Chapter Twelve - The Ceremony



Charming stands at Sno’s grave. Sno’s final resting place is in the royal garden next to their daughter. Not ready to part with Sno’s actual throne, Charming has had a replica made and placed over her grave. He has commanded bouquets of flowers be laid on the steps each and every morning. Today his grief is much. He can smell the flowers. He wipes away a tear as the wind blows against his face.
…

Esther busily prepares the castle for the ceremony of the coronation of Prince Brody as King. It’s been a few weeks, the return invitations have been accounted for. The invitation simply states “To Honor Prince Brody.” They know not that Brody will be Coronated and take the throne.




It’s midday, Charming sighs as he takes Charella from her cradle and cuddles her close to him. He opens the door to his bedroom and peers out. It's quiet. Stepping out, he feels the humid air hit his face. It's been a while since he left his chambers, and the air is refreshing. His bare feet are overjoyed by the cool stone beneath them. He makes his way to the stairwell and descends. He can hear his maidens busily hurrying about in the kitchen and dining hall further down the hall. Careful not to draw attention to himself, he quickly creeps down the stairs, then he exits the hallway, and leaves the castle.

The door to the tower creaks in protest as Charming pushes it open. It's even hotter in the enclosed space, but he isn't bothered by it. He begins to climb the stairs. Once Charming reaches the top of the stairs, he stops and stares out the window at Sno's grave. Charming cuddles Charella against him, she snuggles into his shoulder. Today, Brody will be Cornonated and crowned King. It should be a happy day, but as he stands there in the tower in his night clothes, his heart is heavy.



…

As guests enter the palace that evening, Charming is in the tower. He holds Charella close to his chest. She is contently asleep. He hears the music swell as the coronation begins. He hears the response of the other royals. Then he hears the announcement of his son being crowned as the King, a tear races down his face as looks out at Sno’s grave.

“Sno, my love, Brody has become King..” he sobs. His heart aches everyday without his love and he simply cannot do it anymore. He cannot be in this place. He cannot hope for this kingdom when he has no hope for himself. Completely broken and hurt, he opens the window and looks down.
He sees his Horse grazing and he calls to her. As she makes her way toward his tower, he rushes down to meet her.



Clutching Charella, he readily leaps onto his horse. He brings nothing but the clothing on his back. He wraps his arms around Charella and grasps the reins. Then he flees out the open gate of the castle walls and over the hills, never even stopping to look back.

END OF BOOK 2

** Thank you to my loyal readers! : D We have reached the end of book # 2. Book 3 is in progress and chapters will begin to be posted soon! Thank you for your continued support!



-Sstutler