and got into my chamber.
the moment I stepped in, the darkness engulfed and I fell unconscious.