It’s Coronation Day in the Kingdom of Eleabeth. King Leonardo Daynes, loyal and beloved Patriarch of the kingdom, has crowned his new Queen. It’s a beautiful sunny day in the courtyard of their palace. The entire Kingdom bates their breath for her reveal.
The Queen prepares for her entrance, her blue silk dress billowing in the wind. She smiles as it blows against her face. The air tastes sweet and bitter at the same time. She can hear the crowd of subjects awaiting her introduction.
“Presenting her Royal Highness, your Queen. Regina Daynes.” The Grand Knight to the King proclaims loudly.
The entire Kingdom erupts in thunderous applause.
The people babble among themselves,”Isn’t the Queen beautiful?”
“Did you see her hair?”
“She holds the crown so well”
The crowd is so loud they cannot hear the Grand Knight announce their King. He joins his wife on the balcony, to renewed applause from the crowd, and takes her hands in his.
“I’m so happy today.” he whispers to her with a smile.
He glances back at his daughter Sno, standing just out of view; anxiously awaiting her entrance as well. Just thirteen years old, and already so grown up. Her silk midnight blue gown flows elegantly around her.
Regina responds,”I too am thrilled husband. This day is one of my happiest. May we eternally feel this joy from this moment forward.”
The King nods and kisses her hand, before approaching Sno.
She stands with tears in her eyes.
“Father, I am so scared… worried… frightful. Today is the day I am to become the official Princess of the people. How can I lead such a large group? How will I know what to do? What they’ll need?” Sno asks, fixing her father a fearful gaze.
Leo looks lovingly at his daughter. Barely thirteen. He can feel the pain and the worry in her voice. He smiles comfortingly.
“Dearest Sno, I know someday you will make a fine Queen. You will be a benevolent leader, an inspiration to the people. They will love you and they will trust you. I have the utmost faith in you my daughter.”
With his kind words steering her nerves, Sno steps onto the balcony in view of the kingdom.
The Grand Knight to the King proclaims loudly, “It is my honor, Kingdom of Eleabeth, to present your Princess! Her Majesty, Sno Daynes!”
As Sno waves graciously to the crowd, Regina appears to stiffen. She furls her brow and tightens her lips. As the new Queen, Regina has taken on the role of Sno’s stepmother, A necessary appointment, though Regina sees Sno as weak and soft.
“She will never be strong enough to rule this land..” Regina murmurs quietly to herself.
Sno raisies her arms to quiet the boisterous crowd. “My loyal subjects, thank you for accepting me as your Princess. I know that one day, I will be your Queen…”
Regina’s face contorts with disgust as Sno continues her speech.
“…But I can only do that with your help. Every single one of you is special and a valued asset to our kingdom. I need all of you working with me, to help ensure our Kingdom’s continued reign of peace and prosperity. Thank you.”
The Kingdom erupts in deafening applause for Sno. King Daynes is pleased with her introduction to the Kingdom. As the royal family draws back inside the castle, the Queen pulls Sno aside.
“Just because you have a tiara now, doesn't mean you know anything about being a Queen.” Regina snarls ferociously.
Sno hangs her head in embarrassment.
“Step Mother, I regret if I have in some way offended you. That wasn't my intent. I hope that as we rule together, we can also grow together, and you can teach me to be a respectable and beloved Queen, as I hope you will be.”
Regina rolls her eyes in disapproval, she doesn't care what Sno says, it will never be enough. Without another word passing between them, Sno takes her leave and heads for her chambers, It has been a long and exciting day and she is eager to climb into her bed.