“Christmas is all about magic – or miracles should we need to go to a higher source for help.”
“I give it the Lord everyday. He is my only source of help and direction.”
“Good then. He’s into royalty. The whole kingdom idea started from Him so who better to serve this part of the world than one who is in tune with the higher source of power?”
Megan laughed and felt the merriment return to her doubting common sense. “You are a rare gem, Suzanne Spartan.”
A knock sounded at the door and the two girls stood to answer. “That must be our gentlemen callers. Break a leg, girl,” said Suzanne as she flung open the door and scooted past a surprised Ryan. “Excuse me, Your Majesty. I have an important date standing at my door.” She hurried toward James and they embraced. Ryan turned his attention to Megan.
“You look enchanting, Miss Fairchild, and right now I would love to spin you around the hallway and kiss you senseless like my colleague is presently doing to your friend.”
“James is not facing the most important day of his life, Sire. You are.”
“An important day for the kingdom; a public show for a position that has always been slated for me. The day I wed you will be my greatest conquest and the happiest in my life.”
“Conquest? Did you say conquest?” Megan frowned.
“I believe that is what you and my mother have created for me in your antics about who does or does not belong on the throne next to me.”
“So perceptive. A characteristic that will serve you well when dealing with opposing parties that want to tear your policies to shreds,” she said.
“Do you enjoy politics, Megan?”
“Not in the least,” said Megan. She could hear Suzanne’s tittering as the couple came toward them, stopping a few feet away. “I believe the time has come for the prince to make his vows and swear complete and undying allegiance to the Edstrom flag.”
Ryan reached for her arm. “Good thing you’ve been listening. Might need a prompter in the background to remind me what to say.”
Ryan and Megan led the way, and at different points along the long walk to the Great Hall, delegates and bodyguards stepped in front and behind to begin the proper line up for the procession. At the closed doors, Ryan whispered. “This is where we must part but James will escort you and Suzanne to your seats,” he leaned in and whispered. “Close by so if I get cold feet you can give me that stern – do your duty – look and bless it with a smile that will spur me forward.” He patted her arm. “See you on the other side,” and passed Megan’s arm off to James’s free side. The trio moved off to the right and entered the Hall through a smaller door and found their reserved seats.
When the trumpet sounded the crowd that was gathered stood to their feet. Present were representatives of the House of Commons and Edstrom’s Prime Minister, a stately chap who stood proud as his country watched.
James nudged Megan’s elbow and bent close to her ear. “Prime Minister Jenkins is in full support of the new king. Ryannaus will not have any problems ruling with him.”
Megan smiled and continued her scrutiny of leading citizens and representatives that had flown in from other countries to witness the coronation. All were dressed in their formal attire.
She caught her breath as Ryan made his way down the lengthy red carpeted aisle. He kept his eyes focused straight ahead and his shoulders pulled back, every bit worthy of the appointed office that he’d been trained to take over. He wore the royal colors of Edstrom and looked more handsome than she’d dared to imagine.
He moved into place and faced the Archbishop of Edstrom who would conduct the ceremony. The formal words slipped into the background while Megan’s heart gazed on the appointed Sovereign, the one and same man who wanted to marry her. When the ritual ended and the flowing purple cape was placed around his shoulders, a man approached from the side with a jeweled crown resting on a pillow. The Bishop took it and placed it on Prince Ryan’s head declaring him the King of the land. You could have heard a pin drop as the final blessing was spoken over the new monarch.
Ryan then stepped around the officiator of the ceremony and mounted the marble steps, walking steadily toward the throne that all the Kings in the past had sat upon. With no hesitation, he spun around and faced his honored guests. Megan was pleased when his eyes rested on her and that boyish grin still played behind his eyes – almost as a secret signal. While holding her stare, he backed onto the throne and sat. King Ryannaus lifted the Sovereign’s Orb, which consisted of gold, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, diamonds, and pearls for his subjects to see.
The congregation roared their approval “Long live the King.”
The entire day she observed with joy her King Charming conducting himself in his new role as leader of the country. Outside, every slope and hillside all the way to the village and for miles beyond, stood masses of supporters cheering. Goosebumps covered Megan’s body as she watched him walk onto the upper balcony wearing his ceremonial kingly cape and crown. He waved at the people and melodious chants filled the air demonstrating their heartwarming acceptance and love for King Ryannaus. All appeared well in the Kingdom of Edstrom.
But all was not well in Megan’s heart. It swelled with respect for the Prince who was now King but waned as she compared her lowly status in the presence of a room full of stately figures. Could she ever feel part of this entourage, even as his wife
