Chapter 185: The Crown And Farewells
The morning after the wedding, though Rosalind had become queen by marriage to Rowan, there was still a formal process where she would be presented before the kingdom.
Because of that she was being prepared in the chamber while the maids carefully assisted her into her formal attire.
As she stood before the mirror, she noticed Verity and Thalia approaching from behind, and the moment she saw them, Rosalind immediately broke into a warm smile as a faint colour touched her cheeks. "Should we start calling you Your Royal Majesty from now?" Verity teased as she came closer.
Rosalind smiled softly at that, while Thalia added with curiosity, "Is there any way we can help with the preparation?"
Rosalind gently shook her head. "I was just about finished," she replied, and Verity nodded as they had come both to see their friend and to help with preparations.
Thalia then leaned in slightly, narrowing her eyes. "I heard a scream last night even while I was in the guest room. It cannot possibly be that intense," she said, narrowing her eyes playfully."
Verity quickly nudged her, while Rosalind pressed her lips together, her cheeks heating instantly. "It wasn’t like that," she said quickly, though before the conversation could continue further, it was already time for the ceremony to begin.
When the great hall doors were opened once more, Rosalind’s gaze swept across the gathered crowd, from nobles and ministers to familiar faces among her family, all waiting to witness the moment their princess officially became Queen.
Her parents had insisted on attending because their daughter was no longer just a princess but now a Queen in both title and standing.
The last time she had stood in this hall under so many watching eyes, it had been tied to a painful memory, yet now it marked the beginning of something new she was slowly learning to accept.
With her head held high, she walked forward as the court acknowledged her presence, and she responded with composed grace as she ascended the platform where Rowan already stood waiting in his regal robes.
A brief smile touched her lips when their eyes met, and Rowan returned it with quiet pride.
The master of ceremonies then stepped forward and declared, "Today we gather not only to celebrate the marriage of His Majesty King Drystan, but also to formally acknowledge and welcome Her Majesty Queen Sophia Drystan as Queen of Eryndor."
He continued with a speech about duty, unity, and the future of the kingdom, his words carrying through the hall as everyone listened in solemn anticipation.
Eventually, the moment they had all been waiting for arrived, and the royal crown was brought forward by a high-ranking servant resting carefully on a velvet cushion. "The crowning will now begin," the announcement declared.
Rowan stepped forward and took the crown, his gaze briefly shifting to Rosalind as if silently asking for permission, and when she gave a small nod, he smiled faintly before gently placing it upon her head. His voice followed with steady authority, "Before the kingdom and before the gods, I acknowledge you as my Queen."
"Long live Her Majesty Queen Sophia Drystan," the master of ceremonies declared.
At once the hall erupted in response as the entire crowd bowed, from knights to nobles, servants to ministers, all lowering their heads in unison. Rosalind’s breath caught slightly as she took it all in, her fingers curling faintly at her sides before her gaze drifted toward her family.
Catarina had tears in her eyes, Adrian looked proud beyond words, and her siblings together with her friends were watching her with admiration and joy.
Rosalind’s chest tightened because for most of her life she had been doubted, dismissed, and hurt, and yet now the entire kingdom was bowing before her.
Soon after, Rosalind was asked to give her address, and she stepped forward. "I promise to serve this kingdom with honesty, compassion, and strength. I will stand beside His Majesty, and I will do everything in my power to be a queen worthy of your trust," she said, her voice steady though it softened slightly at the end, and the crowd responded with approval and cheers.
Rowan then stepped closer and took her hand in his, gently interlacing their fingers, and Rosalind smiled at him while he returned it with equal warmth.
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After the necessary arrangements, it was time for departure as guests prepared to return to their homes.
Rosalind moved to see them off, and it was then her mother turned toward her with a softened expression. "I still remember the day you were born, Sophia," Catarina said quietly, brushing a strand of hair behind her daughter’s ear. "You were so small that I was afraid to even hold you properly, and now look at you... you have grown into a woman I am proud of in every way."
Rosalind’s eyes grew misty, but she smiled regardless as she listened, her mother’s voice carrying both pride and emotion. "Life has not been kind to you, and there were moments when I wished I could take your pain away and carry it myself. But you endured it, and because of that, you became stronger."
She held both of Rosalind’s hands firmly as she spoke with quiet seriousness. "Do not forget who you are, and do not lose your kindness just because you wear a crown now. The people will love you for your compassion far more than they ever will for your title."
Rosalind nodded slowly, and shortly after, Catarina pulled her into a warm embrace.
"And if you ever miss home, remember that you will always have one," she added softly as she held her tighter. "No matter how far away you are, you will always be my daughter."
"Thank you, mother," Rosalind said gently while still in her arms, and after a brief moment they reluctantly pulled away from each other.
Adrian then stepped forward, and Rosalind’s gaze immediately softened at the sight of him, grateful that he was present for such an important moment in her life.
He looked at her with quiet pride before speaking. "There’s nothing more I can say that your mother hasn’t already said," he admitted, then added more firmly, "but you will always be my daughter, and I will always be there for you no matter what happens."
After that, his attention shifted toward Rowan, who straightened slightly as Adrian regarded both of them before settling his gaze fully on him.
"There was a time when she would hide behind me whenever she was frightened," Adrian said with a faint smile, his voice carrying memory. "Back then, I believed it was my duty to protect her from everything."
His expression softened further. "But there comes a day when every father must step aside and trust someone else with what is most precious to him."
Slowly, he placed Rosalind’s hand into Rowan’s. "She is stubborn, she worries too much, and she carries more burdens than she admits. Yet she loves with her whole heart."
His gaze turned serious then. "Take care of her, son."
Rowan nodded without hesitation. "I will, Father," he answered firmly.
After a brief pause, he added, "Not because she is a queen, and not because she is your daughter, but because she chose you."
"I’ll never forget that," Rowan said with quiet certainty, his tone carrying full reassurance.
Rosalind could have started a new life anywhere, she could have chosen to forget everything that had happened, but she had come back to him, and because of that, he silently vowed he would treat her well everyday of his life.
Adrian nodded before patting his shoulder in approval.
Marek decided it was better to speak freely now that they were family. "I suppose there’s no point threatening you, because my sister would probably defend you before I even finish speaking," he said calmly.
Rosalind rolled her eyes at that, while Rowan remained composed.
Marek exhaled lightly. "Still, I should say it," he added more to himself before stepping closer and lowering his voice slightly. "Treat her well."
His expression softened briefly. "She’s been through enough already, and if I hear she’s crying because of you..."
He let the words hang before adding with a faint smile, "Well, I’m sure you can imagine the rest."
Rowan shook his head slightly, a calm confidence in his expression. "You won’t have any reason to worry."
Marek studied him for a moment before nodding. "I just have a feeling I can trust you," he said quietly, then extended his hand. "Take care of her, brother."
Rowan took his hand, and they shared a firm hug, patting each other on the back in mutual respect.
The women then gathered around Rosalind, with Beth stepping forward first to take her hands. Rosalind smiled warmly at her as Beth gently squeezed them. "I don’t think I need to tell you to be happy," Beth said softly, brushing her thumb over Rosalind’s hand, "because I can already see it."
Her expression softened further. "Just continue being yourself, Rosalind. That’s more than enough." Then she pulled her into a brief embrace. "And don’t forget to write every now and then."
"Thank you, mother," Rosalind said as they hugged, her voice filled with gratitude. "I’m very grateful that you are a part of my life."
Beth nodded before leaning in to kiss her cheek, and Rosalind smiled softly in return.
Verity’s eyes were already suspiciously watery before she even spoke. "I didn’t think I would be this emotional," she admitted, trying to steady herself before pulling Rosalind into a tight hug.
"You’ve become one of the most important people in my life, and being queen doesn’t change that."
Rosalind nodded in agreement, and Verity smiled through her emotions. Thalia then stepped forward and hugged her as well.
"Just..." Thalia paused, then exhaled. "Remember us when everything gets busy."
When she pulled away, she immediately rolled her eyes. "And don’t look at me like that, I’m not crying."
Rosalind let out a light chuckle Though there was some sadness in her eyes.
"You’ve always deserved happiness, Sophia," Hannah said quietly, her gaze lingering as if she understood more than she was saying.
She glanced briefly toward Rowan before returning to Rosalind. "And I think you’ve finally found it."
She embraced her warmly, and Rosalind returned it tightly, holding on a little longer. "Take care of yourself, and don’t carry everything alone anymore," Hannah added softly. "You don’t have to be strong every second of the day."
Rosalind nodded. "Thank you so much, sister," she said quietly.
Hannah smiled back at her, and Rosalind knew deeply that this phase of her life had only been possible because of everyone around her, each of them playing their part in shaping her journey.
Her eyes turned misty as she waved them goodbye, watching with reluctance as they finally departed.
The carriages moved away slowly until they disappeared from sight, and only then did the reality settle in that she would now begin her life here.
"Come here, Rosalind," Rowan said softly.
She turned toward him and, without hesitation, stepped into his arms, crying quietly as she held on tightly. He hugged her back immediately, stroking her hair in slow reassurance. "Everything will be fine," he whispered.
Rosalind exhaled heavily against his chest. "Thank you, Rowan," she said softly as she looked up at him.
He simply nodded, and she smiled faintly, realizing that he was now her home. And Eryndor was where she belonged.
