The Dragon King's Heart

With the sun setting in the background, the orchestra began to play their instruments. Melodious music filled the air. Everyone turned their attention to the end of the aisle. Laina walked down the red carpet. Everyone stood up in her honor, watching her as she arrived at the front. 

Laina looks forward with a wide smile. The ceremonial minister was for her coronation was Margaret. After the fiasco that occurred previously, Laina threw out the age-old traditions Kinshearth had held dear. This was her coronation. She set the rules. 

Titan. dressed in a bright red bow tie collar, walked alongside Laina. The Solar Mastiff was her pride and joy.

Ethan, who was to abdicate the throne, stood by Margaret's side. He was in awe of how regal and graceful his cousin looked. Her long flowing dark red dress contrasted her fair complexion but complimented her red hair. 

Once Laina arrived before Margaret and Ethan, the music died down and the guests were seated once more. Emotions were running high on this special occasion. Margaret could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She expertly suppressed her rising emotions as she cleared her throat. 

"We are gathered here today to witness the birth of a new age. Today, Kinshearth gains a new Monarch.

Today, we crown Laina De Solara as our Queen."

As she finished her final sentence, Ethan turned back. He brought forward the velvet pillow where the crown rests. Laina lowered her head and bent down. Margaret, with gloved hands, carefully picked up the crown. 

The jewels on the crown sparkled under the light of the setting sun. Diamonds and red rubies were encrusted on it. 

As she places it on Laina's head, Margaret declared loud and clear, "Laina De Solara, bend the knee as a woman of intelligence and bravery. You are hereby appointed Queen of Kinshearth, Protector of the people. 

Receive the Crown and fulfill your duty to the people of this land. Rise and take your oath as Queen."

Laina slowly rose up. The crown rested comfortably, nestled in her hair. The diamonds shimmered, reflecting the light of the sun. For a moment, she looked as if she was glowing. 

Margaret brought forth a book and signaled Laina to place her hand on it. She did as she was told. Margaret rose her other hand and Laina followed suit. 

"Do you solemnly promise to protect the people of Kinshearth?" Margaret asked.

"I do." 

"Do you promise to fight for the people of Kinshearth?"

"I do."

"Do you promise to be true to your heart, and do what is right? For the sake of Kinshearth?"

"I do."

Margaret put down her hand and so does Laina. The ceremony was reaching its conclusion. 

"May your faith never waver in the face of darkness. May your resolve be the foundation of the decisions you choose to make. May your voice serve as the guide to your people. 

Ladies and gentlemen!"

Everyone got up on their feet as Laina turned around to face all of her guests.

Margaret declared with a wide smile on her face, "It is with great pleasure that I present to you, Queen Laina De Solara of Kinshearth! Long may she reign!"

The crowd erupted with joy as they chorused in unison, "Long may she reign! Long may she reign!"

As soon as the ceremony was complete, Laina was congratulated by her guests. She also noticed the common folk who came to watch her coronation. Laina went forward to mingle with them, thanking them for their support. 

To her surprise, she had the support of the people. Despite her absence for some time, she was welcomed back with open arms. Kol and Florin remained closed at all times to ensure Laina's safety. 

As the sun began to set on the horizon, Laina and her guests head back into the castle. They first had their dinner in the Dining Hall. Everyone had a special assigned seat, including Kol and Florin.  A long host table was at the back of the hall, while other shorter tables were placed in front of it in an orderly manner. 

Important guests were seated closest to the host table. In fact, the host table was traditionally only reserved for family. But Laina had a different plan in mind. As such, Dante, Margaret, Florin, and Kol, were all seated with her at the host table. 

Before dinner began, Laina raised her champagne flute. She gently tapped the side of the glass with a spoon to get the attention of her guests. Everyone quickly quietened down and gave her the spotlight. 

"I would like to thank each and every one of you for sharing this joyous occasion with me. The path ahead is not an easy one. But with all of your support and guidance, I have faith that things will be alright.

To the future ahead!"

"To the future!" everyone echoed her words before taking a sip from their glasses. 

With that, dinner was served. The menu for the evening was specially selected by Laina. Each dish was unique and delicious, a wonderful experience from beginning to end. They started their meal with a creamy smoked truffle and wild mushroom soup. 

It was followed by a sample platter of sides containing grilled octopus with lime and spices, seaweed salad, fried dough fritters with spicy mayonnaise sauce, and a side of pickled cucumbers and cabbage. 

For the main course, guests could choose between grilled lobster with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, or flame-grilled dry-aged striploin steak with mashed sweet potatoes and grilled brussel sprouts. 

To round out the savory courses, they ended off dessert with a lemon and strawberry parfait. Everyone was delighted by the dessert as most of them had never tasted the sweet icy cold treat before. 

"The lemon sherbet is a great touch, sun drop. I'm impressed," Dante praised as he ate a second serving of dessert. 

Laina chuckled as she took a bite of her own dessert, "I'm glad you like it."

With dinner concluded, some assumed the night had come to an end. But that could not be further from the truth! In fact, the fun had only just begun.. All the guests were invited to join Laina in the ballroom for a dance.