I woke to the brightness of the sun streaming into my chambers, its warmth filling me with an energy I had never felt before. My heart was light, brimming with good cheer. Rising from my bed, I slipped into a white lining, brushed my teeth, and prepared myself for the day ahead.
Martha soon entered, bowing respectfully.
"Good morning, Princess Iris. How was your sleep?" she asked humbly.
"Wonderfully," I replied with cheerful warmth.
"Queen Anna has returned, and she wishes to see you," Martha added.
Without delay, I changed into one of my gowns and hurried to her chambers. Upon arrival, I was surprised to find nearly all the officials of Ephesus present. Among them sat Vera, Isabella, Atris, and Limu, gathered respectfully beside Queen Anna. Limu stood near a document laid upon the table, a pen resting beside it.
"Iris, how was your night?" Queen Anna asked with a gentle smile.
"Relaxing," I answered, bowing slightly.
"The document before you," she explained, "is the key to your destiny. By signing it, you shall officially be recognized as Princess of the Lynx Empire."
I approached with steady steps, read the words silently, and signed my name. Limu gave me a knowing wink before leading me toward the base of the stairs. Lord Christian awaited with a sword in his hands.
"Iris, kneel," he commanded.
Obediently, I lowered myself. With solemnity, Lord Christian declared,
"On this day, I crown you Iris, born Lynx, Princess of the Lynx Empire. You shall rule with authority, wisdom, peace, justice, and innovation. So shall it be."
He tapped my shoulders with the sword, sealing the rite, before raising his voice,
"All hail Princess Iris! All hail Princess Iris!"
At once, the officials bowed deeply, their right fists pressed over their hearts in a display of loyalty and humility to me and the royal family.
After a pause, Limu stepped forward with a grin.
"Princess Iris, do you have anything to say?"
"Yes," I replied, lifting my voice for all to hear. Faces turned toward me, some warm, others shadowed by resentment. I ignored the revulsion in Isabella's eyes and continued:
"Thank you all for coming. Today marks a turning point in my life, and your presence makes it unforgettable. Despite my dark past, I have now found light. Queen Anna, thank you for your love and support. But I have one request."
I drew a breath and spoke softly but firmly,
"I wish to be known as Princess Iris Mondevils. I want to bear my mother's name—for I was all she had before she died."
"So be it!" Queen Anna proclaimed. "From this moment forward, my granddaughter shall be addressed as Princess Iris Mondevils."
The hall filled with applause, and the morning and afternoon passed in joy, celebration, and quiet socialization. Queen Anna had wished the coronation to remain secret, which was why it was held in her private chambers, in the presence of only her closest officials.
As evening approached, Queen Anna instructed us to prepare for the journey to the Royal Prairie. When I returned to my chambers, I found them transformed—more majestic than ever before. After bathing, I changed into a stunning purple gown trimmed with golden stripes at the hem, a gift from Atris. Around my neck, I clasped the chain Lumor had given me, and upon my head, I placed a tiara of first-class rubies. I left my hair flowing freely, its silk glimmering under the glass-like sheen I had brushed through it.
I was ready—ready to step forth as the new Princess of the Lynx Empire.