Two years had passed by in practically a blink of an eye to Kazia. In that time she had adjusted to her future role of being king of the nation of Yuva and Grand Duke of Herztany. All this time the priest only referred to her as the king of the nation when in reality, it was more complex. It was simpler to refer to Yuva-Herztany as a single unit when in reality it was a multi-nation of various ethnic groups and people. It was agreed long that the leader of this multi-nation would be both King and Grand Duke. She had been planning her coronation and anointment for so long.

Every aspect of her outfit had to be perfect to not cause too much of a stir. It balanced Yuvian design with Herztanian traditional noble dress. She was careful with the color of the fabric, choosing to go with the colors of rich royal blue and silver. Her long hair was braided down her back with a crystal clip securing it. A necklace of blue sapphire and silver adorned her neck. She wore small heeled shoes in the same colors. She looked to the door as it opened, Anatol standing there.

“Are you ready, Princess Kazimiera?” Kazia nodded, walking over and taking his arm.

“Let’s get this over with. I want to focus on ruling and not partying.” Anatol chuckled softly as he led her off. Down the hallways they walked, members of the palace staff bowing to their future ruler. Kazia kept her head held steady and walked with purpose. They walked to an awaiting carriage, Anatol helping his monarch in before stepping in himself. To not be persuaded by her family, she was to ride only with her assigned confessor. They would be in the crowd of the cathedral to watch her anointing.

“Oh, what are you bringing with you to offer up to Pandievas?” Anatol inquired. Kazia smiled ever so slightly.

“I have it in plain sight.” She showed him her braid and the crystal clip.

“Ah, a high-value clip will be wonderful to give up.”

She looked out the window as their carriage joined a parade of others. She watched people throw flowers at the passing carriages, the vivid blossoms raining around them. She saw small children pointing at the various carriages, asking their mothers about who was in them. Kazia pulled the curtain over the window and faced forward. Anatol tilted his head.

“Don’t you want to see your subjects praise your ascension?” Kazia frowned, glancing off to the side.

“They praise a woman they do not know with what hopes? Do they hope this mystery woman chosen by Pandievas is just and wise? Do they hope she demolishes the monarchy? Or do they hope she is a strong monarch who can stay toe to toe with the Comitia Generalia? Why do they cheer so loudly for me?” Anatol smiled softly, reaching out and taking her hand in his.

“My dear King, the worry you have shown that you will be a strong leader for the people. You are human, not Pandievas Himself. They cheer because they have hope that you will rule justly. And you will.” Kazia said nothing as she kept facing forward, waiting for them to arrive at the cathedral. Quietly the door opened and a knight waited with his hand outstretched. Gently, Kazia took the hand and stepped down. She looked up at the brightly gleaming cathedral before her before Anatol and the knight, each on one side of her, walked her into the building.