"You did? Oh, good. She'll be pleased." Marisol had left most of the details for the grand party that would take place after the Coronation Ceremony to the party planners, Anne and Marius, who had taken a vested interest in planning the day. The guest list had taken all of her attention for several days, and she realized with some guilt that she didn't even know what Thalia's favorite band was anymore. It seemed like the older her daughter got, the less time they had for each other and the more they grew apart. "Have you heard them? I do hope they'll be ready to do their best."

Marius smiled broadly, his dark eyes twinkling. "You'll love them, believe me," he said confidently. "Now go get dressed, my queen."

"I'm going, I'm going." As per protocol, this would be the last time she and Marius saw each other until they walked down the carpet together. She turned to leave and felt his hand touch her arm. Startled, Marisol glanced up at him. "Marius?"