To the right of the throne sat a pedestal with a white cushion on top. On top of the cushion sat an elaborate silver crown set with dazzling blue gems. On the other side of me a second white cushion presented a long silver scepter with a large blue orb in the center. Immediately my brain kicked into panic mode. Which hand was I supposed to take the scepter with? They’d told me, why couldn’t I remember? Would it be gravely insulting if I took it with the wrong hand?

Oh my god, I’m going to mess this up so bad!

Trying not to squirm like a little kid on the huge throne, I fixed my eyes straight ahead, watching as the doors opened once again, and the master of ceremonies entered, grey robes sweeping the floor. He was a tall, grim man, which did nothing to ease my nerves. He made his way down the aisle, and to me it seemed like he was moving at glacial speed. Couldn't he just jog over here or something?

This is killing me! Hurry up!

At last he got to the front of the room and dipped his head at me. I nodded back, as I’d been instructed. The throne room became quiet as he opened the old book in his hands.  The crackling of ancient pages was loud in the fresh silence. He cleared his throat and said in a booming voice,

“Megan of Niflheim, are you willing to take the oath?”

It felt like something was stuck in my throat, so I cleared it before answering, “I am willing.”

“Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the people of Niflheim according to our respective laws and customs?”

“I solemly promise to do so.” Thank god my voice sounded relatively steady.

“Will you to your power cause law and justice, in mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?”

“I will.”

He stepped back with a sweep of his hands, and I stood up on shaky knees, well aware that hundreds of eyes were fixed on me. The master of ceremonies moved to take the scepter, robes whispering over the icy floor.  He stepped forward and held it out to me, and I automatically took it in my right hand. There was no flicker of disapproval on his face, so I must have got it right. The scepter was cold underneath my fingers, and heavy. I held it straight up and down, elbow in at my side as they’d instructed me to do. I hoped nobody could tell how much my hands were shaking.

I turned and faced the crowd full on, butterflies dancing like mad in my stomach. I remembered them coaching me to speak loudly and clearly, and make eye contact with as many people as I could. I remembered Marian giving me thumbs up while I was practicing, and Loki telling me I looked beautiful. I swept my eyes over the crowd, trying to pick him out. His father was easy to spot. Surtr gave me a beaming grin, his cheeks were bright red and he had a wine glass in one hand. I didn’t catch sight of Loki though, I didn’t have time to keep looking. I took a deep breath and tried to say as loudly as I could without yelling.

“The things which I have promised before you, I shall keep in good faith. This I solemnly swear,” I sat back down again, relief turning my muscles into jello. I hadn’t flubbed the lines. Thank god.

The master of ceremonies brushed through the pages of the book, turned it around and placed it carefully on my lap, bowing slightly as he offered me a long feather pen. The book pinned my legs down, it was so heavy. Maybe they did that so the princess couldn’t run away if she was having second thoughts. The page in front of me was filled with script, scrolling letters too fancy to read . They’d already explained what it was though. Basically the same thing we’d just said out loud. I signed my name at the bottom carefully, afraid to rip through the delicate pages.

It was a relief when he stepped forward to take the book again. He handed it to his assistant and turned, taking the crown carefully from the pillow. I held my breath as he lifted it from the pedestal.  His assistant came forward and carefully removed the smaller tiara from my hair, his fingers gentle and quick.

“Your highness,” the master of ceremonies intoned gravely, “having heard your vows in good faith, and having taken consensus of the people, I hereby crown you Queen of the realm.”

I had to force myself not to shut my eyes as he lowered the crown onto my head. I could feel the heavy circle weighing down on me, pressing into my hair.

                Then the master of ceremonies was taking my hand, his skin papery and dry, and I was standing again, face flushed as he announced loudly, “I present to you, your Queen!”

Thunderous applause filled the throne room, echoing off the icy walls and vast ceiling. I did my best to smile in spite of the nerves, studying the people…my people’s faces. The jotun were beaming up at me.  I was a little surprised - and very relieved - that they all looked so happy. They were probably ecstatic that Eira was gone. At least that was something.  I probably couldn’t screw things up worse than she had. 

The master of ceremonies offered his arm and I took it. Allowing him to lead me down the stairs. I made sure I was very careful going down each one. I had made it this far in the ceremony without doing something really embarrassing. Now was not the time to trip on the stairs and fall on my face. As we swept down the aisle each jotun we passed sunk into a low bow. The affect was a rippling wave over the packed crowd, the movement sweeping the room like a light breeze dancing through a field of tall grass. The room was nearly silent, save for the gentle strains of music and the soft shushing sound my gown made over the floor. Just before the door we stopped, and Erik stepped forward, bowing at the waist. I don’t know if I’d ever been more relieved to see him.

He took my arm from the master of ceremonies, and we swept out the door. As soon as we were outside I heard the noise behind us resume. The jotun exclaiming to one another and chattering excitedly. They were so noisy that the musicians had to play louder.

I stopped and let out a huge breath, hand on my stomach, “Oh my gosh…”

“Are you okay?” Erik looked like he was trying to keep himself from smiling.

“I’m fine,” I gasped, “really. That was just super overwhelming.”

Erik quirked one brow at me, “Well you still have the coronation party to go to, so let’s get you to your room. You need to change.”

I groaned. I’d forgotten all about the party afterwards, “I need to change again?” When we started forward the crown slid on my head a little, and my hand flew up to steady it, “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this stupid thing. What if it falls of and breaks?”

Erik laughed, “you don’t have to wear it all the time. Only at ceremonies and fancy occasions.”

“Well thank god for that,” I sighed as we moved quickly through the corridors, trying not to step on my dress, “where are we going? This isn’t the way to my room.”

“It is now,” Erik said, he grinned at me, “you really think we’d let the Queen sleep in that measly little room?”
                I stared at him open mouthed. That “measly” room was ten times the size of any normal bedroom. What exactly would this new one look like?

Erik swept a hand out to the right, “just down here.”

We turned the corner, and he came to  a halt in front of a set of elaborate oak doors. There were scrolling designs carved into the edges of the wood. The door handles were glistening silver.

“Wow,” I breathed,

Erik laughed, “we haven’t even gone inside yet.”

He pulled one of the doors open and stood back, “Go ahead. I had the servants lay out your next outfit.”

“My next outfit…” My complaints trailed away into nothing as I entered the room, “holy crap!”

“Not a dignified expression,” Erik mused, “we’ll have to work on that. Do you like it?”

“Wow,” It was all I could say.

The ceiling was the most astonishing thing. It seemed to be hundreds of feet above my head. Probably an exaggeration, but…it was tall. From the center hung a vast chandelier, diamonds sparkling like drops of ice, light flickering and bouncing off the many-faceted surfaces. At the very center was a raised dais. On top of that was the most extravagant bed I’ve ever seen. A canopy of sheer blue fabric swooped down over it, held aloft by a clear frame that almost looked like carved glass. At the end of the blue fabric tiny glittering glass drops hung. I imagined the light tinkle these would make as you drew the fabric back, like faint chimes on a windy day.

To one side of the bed sat a grand piano. Deeply black, and so polished I could probably see my reflection in it. A potted vine here and there added life to the room, and there was even a vase of red roses on the nightstand near the door. The other side of the bedroom boasted a large vanity table and a walk in closet. I moved for the closet, momentarily distracted by my reflection in the mirror. The glittering crown had slipped sideways again. Damn thing.

I reached up and straightened it, tugging my hair slightly as I did so. I ignored my watering eyes and pushed the closet door open, “Wow!”

It seemed to be all I was capable of saying today.

The walk in closet was pretty much the size of my bedroom back at my foster parent’s place. There was a section for everything, arranged by colors (mostly silver, black and grey anyways).  The right side held a wall of drawers, and I pulled one open, burning with curiosity

Shock struck me dumb, not for the first or last time that day. Nestled inside the velvet lining of the drawer were a number of huge diamonds. There sat a diamond ring, glittering up at me, the size of a bottle cap. There, a diamond and pearl necklace. In the corner, a pair of dew drop earrings with generous diamonds, silver clasps and black pearls set in the base. The drawer was filled with them. I shut it with a bang, mouth still hanging open to my knees.

The next drawer was deeper, and held many of the elaborate headdresses I’d seen Queen Eira wear. Apparently I’d inherited her jewelry collection.

Through my shock I suddenly heard Erik’s voice from outside the bedroom, “You know you’re not technically supposed to be here.”

Another voice answered him. Rich and deep and  heart-stoppingly familiar. I hurled myself out of the closet and over the length of the huge room faster than I’d thought possible, my shoes sliding across the ice as I came to a halt at the door. Sure enough, Loki was leaning in the doorway talking to Erik. Dark curls falling over his eyes, looking ridiculously handsome in a black and white tuxedo.

“Loki!” I launched myself at him, meaning to give him a hug, but my foot caught on the hem of my gown and I pitched forward. Not for the first time I found myself caught by a pair of strong arms. His scent hit me all at once, spicy cologne and the fresh smell of soap. My face was pressed up against his suite jacket. Considering the amount of makeup the servants had globbed on me this morning, that would probably leave a stain on the pristine black cloth. Embarrassing.

Loki helped me stand up straight, arms encircling me tightly. I pressed my face into the side of his neck, marveling at how the heat of his skin instantly warmed me.

Erik grumbled, something about making sure my gown was properly laid out, and vanished into the bedroom.

Loki pushed me back gently and I blushed a little as his brown eyes ran over me, taking in the dress and the ridiculous crown. Instantly I felt like I must look really silly. A little girl playing dress up.

“I know it’s a bit much…” I stammered, but Loki was shaking his head.

“You look…incredible. When you first came in the throne room you nearly knocked me off my feet. “

I ducked my head, blushing fiercely, “you look really good too. I like your tux.”

Erik’s voice drifted out of the room, “five minutes.”

Loki ran a thumb over my jaw line, making my heart race, “I’ll bid you farewell, my ice goddess,” then he ruined it by giving me a cocky grin, “careful not to trip on your dress like that when you come into the great hall.”

“Hey…thanks…” I retorted, watching him turn and walk away. I knew I should turn around and go get dressed, get ready for the party. But I couldn’t seem to tear my eyes off his broad back as he walked down the hall. I realized I was leaning on the doorframe, probably making eyes like a lovesick calf. Oh man…

I straightened my shoulders, turned around to see Erik standing there looking impatient, hands on his hips. Beside him stood Mary, her cheeks glowing.

“I saw you,” she gushed, “me and the girls were peeking in through the doors when you were crowned. You did wonderfully, miss.”

“Thanks Mary,” I glanced over my shoulder in confusion, “how’d you get in here? I was just standing in the door.”

“Back entrance, miss.” Mary pointed at the corner of the room, where another door was set in the wall, “comes in near the bathroom, right off the servants corridor. I can be there in a minute when you ring.”

I  shook my head in amazement. I can’t imagine getting used to having people at my beck and call.

“Now,” said Mary, beaming from me to Erik, “we need to get her highness dressed and ready for the party. You wait outside, mister. We’ll call you when you needs to be escorted. ”

Erik looked startled, “Oh, yes of course!” he scurried out of the room, shutting the doors firmly behind him.

“Ready, miss?” Mary’s eyes were shining, “let’s get you all ready for the party.”

more to come!