We hugged for a while, until Aileen showed up and joined our hug. We remained united in a strong embrace for a long time, until Olivia's voice interrupted us. She said that the kings were waiting for us in the great hall for the coronation and pronouncement. We walked down the stairs holding hands. Every step we took, I sighed.
- Ready? - Aideen asked next to me when we stopped in front of the big hall door. I gave my consent by taking a deep breath.
The gate opened to give us free access to the throne room, which was full of people. They were members of the court, who came to attend the party. Alistair was beside my father with his imposing posture and the king's crown on his head. He wore his traditional kilt with a pie. Alec was standing next to him and smiled at me with pride. Bruce was a little lower. Aileen kissed our forehead and went on to stand beside Bruce. She was wearing a turquoise blue dress, which was her husband's favorite. I looked at Aideen and she nodded at me, before we joined hands and went down the corridor of people. Aideen was dressed in an emerald-green dress that was not very tight, because her belly was already very visible. Soon my nephew would be born.
Phillipe didn't have any siblings or kids. In the line of succession to the English throne, only his youngest cousin waited to reign. The Duke of York was frustrated to discover that the king had two daughters and decided not to wait for the outcome. With Ravenna's help, he planned to kill his cousin and take the crown. In return, he was to marry Aileen and give the Ravenna its duchess title back. Thanks to Bruce, the letters have been intercepted and their plan cannot be realized. Phillipe was grateful for the help he had received and had to condemn his cousin to the gallows and disown his entire generation. The duke's entire family has lost their possessions, titles and privileges.
- Everyone here knows of my struggle to generate an heir who could continue to reign with prosperity and of my giving up after the death of my dear wife, taking our only son with her. - Phillipe started. - For days I hated God and wondered what I had done to deserve to carry that burden. He had never given me an answer and I went on without the hope of having someone righteous and kind to continue my work.
Phillipe took a break smiling at us. There was a mixture of pride and happiness in the glow of his gaze. A glow I expected to see every day when I looked at Loch asking me what we both had in common. The answer was, nothing. Today I knew very well why we had nothing in common.
- Some time ago a woman knocked on the door of my castle being the bearer of very disturbing news. This news contains evidence of the betrayal of a person I thought was loyal to me, but I was wrong. It takes wisdom to reign, but it takes courage. This courage I saw in the eyes of a woman, who not only dared to challenge her enemies, but also decided to stand at the forefront of a war, where only men should fight. Without further ado, it is with great pleasure and pride that I recognize Aila and Aideen MacBride as legitimate heirs of the Lancaster house.
- MacCalister! - I whispered.
- What's that? What's that? - my father asked.
- Aila and Aideen MacCalister, Your Majesty.
Phillipe had a laugh.
- I recognize Aila and Aideen MacCalister as legitimate heirs to the Lancaster house. - he repeated correcting. - Is that all right?
- Yes, sir! Yes, sir! - I answered by settling down and looking at Alec who blinked at me.
- Thus and by all the powers vested in me as the sovereign of England, I crown Aila Margareth second, princess of England and Scotland, and my firstborn in the royal lineage. - he made a gesture for me to bow and put the delicate tiara on my head. She was made of gold with emeralds and had belonged to my grandmother Mary Margareth. - I also appoint Aideen MacCalister Queen of Scotland and England, Duchess of Lancaster.
Everyone applauded strongly the receipt of the titles. After signing the documents that validated our positions, we were sent to the ballroom. Alistair took Aideen to dance and Bruce danced with his wife. I've never seen my sisters so happy. If I had to do everything I did again, just to see those smiles on their faces, I would. I didn't regret anything, because my cautious steps took me that moment. All my suffering was worth it.
- My congratulations, Your Highness! - said Alistair approaching.
- Your Majesty! - said bowing. - I'm sorry about the injury I caused you.
- No problem, but the next time he decides to hit me... - He laughed taking a break. - Try not to do it so hard.
I let out a laugh and, looking at Aideen, I hugged her. She bowed and I responded in the same way. I knelt down kissing Aideen's belly.
- I can't wait to see my niece. - said smiling.
- Or nephew! - Alistair corrected. - Because you know the MacCalister house makes beautiful men.
- Very cocky, Your Majesty! - he said laughing. Alistair rolled his eyes smiling.
- Speaking of me? - Alec said coming up and hugged me.
- Or who knows about me? - Bruce has joined us beside Aileen.
- Well! I see that it is not only beauty that
