let the light in

A Coronation by the Faith is the most sacred of ceremonies beyond marriage. As a ruler of a Kingdom, you have duties that are bigger than yourselves and must serve the people you rule over and the Faith into the future. In Driweth it is believed that healers are the closest to The Mother, born of her womb and given the gift of light to serve the people closely. The Father, the protector, strong and unyielding blessed with the power to control wild beasts is more prominent in Duven. 

“If you bite your lip any harder, you’ll bleed.” Driella spots you in your reflection in front of the mirror. 

“I know I’ll only be given a crown of Duven tonight, but what becomes of me after? When the parties are over, food is packed away, and my husband… joins me.” 

“My dear,” Driella places a warm hand on your shoulder. “Coupling is only scary the first time.” 

“Coupling sounds… enjoyable. Mother never made it seem so.” You try to sound hopeful rather than terrified. 

“Do not worry about this now, after we come to undress you I will give you all the answers you seek.” Driella winks at you in the mirror then leaves with Raven and Odessa, leaving you alone. 

–

Doflamingo is distracted when you’re announced to the room, full of Lords and Ladies you’ve yet to meet. Their eyes burn into you as you walk in, keeping your face unreadable, something your mother is excellent at. You continue your path until you’re beside your towering husband. 

His regalia is spectacular, all gold with white accents, the compliment to yourself. Or perhaps, you’re the compliment to him. He looks down at you, his eyes softening for a moment before he looks forward again. 

“This shouldn’t take too long.” You scoff at his words, knowing this will be an all day event. The ceremony of coronation itself is short, but the feasts and parties to follow will bleed late into the night. 

You open your mouth to speak, but with so many eyes and ears facing you, you decide against it. If anything, a united union needs to be shown today despite your desire to say something snarky. 

Music begins outside the doors of the ballroom and the Lords and Ladies of Duven file into the grand room, filling the seats before the doors close shut again. The High Septon arrives, standing in front of you both, his face younger than you had imagined. The Septon who married you was much older. He looks at you with an unreadable face, one you hope you are giving as well. 

“Your Highness,” he addresses you. “Welcome to Duven on behalf of the Faith.” 

“Thank you, your holiness.” You smile softly and nod. “I appreciate the welcome.” 

“Shall we begin then?” He smiles and claps his hands together as men and women of the faith surround you and Doflamingo. 

You let out a soft sigh and unclench your fists, placing your hands folded in front of you as two women take their spots at your side, another placing a cloak over your shoulders. It’s warm and old, you can tell from the fraying at the sides of the material. 

The High Septon walks through the opening doors, children in gold adorned clothing following him with the royal crowns and ornaments of Duven atop red pillows in their arms. You wait the required few moments before starting to follow them. As Queen Consort, you will go first. The true King of Duven to follow you. 

The music fills your ears, chatter steadily tuned in below it. You try to remain steadfast as you approach the thrones, the larger one clearly for the King and the more delicate design for you. You’d known that marrying Doflamingo meant this day would happen, but you’d expected it many years down the road. 

Your birth after two still births of elder brothers, three following you. The failure of your mother was known across the kingdom, despite the powers you processed. You simply were not named heir, even knowing there had been Queens who ruled before you. Despite your father’s love for you, he believed your best use was marrying you off, making you wonder what his love truly meant for you. 

You approach the throne, Doflamingo taking his place beside you, you both turn to face the High Septon of your court. He begins to read from the scriptures of The Father, reminding the court of the Crown’s allegiance to the Faith. 

“You may now repeat after me,” High Septon tells Doflamingo, placing his scripture out for Doflamingo to place his hand on it. 

He complies, repeating the words the High Septon speaks. He sits once he’s done. Then it’s your turn to take the oath to serve the realm to the best of your abilities and to honor the treaty between Driweth and Duven. 

Once you’re sat, the High Septon turns to the page boys holding the crowns. The first, the all gold crown is claimed to have been molded by dragon fire, something you have a hard time believing, but you don’t say anything. It’s a simple crown, but one of status and honor. 

It is lowered on Doflamingo’s head, fitting around his forehead and the back of his head. He turns, towards the crowds watching. 

““It is with the highest honor, the Faith proclaims Doflamingo Donquixote, King of Duven.”

The High Septon steps, taking the tiara from the other boy, holding it in his hands before stepping in front of you. 

The tiara is gold, dainty, and with red and black gems, reminiscent of your own Kingdom of Driweth. You cut your eyes to Doflamingo, knowing this isn’t the tiara that has been used for his late mother and grandmother. You focus back on the High Septon as he lowers the tiara on the crown of your head, fitting perfectly against the updo Driella fashioned your hair in. 

“It is with the highest honor, the Faith proclaims —-- —-----, Queen Consort of Duven.”

The High Septon steps away, you and the King stand side by side as the crowd erupts and the music plays again faintly in the background. A small tug at your hand makes you frown, turning your head slightly you see Doflamingo has taken it in his. You allow it, squeezing softly to stay put. This goes on for several minutes until the crowds calm and you both walk, hand in hand, down the aisle out of the ballroom and back into the halls of the castle. 

He releases your hand as the doors close behind you. You squeeze the now cold hand into a fist and back out straight again. 

“That was painful,” he comments and you laugh, quickly and quietly. 

“Ruling shall be painful,” you remind him and he rolls his eyes. “I suspect tonight will be the easiest night from here on.” 

“You may be correct,” he nods. “I intend to make it memorable.” 

As the ceremony comes to its end, you’re ushered along with Doflamingo towards the grand dining hall where many guests have already arrived. They stand as you two enter, taking place at the table at the back of the room designated for the King and Queen. You both sit and the gentle music fills your ears from your left as the band begins to play. 

Lords and Ladies of the realm come to welcome you and praise you and get your blessing. Many of them are fairly acquainted with Doflamingo, offering him praises and blessings for his rule and marriage. He nods, but says little. 

An hour passes before perks up from picking at the lamb leg you’ve been served. You look to see the cause of the brightening, and find a tall Lord with curly black hair and deep blue robes approaching. He has two small girls following behind him, the same hair on their heads, dressed in a similar shade of blue. 

“Lord Dance,” Doflamingo greets him. “I supposed you would not attend given the circumstances. I am sorry for your loss,” he looks to the two girls who turn their heads downward. 

“I do not believe Brielle would have liked me to keep the girls from court, or suffer when there is much to celebrate. Congratulations on your marriage,” Lord Dance’s eyes cut to you. “My Queen, it is nice to meet you. I hope these gifts from my girls shall please you.” 

They look to one another, their dark eyes shiny with tears but they do not allow them to fall. Their mother has passed recently, it seems. As they step to either side of their father, you notice the embroidery on their fine dresses. Two dragons, facing one another from the ways in which they stand. Your eyes move to their hands, a large box each of them holds. 

“Your Majesty,” the one on the left speaks. “I hope these gifts bring forth a new age of peace.” She places the box in the hands of Rosinante who places them on the table in front of you. 

“Your Majesty,” the second girl speaks, a bit softer and less confident. “Two for the two heirs we hope to see in the coming years.” The same follows suit with the second gift. 

You look down at the red gift boxes, close to the size of a large chicken. Your eyes move to Doflamingo and he nods. 

“Thank you, my Lord and little ladies,” they smile at you at the acknowledgement. “Shall I open them?” 

The girls nod eagerly. “Please, our family would be honored.” Lord Dance speaks. 

All eyes turn to you as you pull the blac ribbon from the box, clearly decorated to represent the place of your birth. You have to stand, to lift the top off the box. Inside, the large dragon egg makes you gasp. 

It’s a deep green, with scale-like markings on the hard shell. You’ve only seen them in books and heard descriptions of them from Driella who claims to have found some when she was a girl. You look at Lord Dance who looks very pleased with himself and the girls who can’t stop smiling. 

“Are these?” You find yourself lost for words. 

“Freshly laid from my late wife’s own dragon, Ash.” Lord Dance announces. “We hope the heirs to Duven and Driweth shall be strong riders just as their father.” 

You nod, a grin spreading on your face. “I believe they will be grateful for this honor. Thank you, Lord Dance and to your girls for bringing forth this gift.” 

“Thank you, Ma’am,” the one on the right sounds more confident now. 

The family leaves, and your fingers itch to touch the eggs. You open the second box, a similar sized egg, just a different color. It’s light blue with the same markings. How many eggs do dragons lay at one time? Perhaps there are more. 

You sit down, turning to your husband. He looks as if he knew you’d be pleased. 

“Do they hatch soon?” He shrugs.

“If they are fresh, doubtful. They last a long time before they turn to stone. We shall place them in our child’s bed and hope they hatch.” 

“In their beds? Is that safe?”  You ask, never hearing of this tradition or reading of it before. 

He grins. “I hear it is. Lord Dance girls bonded with their baby dragons the same way. They are getting close to the size appropriate for riding. I believe it was their intent for you to do the same with our babes.” 

A Coronation by the Faith is the most sacred of ceremonies beyond marriage. As a ruler of a Kingdom, you have duties that are bigger than yourselves and must serve the people you rule over and the Faith into the future. In Driweth it is believed that healers are the closest to The Mother, born of her womb and given the gift of light to serve the people closely. The Father, the protector, strong and unyielding blessed with the power to control wild beasts is more prominent in Duven. 

“If you bite your lip any harder, you’ll bleed.” Driella spots you in your reflection in front of the mirror. 

“I know I’ll only be given a crown of Duven tonight, but what becomes of me after? When the parties are over, food is packed away, and my husband… joins me.” 

“My dear,” Driella places a warm hand on your shoulder. “Coupling is only scary the first time.” 

“Coupling sounds… enjoyable. Mother never made it seem so.” You try to sound hopeful rather than terrified. 

“Do not worry about this now, after we come to undress you I will give you all the answers you seek.” Driella winks at you in the mirror then leaves with Raven and Odessa, leaving you alone. 

–

Doflamingo is distracted when you’re announced to the room, full of Lords and Ladies you’ve yet to meet. Their eyes burn into you as you walk in, keeping your face unreadable, something your mother is excellent at. You continue your path until you’re beside your towering husband. 

His regalia is spectacular, all gold with white accents, the compliment to yourself. Or perhaps, you’re the compliment to him. He looks down at you, his eyes softening for a moment before he looks forward again. 

“This shouldn’t take too long.” You scoff at his words, knowing this will be an all day event. The ceremony of coronation itself is short, but the feasts and parties to follow will bleed late into the night. 

You open your mouth to speak, but with so many eyes and ears facing you, you decide against it. If anything, a united union needs to be shown today despite your desire to say something snarky. 

Music begins outside the doors of the ballroom and the Lords and Ladies of Duven file into the grand room, filling the seats before the doors close shut again. The High Septon arrives, standing in front of you both, his face younger than you had imagined. The Septon who married you was much older. He looks at you with an unreadable face, one you hope you are giving as well. 

“Your Highness,” he addresses you. “Welcome to Duven on behalf of the Faith.” 

“Thank you, your holiness.” You smile softly and nod. “I appreciate the welcome.” 

“Shall we begin then?” He smiles and claps his hands together as men and women of the faith surround you and Doflamingo. 

You let out a soft sigh and unclench your fists, placing your hands folded in front of you as two women take their spots at your side, another placing a cloak over your shoulders. It’s warm and old, you can tell from the fraying at the sides of the material. 

The High Septon walks through the opening doors, children in gold adorned clothing following him with the royal crowns and ornaments of Duven atop red pillows in their arms. You wait the required few moments before starting to follow them. As Queen Consort, you will go first. The true King of Duven to follow you. 

The music fills your ears, chatter steadily tuned in below it. You try to remain steadfast as you approach the thrones, the larger one clearly for the King and the more delicate design for you. You’d known that marrying Doflamingo meant this day would happen, but you’d expected it many years down the road. 

Your birth after two still births of elder brothers, three following you. The failure of your mother was known across the kingdom, despite the powers you processed. You simply were not named heir, even knowing there had been Queens who ruled before you. Despite your father’s love for you, he believed your best use was marrying you off, making you wonder what his love truly meant for you. 

You approach the throne, Doflamingo taking his place beside you, you both turn to face the High Septon of your court. He begins to read from the scriptures of The Father, reminding the court of the Crown’s allegiance to the Faith. 

“You may now repeat after me,” High Septon tells Doflamingo, placing his scripture out for Doflamingo to place his hand on it. 

He complies, repeating the words the High Septon speaks. He sits once he’s done. Then it’s your turn to take the oath to serve the realm to the best of your abilities and to honor the treaty between Driweth and Duven. 

Once you’re sat, the High Septon turns to the page boys holding the crowns. The first, the all gold crown is claimed to have been molded by dragon fire, something you have a hard time believing, but you don’t say anything. It’s a simple crown, but one of status and honor. 

It is lowered on Doflamingo’s head, fitting around his forehead and the back of his head. He turns, towards the crowds watching. 

““It is with the highest honor, the Faith proclaims Doflamingo Donquixote, King of Duven.”

The High Septon steps, taking the tiara from the other boy, holding it in his hands before stepping in front of you. 

The tiara is gold, dainty, and with red and black gems, reminiscent of your own Kingdom of Driweth. You cut your eyes to Doflamingo, knowing this isn’t the tiara that has been used for his late mother and grandmother. You focus back on the High Septon as he lowers the tiara on the crown of your head, fitting perfectly against the updo Driella fashioned your hair in. 

“It is with the highest honor, the Faith proclaims —-- —-----, Queen Consort of Duven.”

The High Septon steps away, you and the King stand side by side as the crowd erupts and the music plays again faintly in the background. A small tug at your hand makes you frown, turning your head slightly you see Doflamingo has taken it in his. You allow it, squeezing softly to stay put. This goes on for several minutes until the crowds calm and you both walk, hand in hand, down the aisle out of the ballroom and back into the halls of the castle. 

He releases your hand as the doors close behind you. You squeeze the now cold hand into a fist and back out straight again. 

“That was painful,” he comments and you laugh, quickly and quietly. 

“Ruling shall be painful,” you remind him and he rolls his eyes. “I suspect tonight will be the easiest night from here on.” 

“You may be correct,” he nods. “I intend to make it memorable.” 

As the ceremony comes to its end, you’re ushered along with Doflamingo towards the grand dining hall where many guests have already arrived. They stand as you two enter, taking place at the table at the back of the room designated for the King and Queen. You both sit and the gentle music fills your ears from your left as the band begins to play. 

Lords and Ladies of the realm come to welcome you and praise you and get your blessing. Many of them are fairly acquainted with Doflamingo, offering him praises and blessings for his rule and marriage. He nods, but says little. 

An hour passes before perks up from picking at the lamb leg you’ve been served. You look to see the cause of the brightening, and find a tall Lord with curly black hair and deep blue robes approaching. He has two small girls following behind him, the same hair on their heads, dressed in a similar shade of blue. 

“Lord Dance,” Doflamingo greets him. “I supposed you would not attend given the circumstances. I am sorry for your loss,” he looks to the two girls who turn their heads downward. 

“I do not believe Brielle would have liked me to keep the girls from court, or suffer when there is much to celebrate. Congratulations on your marriage,” Lord Dance’s eyes cut to you. “My Queen, it is nice to meet you. I hope these gifts from my girls shall please you.” 

They look to one another, their dark eyes shiny with tears but they do not allow them to fall. Their mother has passed recently, it seems. As they step to either side of their father, you notice the embroidery on their fine dresses. Two dragons, facing one another from the ways in which they stand. Your eyes move to their hands, a large box each of them holds. 

“Your Majesty,” the one on the left speaks. “I hope these gifts bring forth a new age of peace.” She places the box in the hands of Rosinante who places them on the table in front of you. 

“Your Majesty,” the second girl speaks, a bit softer and less confident. “Two for the two heirs we hope to see in the coming years.” The same follows suit with the second gift. 

You look down at the red gift boxes, close to the size of a large chicken. Your eyes move to Doflamingo and he nods. 

“Thank you, my Lord and little ladies,” they smile at you at the acknowledgement. “Shall I open them?” 

The girls nod eagerly. “Please, our family would be honored.” Lord Dance speaks. 

All eyes turn to you as you pull the blac ribbon from the box, clearly decorated to represent the place of your birth. You have to stand, to lift the top off the box. Inside, the large dragon egg makes you gasp. 

It’s a deep green, with scale-like markings on the hard shell. You’ve only seen them in books and heard descriptions of them from Driella who claims to have found some when she was a girl. You look at Lord Dance who looks very pleased with himself and the girls who can’t stop smiling. 

“Are these?” You find yourself lost for words. 

“Freshly laid from my late wife’s own dragon, Ash.” Lord Dance announces. “We hope the heirs to Duven and Driweth shall be strong riders just as their father.” 

You nod, a grin spreading on your face. “I believe they will be grateful for this honor. Thank you, Lord Dance and to your girls for bringing forth this gift.” 

“Thank you, Ma’am,” the one on the right sounds more confident now. 

The family leaves, and your fingers itch to touch the eggs. You open the second box, a similar sized egg, just a different color. It’s light blue with the same markings. How many eggs do dragons lay at one time? Perhaps there are more. 

You sit down, turning to your husband. He looks as if he knew you’d be pleased. 

“Do they hatch soon?” He shrugs.

“If they are fresh, doubtful. They last a long time before they turn to stone. We shall place them in our child’s bed and hope they hatch.” 

“In their beds? Is that safe?”  You ask, never hearing of this tradition or reading of it before. 

He grins. “I hear it is. Lord Dance girls bonded with their baby dragons the same way. They are getting close to the size appropriate for riding. I believe it was their intent for you to do the same with our babes.”