Ophelia dropped to the floor, her skirt billowing out below her. She hid her face in her hands, thoughts running through her head a million times a minute. She wasn't ready to be Queen. She wasn't ready to rule a whole country. She wasn't ready to be hounded even more to become married and give the kingdom an heir. She wasn't ready to wear her mother's crown.
Nothing about any of it seemed right. Everyone loved Artemis. She was the daughter of the previous rulers. She'd grown up in Bardonia and had been loved by the kingdom for as long as she lived. Ophelia was the only one who didn't like her mother. Why would anyone kill her? She didn't deserve it, even if she wasn't the best mother out there.
Jasper stood still for a few seconds before getting down on one knee. His hand almost touched her back before it immediately stopped. Will he be breaking any rules if he went through with this? Will Her Majesty not like it? For a few moments, he was frozen, unsure of what to do. Yet the sight of seeing Queen Ophelia in tears is leading him to wipe the corners of his eyes.
Hesitantly, he moved a bit closer so he could wrap his arm around her. Everything is happening so quickly, he is at loss for words. Anything that came to mind were things he's already said in the past more than once. "Although it all is very tragic and troubling right now, everything will end up being okay," He reassured while patting her shoulder, "Nothing bad will ever happen to you, Your Majesty, I am going to make sure of it. Promise me to keep that wonderful head of yours up, please?"
Ophelia barely registered anything Jasper said, caught up in her own thoughts and feelings. She jumped when he patted her shoulder, but didn't realise that it was Jasper. She stood up and started walking out of the room, having a purpose in her mind. It may have seemed like she was ignoring Jasper entirely but that wasn't the case - she has simply forgotten he was there.
The path to the Throne Room was long and windy, but it was a path Ophelia knew well. Very few people had actually seen the Throne Room, or the thrones inside. Whenever the royals had appearances and listened to commoners, it was always done in the Banquet Hall. The tables and chairs were removed from the room, with makeshift thrones being placed at the far end of the room. Few people knew that those thrones weren't real.
It was all for a reason, of course. The castle had gotten bigger over time, with new wings being built to accommodate new servants and the large growth of the royal family about a century earlier. The thrones were heavy, being made of pure gold and silver, and very few people were willing to lift and move them a long way. The royal crowns and tiaras were also stored in there, kept away from the public eye when not worn by royalty.
Jasper ended up jumping too. He was so focused on trying to console Her Majesty that he attempted to get a bit closer before he got himself a bit startled. At first, he thought that it was because he did something, but came to the conclusion it was something else. His head tilted with confusion as he watched her get up and walk away. Instantly, he got up and followed.
As much as he wanted to pay his full attention to the situation, he could not help but worry a bit. Mostly it was because he is concerned for Queen Ophelia. It surprised him a bit to see how quickly she got up and began walking, like she planned something. He wanted to ask her where they were going, or why, or even how she is feeling. So many questions floated around his mind.
Whatever the reason may be, he is sure that it is good. And wherever they were going is so far away from everything else. His eyes kept glancing around with every step he took. He wondered where they were going, there were only a few places he knew that were this far from the ballroom. Rarely does he ever have to go over though. Really all he knows that is this far along is the Throne Room, but he never stepped inside it ever. Anytime Jasper had to be there, he was told to stand outside till Her Majesty was to leave.
"May I ask if we are heading to the Throne Room?" He questioned, trying to make sure he was walking a few steps behind her. "Would you like me to open the door when we get there?"
(sorry ive been trying to get on top of schoolwork)
"Well, the crowns are stored in the Throne Room. And I know that Mother wasn't going to be wearing her official crown tonight. So it should be in the Throne Room. And, now, I'm the Queen. So I should start wearing it."
Ophelia continued to walk, unsure if she even wanted to do this. In all honestly, she'd have to do it eventually. The girl was coming to terms with the fact that she now had a kingdom to rule, even though she didn't feel nearly ready. Ophelia wasn't sure she would even be able to get to the Throne Room and put her mother's crown on. It felt wrong.
(No worries, good luck!)
"Very direct and swift to action, impressive. I'm sure everyone is going to be very proud of you as their queen, Your Majesty," He assured.
Keeping his eyes forward, he continued to follow behind Queen Ophelia. Jasper couldn't help but let the corners of his lips curve up into a smile as he glimpse over at her. While he is still struck with the shock and grief from moments ago, he knows that everything will be alright. Her Majesty is seems to be unsure of something, yet she is already taking action, he couldn't be any more prouder.
"If I may say, it is alright to be worried. No one can ever be truly prepared for whatever battle they may face, but honestly Your Majesty, you are doing a wonderful job."
