After sipping some water, the makeup artist touched up Chloe's makeup. A short break was given in between.
Queen Julia was out there re-verifying every detail of the process to make sure everything was ready to go, which showed just how much importance she placed on this coronation.
Meanwhile, Yasmine and Chloe were resting together in the lounge. Sitting at the dressing table, Chloe gazed at herself in the mirror, her expression as calm as still water. To her, the coronation seemed just a formal procedure, something that she had to go through. After the mission was completed, she would still be the same person, and nothing would have changed.
"What are you planning to do after the coronation?" Yasmine asked, her brows furrowed slightly.
"Go back home, handle some company stuff, then stay at home and wait for the birth." Chloe replied nonchalantly, her eyes meeting Yasmine's reflection in the mirror.
"Aren't you forgetting that you are a princess?" Yasmine countered, her expression souring.d2
"What does a princess do?" Chloe chuckled softly, "If you're too overwhelmed, I can help share some of your duties."
Yasmine's expression hardened further.
Chloe observed her for a moment before breaking the silence, "If you don't want to do it, I think Grandma won't force you. In my opinion, the reason she wants to pass on the throne to you is probably just to make up for you. The throne may be burdensome, but Ava and her daughter have been longing for it for a reason. After all, it comes with supreme power."
Yasmine's expression softened a bit, but her brows remained furrowed.
After a long pause, Chloe gently curved her lips into a smile. "If..." She started to speak but stopped, her eyes sparkled, leaving her words hanging in the air.
"What were you going to say?" Yasmine asked, her eyes narrowing.
After a moment of silence, Chloe finally said, "The reason Grandma wants to compensate you with the throne is based on the premise that she knows you have the capability. You're not busy with anything else, right? Rather than sitting idle, taking up this position won't be too difficult for you. I know you're not someone who can stay idle. Unless..."
"Unless you have a special reason." Chloe quickly finished her sentence, smiling at Yasmine.
Yasmine stared at her for a moment before scoffing, "What reason could I possibly have?"
Chloe arched an eyebrow, stood up, and began adjusting her gown in the mirror. She held the drop-shaped diamond pendant hanging from her neck and said casually, "Grandma has dedicated her life to this position. Being a ruler comes with many constraints; you won’t be able to have the kind of love that most people desire. The harsh reality is, once you ascend to the throne, it's almost like severing all ties with love. Can a Queen really afford to have a husband?"
Chloe's words, spoken with a smile, made Yasmine's expression darken. After a long silence, Yasmine huffed, "Are you itching for a spanking? Daring to tease me like this? Am I really a hopeless romantic in your eyes? Can't I live without a man?"
Chloe shrugged, seemingly unaffected. "If that's not the case, then I must be overthinking things. You don't have any other reasons to refuse this responsibility, do you?"
Yasmine remained silent for a while and then slowly stood up, "But you do have a point. I should be glad that your Grandma trusts me. Making the most out of my life is indeed not a bad idea."
Chloe simply nodded, "I'm glad you understand."
After another short break, Queen Julia entered the room. She approached Chloe, placed her hands on her shoulders, and said, "Don't feel too much pressure, and don't get nervous. If you feel tired, just tell Grandma. Don't push yourself."
"I understand," Chloe replied.
Queen Julia then turned to Yasmine, whose expression wasn't exactly pleasant.
"Yasmine, what's wrong? Are you tired?" she asked.
"No, I'm fine," Yasmine responded.
"Alright, it's almost time. Let's get ready. There are many important foreign dignitaries waiting outside. We need to be careful with the final part of the ceremony."
"I understand."
Queen Julia left to greet the guests, leaving Yasmine and Chloe to rest for a few more minutes. When they were ready and stepped outside, Queen Julia was already leading a group of people towards the castle steps. Upon seeing them, she waved at them affectionately.
As they approached, Queen Julia took their hands, one on each side. "These are all important leaders from various countries. We'll have dinner later and I'll introduce each of them to you. For now, let's head to the castle gate. Listen, can you hear the excitement outside?"
Even through the thick castle walls, Chloe could hear the cheering and shouting from outside, filled with anticipation and excitement. She pursed her lips and followed Queen Julia up the castle steps in silence.
Behind them, the foreign dignitaries were courteously led up the steps by the country's high-ranking officials.
Ever since she stepped out, Yasmine had the unsettling feeling that something was off. She could sense a dangerous undercurrent. But in such a highly guarded place and event, she couldn't figure out where the danger was coming from.
When Queen Julia, Yasmine, and Chloe slowly appeared above the castle gate, a cheer erupted from the crowd outside. Flags were waved and cheers echoed, full of excitement. From the distance, all Chloe could see was a sea of people in the castle square.
Queen Julia waved at the crowd below, and they responded with another cheer.
"Thank you all for your acceptance and support over the years. I'm truly honored. Without you, I wouldn't have been able to witness the development and progress of our country. It's all of you who have made me, and our country, what it is today. I, Julia, am forever grateful. Today is a significant day, probably the most important day in my life, and I want to share my excitement and joy with all of you."
There was a pause, and cheers filled the air. Queen Julia continued, "Thank you all again for your continued support. Now, let's proceed with the final part of the ceremony."
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