The selection was the easiest part, and Aries was aware of that. The preparation before the coronation was far too extensive not just for the empire but also for the empress. Aries had to go through an immense amount of self-care and a ton lot of ceremony and preparation; they were exhausting, barely able to catch a breath, but she managed.
And just like that, the coronation rolled in.
On the morning of the coronation, Aries was already up and going through extensive preparation even before the sun breaks to announce the start of a new day. Everything from head to toe, from her perfume down to the last piece of her shoes, was carefully selected; all to make the empress the most beautiful woman across the continent.
Aries thought it would be an endless ceremony, but although the morning preparation felt infinite, she was granted a short time to rest before the start of the ceremony.
Sitting in the armchair next to the bed, Aries gazed at Dexter's side profile. It was a shame her brother wouldn't be there to see her ascend the throne or hear the song of praises about her in the street.
"That's fine," she whispered, bending slightly over to hold his hand. "Once you wake up, you'll hear more good things about me."
Her eyes softened as her lips curled up into a smile, brushing his knuckles with her thumb. His condition had stabilized and his wounds healed slightly. She had dressed his wounds multiple times whenever she had the time, and the gut-wrenching sight of them always refuel her fire to become the most powerful to protect her people.
"Don't you worry," Aries continued, holding his hand with both her hands and resting it on her cheek. "I'll do everything I can to help you regain your consciousness. I won't let you sleep that long."
She fluttered her eyelashes as a thin layer of tears coated her eyes, but the amount was not enough to ruin her makeup. She had already cried a lot whenever she was sitting in this same chair and in this same room whilst holding his hand. But not today.
Everyone was joyful, and the street of the capital had been having an ensuing festival. Even the people in the imperial palace and the high society shared the festivities. It was a good thing that Aries came from the aristocratic faction, therefore, they had fully supported her. The credit for that would all fall to Dexter and his strong affiliation with the fickle aristocrats.
Even when Dexter had fallen unconscious, he still helped her one way or another, and she would always be grateful to him.
"My lady."
Suddenly, Gustav's voice resonated in her ears. The head butler beckoned a bow, standing several feet from the bed, his arm across his abdomen. When he straightened his back, his eyes instantly fell on the woman donning a beautiful dress adorned with countless heavy pieces of jewelry.
"It is time for you to take the crown," he announced solemnly. "Your Majesty."
Aries didn't react immediately, having her eyes fixed on Dexter's side profile. A minute had passed before she carefully released his hand, leaning back and turning her head in Gustav's vantage point.
"Assist me." She raised a hand, and Gustav didn't hesitate to approach her. He carefully clasped her hand, assisting her up.
Her dress and the accessories she was carrying were heavy, slowing down her movements. Gustav held her hand still as she stood, looking back at the marquess lying unconscious on the bed.
"He'll be so proud of you, Your Highness," Gustav commented, and Aries nodded while keeping her eyes on her brother.
"I'll make him the proudest," she whispered. "Once he wakes up, he can retire if he wants to."
"I doubt he would."
"But I'm giving him options." Aries slowly set her eyes on Gustav. "He had been the marquess and had always gritted his teeth dealing with the unreasonable emperor. Back then, he had no choice but to comply with a heavy heart. It might not be for my sake initially, but I knew he had been working tirelessly all for my sake before this unfortunate event transpired."
Gustav lowered his eyes. "I cannot disagree. The selection had always been his worry, and how it might leave you unhappy."
"Therefore, I'll be the happiest for him." The two of them sauntered off with Gustav matching her slow pace. "I know Abel would do his best to make me the happiest woman, but I'll only achieve genuine delight and peace if none of the people I cherish were hurt."
Aries's eyes softened as they made their way out of the forbidden mansion via the secret passage to the Hyacinth palace. Because of her constant usage of the underground tunnel, Abel had put torches to grant her light and also to see her whilst making out in there.
Their journey back to the Hyacinth Palace took some time as neither of them could hasten: Aries's attire forced her to be modest, while Gustav held her hand and matched her pace. The usual sound of footsteps echoing paled in comparison with the dangling pieces of jewelry on her dress hitting each other at her every step.
"Should I tell the maids to take off a few jewelry?" he inquired as they neared the exit of the tunnel, the stairs back to her chambers coming into full sight. "The amount of them was unlike the usual amount you wear daily."
"There's no need for that," she returned, casting him a sidelong glance. "The weight of the crown is far heavier compared to this, don't you think?"
"I cannot deny."
"Don't worry about me, Gustav. After my coronation, the emperor and I will be in a parade." Aries carefully set her eyes ahead and stopped in front of the first step of the stairs while Gustav took the first step.
"Careful, Your Majesty," he reminded her, watching her weight as he patiently assisted her to take the stairs without falling. Once they reached the last step and they were back to the chamber in the Hyacinth Palace, Aries faced him.
"Although this coronation is relatively peaceful, supported by the majority, I cannot be complacent. I want you to take guard of the forbidden mansion," she ordered, and Gustav could only bow.
p
Aries nodded in satisfaction as he allowed him to assist her to the chamber. It was almost empty, having only Gertrude to welcome them back.
"Welcome back, my lady — I mean, welcome back, Your Majesty." Gertrude politely bowed with both her hands on her abdomen. "Your escorts are waiting for you outside."
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