The Royal Mark-Chapter 101: True Descendant
The modiste was feeling downhearted after Elsa requested numerous alterations to the dress she had crafted for the ball. The gown was initially a navy blue off-shoulder corset with a princess neckline and adorned with an abundance of silver laces and sequins.
However, Elsa, being her usual self, aimed to make a bold statement and defy the individuals spreading rumors about her. She instructed the modiste to remove the corset’s sleeves, making it strapless. Additionally, she asked for the back of the corset to be reduced to expose her bare back, demonstrating that she had no need to conceal her true form.
Elsa found a high-neck, long-sleeve silver lace bolero in her mother’s wardrobe and instructed the modiste to modify it by cutting the back and front so that it wouldn’t cover her bare back and puffy cleavage. Her intention was to have only her neck and shoulders covered.
Elsa adamantly declined to wear any jewelry except for a pair of small diamond earrings she found in her mother’s room. She directed the servants to style her hair in a messy side braid, a concept they initially struggled to grasp. However, once Elsa demonstrated, they quickly adapted and successfully executed the hairstyle.
In the room, everyone was doubtful of Elsa’s choices, and a pervasive sense of unease hung in the air. The atmosphere remained somber until her hair and makeup were completed.
"Oh my..." escaped the modiste’s lips the moment Elsa stood before the life-sized mirror.
Several servants and some of the modiste’s assistants beamed with delight, while others couldn’t help but cover their mouths in sheer astonishment and wonder.
"Is that an ’Oh my, it’s beautiful’ or ’Oh my, it’s ugly’?" Elsa sought clarification.
"You are undoubtedly the most stunning woman tonight, Your Highness. Not only beautiful but also alluring. You’ll undoubtedly capture the attention of every man in the great hall, whether married or not!" the modiste exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement as she gazed at her masterpiece.
"I only aim to capture the attention of one man, or should I say, one werewolf," Elsa quipped, prompting laughter from those present.
"I never imagined that this design and style would work at all, but now, looking at you, I can confidently say it will set a new fashion trend. But, may I ask, Princess, why the choice to cover your neck and shoulders while leaving your chest and back exposed?" the modiste inquired.
"Let’s just say I wanted to annoy the gossipmongers. I want them to keep guessing for a while, so they won’t find peace in their sleep."
None in the room fully grasped Elsa’s intentions, but the modiste refrained from further questions, as it was time for Elsa to make her grand entrance in the great hall.
"Wow, I was going to ask if you were ready, but it’s quite evident that you’re more than prepared," Drake remarked as he had the responsibility of fetching Elsa and serving as her escort for the evening.
Elsa was not happy to see him at all. "You escorting me to the great hall means he won’t be coming?"
"I’m not certain. We’ve sent a message, but we haven’t received any response yet, except for the information that more injured werewolves arrived in the camp today. Fortunately, their injuries are minor and can heal on their own without a healer."
"Alright, let’s get this over with. I’m starving!"
Drake chuckled, "I’ll sneak in some food for you later."
As the Royal Herald announced their arrival, the attendees inside the great hall swiftly cleared a path for Elsa and Drake. Elsa held Drake’s arm with unwavering confidence, even though she was a nervous wreck deep inside.
All eyes were fixed on her, and she could overhear people whispering about her, but she maintained her steady stride towards the far end where other members of the royal family awaited her, along with the crown that symbolized her new title as the second princess of Zemaria.
Upon reaching the end of the aisle, Drake released her hand and moved to the side to witness his niece’s coronation.
Typically, no ceremony is held for this occasion, as those born into the royal family assume their positions without formal announcements. However, Elsa’s situation was unique, leading both the king and queen to deem it necessary to officially declare her affiliation with the royal family.
King Allister stepped forward, taking the crown in both hands and spoke, "I, King Allister Van der Aart, the ruler of the Zemaria Empire, hereby acknowledge you, Elsa Morgan Van der Aart, the daughter of the late Princess Hera Van der Aart, as her rightful heir and a true descendant of my blood. Do you pledge your loyalty and allegiance to your King, your kingdom, and its citizens?"
"I, Elsa Morgan Van der Aart, solemnly swear that I will faithfully uphold my allegiance to Your Majesty, as well as to your successors in accordance with the laws of Zemaria. I vow to diligently fulfill my duties, protect the rights of our people, and, above all, pledge my loyalty to our beloved kingdom, the Zemaria Empire."
"In turn, I hereby designate you as the second princess of Zemaria, stepping into Princess Hera’s rightful position by virtue of your birthright and bloodline." King Allister then gently placed the crown upon Elsa’s head. The crowd erupted in cheers and congratulations as Elsa turned to face them in the hall.
Elsa’s gaze swiftly combed through the crowd, desperately searching for Chris, her heart filled with hope that he had managed to arrive in time for her coronation. Her optimism was high as she entered the great hall, but only got disappointed when her eyes failed to find him among the assembled guests.
Despite her disappointment, Elsa maintained a gracious smile as the King and Queen stood beside her, and a procession of people lined up to extend their greetings and present her with their finest gifts. Elsa struggled to recall a single name among those congratulating her for her thoughts consumed entirely by Chris.
’Where the hell are you, you fucking mongrel? I will be really angry if you will not show your ass here. In fact, I am already annoyed!’ Elsa thought.
