The coronation went completely according to plan. In the morning, Ariana’s maids dressed her in her red-and-white dress with a long veil, following her dress on the ground, embroidered with orchids, a national flower. Everything looked understated, yet spectacular. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she truly looked like a young queen. From her room, Maria took her outside of the castle, where an open carriage drawn by eight horses was already waiting for her. In front and behind sat the soldiers on their horses, with Daniel at the very head, sitting on his jet-black steed. Everything was ready. The streets, adorned with pennants and ribbons, were bustling with people as the carriage passed by. Everyone came to see their future queen. Everyone waved and shouted glory to Daniel and his mate. Ariana was smiling but her stomach tightened from anxiety. She wasn’t feeling well. Daniel was far from her, and she sat alone in the carriage, surrounded by soldiers and strangers. Just
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