Reborn To Change My Fate

Chapter 355 - Three Hundred And Fifty Four

Coronation Day...

The morning of the coronation arrived with bright, clear sky. The entire capital city was buzzing with excitement. People filled the streets, holding flags and throwing colorful flower petals onto the stone roads. Inside the royal palace, the atmosphere was busy but very serious.

Today was the day the kingdom would officially turn the page from a dark, bloody winter into a peaceful new spring.

In the Queen’s dressing room, Marissa sat in front of a large, polished silver mirror. Three young maids including Lily, moved carefully around her. They were dressing her in her official royal gown. The dress was made of heavy, pure white silk. It was decorated with complex gold embroidery that looked like climbing vines and small leaves. The dress had long sleeves and a high collar, making her look incredibly elegant and deeply respected.

Marissa looked at her own reflection and took a slow, deep breath. Her chest rose and fell calmly.The heavy wooden door opened with a soft creak. Beatrice walked into the room. The older woman wore a dark purple velvet dress.

She walked slowly, leaning on a dark wooden cane, but her eyes were sharp and bright. She had returned from the temple two days ago, just as Derek promised.

"Leave us for a moment," Beatrice told the maids.

The maids quickly bowed and left the room, closing the door quietly. Beatrice walked up behind Marissa. She looked at Marissa’s reflection in the mirror. She reached out with her wrinkled, shaking hand and gently touched Marissa’s dark, curly hair. The hair was pulled up into a complex, beautiful style, ready to hold a crown.

"You look beautiful, my child," Beatrice said. Her voice was soft and full of deep pride.

Marissa smiled. She reached up and held the old woman’s warm hand. "Thank you, Grandmother. I am so happy you are here to see this."

Beatrice squeezed Marissa’s hand tightly." Of course. I wouldn’t miss the happiness moment of my grandchildren’s lives."

Marissa turned her head and kissed the back of Beatrice’s hand. "We survived," Marissa replied gently. "All of us."

"Yes," Beatrice nodded, her face turning very serious. "Today is a heavy day. A crown is not just gold and jewels. It is a heavy burden. You will carry the lives of millions of people on your shoulders. But I know you are ready. You are the strongest woman I know."

Marissa nodded slowly. She understood the massive responsibility. She thought about Lord Colton’s sacrifice. She thought about the magic wielders in the West. She thought about the poor people in the capital. She intended to protect them all.

In another wing of the massive palace, Derek was also preparing. He stood in the center of his dressing room. He wore the official royal garments of the King. His clothes were made of deep, rich crimson velvet, decorated with pure gold thread. A heavy white cape rested on his broad shoulders, fastened across his chest with a thick gold chain. Ian stood nearby, holding a polished sword.

Derek looked at his own reflection. His face was clean-shaven, his dark hair neatly combed. The deep exhaustion that had plagued him for a month was finally gone. He looked healthy, strong, and deeply focused. He thought about his father and brother. He thought about the men who had died in the Thompson army. He wished his father could see him now, standing in the King’s clothes, finally bringing true justice to the land.

"Your Majesty," Ian spoke quietly, breaking the silence. "The carriage is ready in the courtyard. The Bishop is waiting at the High Cathedral."

Derek turned around. He looked at his loyal shadow guard. "Thank you, Ian. For everything you have done to keep my family safe."

Ian bowed deeply, his face showing absolute respect. "It is my greatest honor, your majesty."

Derek took the polished sword from Ian. He secured it to the thick leather belt at his waist. He took a deep, steadying breath, preparing his mind for the crowds. He walked out of his dressing room and walked down the wide, carpeted hallway.

At the top of the grand staircase, he stopped.

Marissa was walking toward him from the opposite hallway. When Derek saw her, his heart skipped a beat. He stopped breathing for a brief second. She looked like a true goddess walking on the earth. The white silk and the shining gold thread caught the morning light perfectly. Her eyes met his, and a warm, loving smile spread across her red lips.

Derek stepped forward quickly. He reached out and took both of her hands in his. He looked down at her, his eyes filled with pure adoration and deep love.

"You are breathtaking, Mari," Derek whispered. He lifted her hands and kissed her knuckles softly.

Marissa smiled wider, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She looked at his crimson clothes and his broad shoulders. "And you look like a true King. The crimson color suits you well."

Derek offered his right arm to her. "Are you ready to face the kingdom?"

Marissa slipped her hand through his arm. She held onto him securely. "As long as you are by my side, I am ready for anything."

They walked down the grand staircase together. When they reached the front courtyard, a massive, beautiful carriage waiting for them. It was painted white and gold, pulled by six pure white horses.They climbed inside and sat down facing each other. The carriage began to move slowly out of the palace gates.

The moment they left the gates, a deafening roar of loud cheers hit them.Thousands of people lined the streets of the capital. The common people, the merchants, and the soldiers all waved flags and threw white flower petals. They cheered for the Grand Duke who had defeated the enemy and exposed the traitor Prince.

Derek and Marissa smiled and waved through the open windows of the carriage. Derek looked at the crowd. He saw their hopeful faces. He leaned slightly toward Marissa.

"They believe in us," he said softly over the noise. Marissa nodded. She looked out the window and noticed a small group of people standing near the front of the crowd. They wore simple, dark, heavy woolen coats. They looked different from the capital citizens. They were people from the western region. They had traveled far to see the new King who promised to change the cruel laws.

Marissa gently touched Derek’s knee. "Look," she whispered, pointing discreetly. "Colton’s people are here. They came to see if you will keep your promise."

Derek looked at the group. His face became very serious and solemn. "I will keep it. The laws will be changed tomorrow morning. No more hiding. No more fear."