https://i.imgur.com/OR0ow4h.jpg [https://i.imgur.com/OR0ow4h.jpg]
It was late at night before Sonia awoke to the smell of something sweet, interrupting the terrible nightmares she was having. Images of her past gradually faded as the sweet aroma roused her from her torment.
She opened her heavy eyelids and tried to sit up, moaning in pain as her head pounded wildly, it was loud in her ears like the beat of a drum that pounded with each rapid beat of her heart. She waited until her head stopped spinning before she spotted something at her feet. It looked like a small loaf of bread on a wooden plate, which was placed on the king's knee beside her. She could see steam rising from it as if it had just been pulled from the oven. It smelled amazing. She picked it up and examined it. It was piping hot, having just been freshly baked. She looked around, confused.
"Hello? Who's there?" She asked, her voice was weak, which came out like a croak. She doubted that anyone could hear her. She pulled apart the fresh loaf and drooled as the smell of cinnamon filled her nose. It had been almost two days since she last ate, and she was starving. She eagerly ate it, howling in delight as the taste of the sweet loaf filled her mouth.
"Oooooohhhhh! It's sooo gooood!"
She didn't realize it at first, but soon after that first bite, her head had stopped pounding, and the world around her was in much better focus. She savored every last bit of the first half, and as she happily chewed on the second, she noticed something peculiar. Actually, she noticed a few different things that were quite peculiar, but the most obvious one was the old woman that stood at the bottom of the stairs. The last time Sonia had seen her, the woman had been kneeling before the throne. Now, she was standing straight up and it seemed like she was holding something, a wide and happy smile on her face.
She jumped down to get a better view of her, and as she landed, she felt a sudden crack in her ribs. she screamed in fright, holding her hand on the spot where she felt it. She felt it again. It was like her broken bones were snapping back into place, one by one. A sudden snap in her hip wrenched her forward, falling to the floor. For a long minute, her whole body was emitting the sound of crackling bones. Her bones, muscles, and ligaments were tingling with activity as the magic from the loaf healed her weak and broken body. The last thing she felt was a tingle in the back of her head where her main injury was. When she reached back to feel it with her fingers, she was amazed that she could no longer find it. It was gone!
She stood there for a moment, until the cracking of bones and the tingling feeling of pins and needles ran it's course, and then stood up, slowly and cautiously as she wiggled her limbs and stretched her back until she was satisfied, and then stood facing the smiling woman. The older woman was holding a basket that contained two more loaves of bread. She held it straight out in front of her as if to offer it to Sonia. There was a note inside the basket along with the bread. She picked it up and read...
"My dear, sweet Sonia. I am leaving this basket here for you to enjoy. This bread is very special, and not just because I made it myself, though I did. All three loaves of bread have a specific purpose. The cinnamon will heal your wounds, the vanilla will heal your sickness, and the chocolate loaf will help you sleep.
I greatly encourage you to eat and go back to bed, young lady. You need your rest, and in the morning, we will formally meet. I can't wait to speak with you. I would love to have met in person, but the last thing I would want to do, is to scare you before you've had a chance to properly heal. I imagine a stone figure coming to life isn't something you see often.
PS: That beautiful hug you gave me was quite lovely, and I would like another.
-Gran
"Gran." She repeated with a whisper. She gazed back up at the woman, at Gran, and wondered if it was short for Grandma. It did make sense. for a while, she stared at the woman's smile, and contemplated the woman's demeaner. Last night, the woman looked much older then she did now. She remembered the look on her face, which she would never forget, it broke her heart just thinking about it. But, though it was the same figure that stood before her, her demeaner was completely different. And though she was made of stone, she held herself with confidence and wore a comforting smile. The woman was beautiful, and her smile was radiant.
Sonia grabbed the second loaf from the basket and walked around the great hall while she ate it. There were torches and large candles that lit it up. She also noticed that the place had been immaculately cleaned. The floor shined and reflected everything in the light. The great hall was amazingly beautiful, and she was seduced by its welcoming glow. She imagined herself wearing a beautiful dress and began to dance along the polished marble floor, the effects of the vanilla flavored bread began to set in as she was being filled with overflowing energy. She swayed gracefully to the rhythm of her own music, her feet gliding smoothly across the polished marble floor. The flickering light of the torches and candles cast a warm glow that illuminated the hall, accentuating the intricate designs etched into the stone walls.
Never in her life had she felt so alive. The effects of the two loaves made her bones and muscles sturdy and strong. She felt like she could run a marathon. Soon she found herself running around the length of the great hall in screaming fits of laughter as she summersaulted and cartwheeled around the hall until the room spun with dizziness. She plopped down onto the floor with a huff and breathed.
"What in the world am I experiencing? How can two loaves of bread heal my body in such a way that makes me feel like I could do anything? Hell, I feel like a superhero. Seriously, I'm witnessing magic, here! Am I going crazy?"
No matter how she looked at it, there was no other explanation then magic. Even if the old woman had put drugs into her bread, that still doesn't explain how it could've healed her wounds. It was like a potion from a video game, she had been instantly healed. And then there was the woman. There is no way someone could've came in and deliberately changed the statues around while she slept. What purpose would that have served anyway? Not to mention, those statues look like they weigh a ton.
She sighed. It was magic, real magic. She had witnessed a miracle. Which would mean, if the woman's words were true, she would see her come to life in the morning. Even if she doubted and didn't believe it, she was still curious. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it was true?
Suddenly eager for the morning to come, she strolled over to the smiling Gran, and reached into the basket for the last loaf of bread. It was dark brown, sprinkled with powdered sugar.
She looked up at the face of the marble figure and admired her beautiful smile. She remembered her postscript at the end of the letter, which said that she wanted another hug. Sonia flung her arms around her and took a long deep sigh.
"Thank you so much for the bread, they were amazing and delicious, and you're amazing for sharing it. It might be silly, but I will choose to believe in you, so I'll trust that I'll see you in the morning."
She let the woman go, and with her new strength and stamina, she leapt up onto the empty throne and made herself comfortable while she ate the last remaining loaf. It was just as good as the others. The woman was a wizard in the kitchen, and she was jealous. She looked over at the giant king next to her, she was becoming drunk with fatigue as the magic started working.
"You know, you're also quite beautiful." She said with a giggle. She shouted a declaration to all those in the hall.
"I henceforth declare as queen, a new law, that there shall be sweet bread made for every supper!"
The figures throughout the hall became blurry and the light shimmered out of focus as her eyes became heavy, her eyes closed and she slept, sitting on her throne.
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The curse was a simple one, really. While they were in their stony form, their souls were trapped in a never ending cycle of despair as they watched and witnessed their king's honor being torn from him, his legacy, thrown to the ground. The queen knew his weakness, knew exactly how to best him. As soon as the time came, she took the opportunity and won. Her plan was so flawless, that it lasted for over five hundred years.
The old woman wasn't sure exactly how the curse worked, since she wasn't expecting to be turned back into stone, but either way, she had walked again! Even if it was just for a day, a tiny flame of hope had been ignited.
Normally speaking, the nightmare had a particular power that prevented her from distinguishing reality from dream, as it altered her memories, but at this moment, she was completely aware. When the nightmare started, it started the same as it always did, but she was prepared. Things were different now.
She stood before a set of doors, grand and ornate. Their long, sturdy handles were made of pure gold, as was most of the palace. The royal palace consisted of polished white marble, designed with simple gold patterns throughout.
Her hand rested on one of the handles, hesitating. The way this normally played out, was that she would open the door and be met with a happy king, sitting on his throne before a crowd of servants, gathered together in a grand and spacious hall, all waiting for his bride. She remembered this event clearly. He had called all the people and servants to witness the coronation ceremony for the new queen. The whole assembly waited with baited breath and quiet apprehension, since the new queen had yet to win them over, they were afraid of her.
She inhaled and exhaled slowly and deeply before letting go of her mental restraints, allowing her body to move automatically as her dream continued the way it was meant to. She opened the heavy doors and stepped through.
She was immediately met with distinguished men and woman and modestly dressed servants who courtly bowed as she passed. She returned their gesture with her signature smile, blowing kisses at the sharply dressed toddler who held flowers that she assumed were for the queen.
She walked down the large isle as slowly as the dream would allow, preparing her heart for the spectacle that would unfold as soon as the queen arrived. The coronation would end once the crown was placed on the queen's head and she'd taken a seat on the empty throne next to her son.
"My darling mother, thank you for joining us." The king said, beaming from ear to ear as he fidgeted nervously with his braided, blonde hair.
"Yeah yeah, let's get this damned thing over with." She said, waving her hand impatiently at her son. The king gave no response to her off-script behavior. Although, it almost seemed like he wanted to, which surprised her.
She continued.
"Alright, where's that bloody crown?" She asked, leaning in toward him, she said, "you know, I could make her a crown, a nice thorny one. Huh? Whaddaya say about that?" She teased, prodding him in the arm with her elbow. The only sound that could be heard from within the great hall was the soft music and a mischievous snicker from the small toddler who just happened to laugh on cue.
"Ha! See, he gets it!" The old woman's laughter filled the hall.
It was subtle, but the corner of the king's mouth twitched, as if to restrain himself from laughing. Or perhaps he was trying to laugh against the spell he was under. She always wondered if the dream was hers alone, or if it was shared by all who were involved. Was this the real king, or just her imagination?
The king smiled and gestured for the crown bearer , who came stumbling over, producing a beautifully crafted crown of sterling silver. It's dominate, middle spike was set with a brilliant blue sapphire crystal.
"Wait, what is this?" She asked in surprise. This was not the same crown that was usually presented to the queen. In all of the Five hundred years of this dream playing out, the crown had always been a crown of pure gold, speckled with many colored jewels. This one, however, was much more simple, and yet, much more beautiful. It reminded her of someone, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She picked up the crown and held it in her hands.
"What is happening? Why is it different? She asked herself, silently.
"Son, did the queen choose this?" She ask. The King shook his head.
"No, it was suppose to be gold, but it changed on it's own. The crown itself chose its form. I don't understand it myself. The king admitted.
A light flickered in her memory as she recalled what it reminded her of. There was a well known myth in the family, of a legendary deity known as the Silver Queen, who was said to harness unrivaled power. As the legend goes, she supposedly took part in a massive war, and single handedly prevailed. But that was just a myth.
It offended her greatly to think that she would have to present a crown with such important meaning to a queen that destroyed her family. She gritted her teeth in anger. But just then, the horns sounded, signifying the arrival of the queen. The woman inhaled deeply once more, and after letting it out slowly, she was finally ready to meet her.
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Sonia wasn't used to waking up in such a luxurious bed, but here she was, draped in gold and red satin covers and beautifully laced pillows. She had been awakened by a small group of maids beckoning her out of bed and into a bath that was waiting for her. She knew she was dreaming, there was no other way to explain it, but she wasn't going to complain. It's not every day you wake up as royalty. But man, what a ridiculously vivid dream it was. The first thing she noticed before she opened her eyes was the scent of sweet cinnamon. When was the last time she recalled having a dream that had a distinct smell? Although, she did eat a cinnamon flavored loaf of bread before she went to bed. So that would explain at least a little.
The covers were so soft and cool, she found it very hard to get out of bed. She laid there for a time just shifting her legs back and forth under the silky sheets. Even the pillows had a fragrant smell.
"Did I die and go to heaven?" She asked. The maids giggled at her silly question.
"The divine realm of Celestia is as heavenly as it's going to be, I suppose. Come, dear. Time for your bath. You have an important day today. Come on, in you go." One of the maids said, leading the sleepy Sonia out of the bed and into the adjacent room where the bath was waiting.
The maids giggled at her again as she stood motionless within the threshold of her enormous washroom. Their leader gave them a sharp look of grave disapproval before addressing the awestricken Sonia.
"Your highness, your mouth is open, is everything okay?" She said with a smile.
"This is my bathroom?" she asked, gesturing toward what she assumed was the tub, which was more like a large jacuzzi than an actual bathtub. The water was a light pink color, with red rose pedals on the surface.
"Yes, your highness, this is all yours. May we proceed?" She motioned Sonia in and before she could say another word, they had stripped her of her clothes and lead her into the warm water.
It was pure bliss. If only dreams like this could last forever. After her bath, they sat her in a chair and proceeded to apply makeup to her face and even did her hair up in a beautiful braided bun. It wasn't until she was fully dressed and standing before a mirror when she was attacked by her emotions. She had never seen herself look so beautiful in all her life. The dress she wore was a white gown with gold and silver stitching. She loved it, and she wished she could wear it forever.
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"Look at me, that's me!" Her eyes began to water at the site of her.
"Oh dear, she's going to cry. quickly, grab the tissues!" The head maid shouted. "Now, now dear. Please control yourself. How can we present you to the king in this condition?" She said, comfortingly.
"What? Sonia said dully
"The king, silly. You know, your husband. Said the younger maid, dabbing a tissue on her freshly powdered face.
"I'm married? Wait, if I'm married to the king, then that would mean that I'm..."
"Queen." Said the head maid. She placed a gentle hand on Sonia's chin and lifted her face to meet her gaze. "You are queen and ruler over all the people of Celestia. You are loved and adored by all." Sonia stared into the maid's gaze, speechless.
"But, I have nothing to offer to anyone. I have nothing, and I am nothing." She whispered.
"Is that so? Asked the maid. "I'll have you know, I have been serving the same evil queen for the last five hundred years, watching in horror as I guided the queen to my king's destruction. Five hundred years. But today, I get the great pleasure of serving a humble and loving queen. Believe me when I say, that you are more than worthy of our praise." All the maids nodded in agreement.
"Five hundred years? What do you mean by that?" She asked.
"That is how long I've been turned to stone, along with my fellow maids. And in our statue form, we dream an endless nightmare where we are forced to relive the same day over and over. It always ends in the destruction of this palace and it's people. Many people died, and many more turned to stone. But ever since you came, you have somehow altered our curse. We don't know how you've done it, but we're not about to complain. Since you're here, we might as well play along. Everyone in the palace has been through quite a lot. They deserve a beautiful and gentle queen, don't you think? Would you deny them that?
Sonia thought for a moment. "Okay, if you're sure, let's go."
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The two woman's eyes went wide when they saw each other. Gran was still holding onto the silver crown when Sonia walked in, being lead by the group of maids. Upon entry, the room immediately erupted into a dull roar of hushed voices. She heard them utter words such as, Beautiful, elegant, and divine. She blushed as they lead her to the throne, next to the king. The head maid bowed low to the old woman.
"I present to you, your queen."
"Thank you, my dear" Gran said, still gawking at the sight of the lovely queen, who to her surprise, was a familiar and friendly face.
"Gran?" Sonia gasped. It was the first time she was able to see her as a living, breathing person. The color of Gran's eyes shown brightly, a divine glow that was strikingly pretty. She couldn't look away from them.
"Sonia?" Gran responded. "You're the queen?"
"That's what they tell me." Sonia said with a smile. "By the way, thank you so much for the bread. They were amazing!"
"You liked them, huh? Which one was your favorite? I like the cinnamon one, myself"
"Yes! the cinnamon one was the best! The two of them shared a moment of happy laughter as the king observed, amused.
The two woman embraced one another in a firm hug.
"My dear, your hugs are the very best." Gran said, her tears wetting the clean linen of Sonia's shoulder. "Sonia, do you know where you are?" She asked.
"Yes, for the most part. This place is called Celestia. Although, from what I gather, it's not the real Celestia, but a nightmary version of it that plays on an endless loop. Does that sound right?" Sonia asked. Gran nodded.
"I take it by now you're starting to grow accustomed to magic", Gran said. "This is not the way I would've wanted to meet you, but this is a very pleasant surprise. " Gran looked down at the beautiful silver crown in her hands and then looked back up at the gorgeous young woman, all dolled up and prepared for crowning. She held the crown high over her head, the room became silent.
"I do not remember my name," she started. Tears began to well up in her blue eyes. "No one here remembers their name. The kingdom has been stripped of its identity and its pride. For so long, we have suffered much together." She turned to face the gathered crowd, still holding the crown high. "Yesterday, I was able to awake from this nightmare and walk again in reality, breath clean air, and witness a brand new sunset. In part, my curse has been broken, and it is this young woman that is the cause of it. Ever since she sat on the empty throne, she has somehow altered our curse. This moment is proof of that. We no longer gather in fear or guilt. We can smile and laugh together, for this new queen brings us peace and love. Let us all honor her as the light breaks through to a new dawn. Long live the queen!" with that, she placed the crown atop Sonia's head, the gathered crowd shouted in union.
"Long live the Queen!"
"Long live the Queen!"
"Long live the Queen!"
The crowd cheered and clapped in a roaring sea of laughter and happiness. Hugs and kisses were shared between the people as the celebration started. Sonia took her seat next to the King, who was staring admiringly at his bride.
"blonde hair and blue eyes, how typical that I'd marry someone with those qualities." She thought, remembering the last boyfriend she had just recently ran away from, whose family had almost killed her.
"But this man is absolutely gorgeous." She said, propping her face up with her hand as she stared dreamily at him, who in turn, stared back.
"Thank you for the compliment, though you are much more stunning than I." Replied the king. Sonia's eyes went wide with embarrassment.
"Crap! Did I say that out loud?"
Sonia would've liked to have had more time to speak to the king, but found herself spending most of her time greeting the various people that have lined up to see their new queen. Each person spent their turn bowing and worshiping her one by one. She greeted them and answered any question they had to the best of her ability.
At first, she wasn't quite sure how she felt about being a queen. Or rather, she wasn't confident in her political or administrative abilities. But this was nice. Even if it was just a dream, it was nice to be the center of love and adoration instead of the normal treatment she received from people. In turn, she was able to give as much love as she received. It was wonderful. This dream as a whole has been the very thing that she could only read about in books. To experience it, though, was something else entirely. This was it. This was the kind of life she would do anything for, even give her very life.
She looked over at the king, her husband. He never took his eyes off of her. He looked at her, not like one who lusted, but one who loved. His eyes sparkled with pure adoration. She wasn't used to that, in fact, she refused to believe that she deserved such attention. She blushed and looked away, unsure of what to say to him.
"This is just a dream. It's not real. All of this is too good to be true. I am not a queen, and I am not loved. That is just the reality of it. But this is so good, and it feels so nice. I just can't help it. I wish this dream could last forever, but it can't last forever, so I'll enjoy it while I can."
"My dear, what is this look of apprehension in your eyes? is there something I can do for you?" The king asked.
"I don't know, maybe just hold my hand. I'm so overwhelmed with happiness that I'm afraid that if I blinked, everything would disappear, and I'll be left alone again." Sonia's lips trembled and tears ran down her cheeks.
The king didn't hesitate. He immediately stood from his throne and grabbed both of Sonia's hands, leading her to the open floor where he held her close and danced slowly to the sound of soft music and happy chatter from the people.
He didn't say anything to her. He only held her close, allowing her to cry against his chest. At times like these, there is no need for words, but just to live and let be, to make the most of what could be a limited and short time together, and he knew that more than anyone. How much longer would he have to wait to see Sonia again. He too was lonely.
The people who were celebrating along the great hall were now gathering around the king and queen, delighting in the sight of the dancing couple.
Gran stood aside from the crowd, observing the celebration. She watched with happy tears as her beloved people smiled and laughed together. And her son, dancing gracefully with a beautiful bride, who cried from her own happiness. Could she ask for anything greater than this moment? She could feel the energy in the room, and it all came from Sonia. It was the same energy she felt the night she awoke from her five hundred year slumber. Love emanated from her, filling the whole room and touching every heart. They were no longer subject to an evil spell, but free to laugh and love. There was a mysterious healing aura about her, one that comforted the people around her, like the gentle spirit of a nurturing mother. She was a perfect queen, and Gran believed with all her heart that Sonia was meant for that role.
Sonia loved the comfort of the king's embrace, and loved even more, the low rumble of his soothing voice, especially when he said her name. She stopped dancing and let go of him. Looking up at him, she trembled. It was the way he looked at her. It made her melt and loose focus of the world around her. When their eyes met, it was like they were the only ones in the room. She found herself breathing heavy with anxiety.
"Why do you look at me like that?" She asked, taking a step back.
"Because I like you, a lot. I may even love you. Is that so hard to believe? Also, I find you interesting and mysterious. Because of that, I find myself staring. Sorry about that."
"When did you decide that you loved me?" She asked.
The king smiled, looking back at his mother, who was looking back at him. She smiled and waved at him before making kissy faces in a silly, teasing way. This made the king laugh, which was heard by all in the room, and maybe even the corridors beyond. His voice was low and booming, which was hard to miss in any normal setting, let alone the deep thunderous laughter around a throng of people.
Turning back to his queen, he answered her.
"My mother is my world, and my people are my life. You embraced her and loved her even before you wore the crown, and you addressed and honored my people before you spoke to me. you're a perfect queen. Today, I am blessed to hold you."
Sonia flinched at his words of affection. She wasn't expecting him to say those things. Most men couldn't answer such a question as to why they liked someone, but he answered it so easily, and it took her by surprise.
Sonia's ex boyfriend had once seduced her with his eyes and cunning conversation, but this man was definitely different. When she looked at him, and saw his beautiful blue eyes looking back at her, his gaze felt comforting and clean. It was the most welcoming thing she had ever experienced. She just couldn't help but to want more of it, though it scared her.
"Let us just enjoy today." He said. "Maybe we'll see each other again, or maybe we won't. Let us not fret about tomorrow. Let us just enjoy today." He said, wiping her tears away with a gentle hand. She leaned back into him. Her face and hands on his chest. She breathed.
I'm not the perfect one, you are. You're just too good to be true.
A loud crack echoed through the great hall, followed by ominous laughter, snapping everyone's attention to the large open balcony, where a dark rift of purple flame appeared, out of which a woman stepped through, along with two men clad in black armor. The woman wore dark, revealing armor of black and purple, which Sonia thought looked demonic in appearance. She also wore a sinister-looking crown.
The people coward at her presence, halting all activities. The room was suddenly thrown into a deafening silence. The only sounds were the clicking of the woman's high heels as she took her time to examine the room, seemingly looking for something. Or rather, observing the people around her.
"Have the festivities started without me? How rude." She said, her high heels clicking on the floor with each graceful step, slapping glasses of wine out of the hands of people as she passed and shoving people who were in her way as she made her way to the throne.
"Where's my jester? she shouted, clapping her hands in mock summon. As she approached the throne, a pair a guards stepped in front of her, blocking her access.
"Excuse me, Have you forgotten who I am? Move aside, idiots." She said threateningly. The pair of guards crossed their swords in firm defiance.
"This throne belongs only to the queen. You will not approach it."
The demonic queen laughed. A shrill that pierced the stark silence that filled the hall. Every eye was on the stranger, who stood before the guards in amused surprise. No one spoke or moved. Sonia was shocked at the powerful impact the woman had on the people upon her arrival. Even the king stood speechless at Sonia's side, his head hung low. She recognized the king's behavior as Sonia, just a couple of days ago, had stood numb and emotionless among the violent outrage of an angry boyfriend. Numb to the depressive life she had lived. But she made a promise to herself, and she was never going to forget it. Why should she allow bullies or monsters in her life? Why should they get their way? No. There was no room for such people. She would no longer let people like this effect her or her friends. These people were wonderful, and they were the ones that deserved the praise that they gave her as queen. She hadn't known them long, but she loved them.
With clenched fists at her side, Sonia stepped boldly toward the throne, making eye contact with the sinister figure as she passed her, her blood red iris's glinting with danger. The guards obediently unblocked the way for her, and she sat on the empty throne. The two woman stared at one another for a long moment before Sonia spoke as one with authority.
"What can we do for you, ma'am? As you can see, we are currently rejoicing in celebration. I would say that you are welcome to join, but it is obvious that you came with ill intention. I would ask that you state your business and leave."
"How did you get in here?" Asked the stranger, her voice quiet as a whisper. She had a face that Sonia couldn't read, her purple lips curled in a sneer. "Do you understand that this is a cursed reality that I created? You shouldn't have been able to enter this place."
"Yeah, about that." Sonia ran her hands along the polished ornate wood of the throne. "This is a nice throne. Feels good, nice view, and the perks are nice, I suppose. But there is much more to this throne than just simply having the power to be a monster. To sit on the throne is to love the people it represents. A real queen helps carry not just the king, but the very nation to prosperity, don't you think? Without a nation or people to govern, without a king to serve, what kind of queen would you be?"
"Listen here..."
"The answer!" Sonia shouted, silencing the stranger. The sinister woman took a step back in offence. "The answer is that you wouldn't be a queen at all. And since you're not interested in being a proper queen, the role has been handed to me. Not of my choice, but by the will of the people who desire a queen that loves them. And believe me, I love them. I declare today that they will be freed from the captivity of this curse, because I will set them free."
The sapphire crystal on the silver crown shown brightly atop Sonia's head as she stood from her throne, it shown like a beacon of declaration that washed the hall clean from the blanket of oppression that held them back. Their legs and backs straightened as the weight had lifted from them, giving them the strength and will to rally and shout the affirmation of their queen.
"Cute, very cute."
A large and imposing figure brushed passed the sinister woman, and with a genuine surprise, she gasped at the sight of the great king taking his seat next to the new queen.
"The queen speaks the truth, Breillia. Soon, the world will bow in her honor." Said the king.
"Do you think that I cannot hurt you here in this place? Dream or no, this is my reality." She spat, a dark and sinister-looking sword appeared in her hand. She disappeared and reappeared again in a blink of an eye, plunging the sword into Sonia's gut.
Isn't this just a dream? You can't feel pain in dreams, right? But then why am I in pain? A white, hot excruciating pain. It's almost too much to bare. It's so hard to breath, how am I still standing? Stubbornness, I would guess. Too stubborn to fall. Or maybe it's the people that are watching. If they saw me fall, how would they feel? Their king and queen needs to be strong in order for their people to remain strong, and so I must be strong.
"You're wrong, this is no longer your reality. You have lost your grip on it. It's my reality now, and I will do as I please." Sonia said, keeping her gaze locked onto the woman's red eyes. Sonia can't explain why she did it, but she held out her hand toward the evil queen in an act to will something into being. It must have been the dream's influence that made her do it. Or else, how would she be able to know that she had the power to do so. A magical sigil appeared on Sonia's forehead followed by glowing blue eyes. A shiny and magnificent silver sword appeared in her hand as dust from the hall gathered around her, coalescing into the blade. Her hands gripped the hilt as it came into being, pointing its sharp end directly at the evil woman. "And soon, even Celestia itself will be cleansed from your evil grip and the people will once again walk in the light." Sonia said.
"Who are you?" Asked the woman.
"She is the Silver Queen, a great and powerful deity who will bring order back to her nation and courage to her people. She will fight on their behalf and guide them from the darkness. She is the true queen." Gran said from the far side of the hall. She had fell to her knees in a reverent worship, bowing low to the floor. "Your highness, you really have come to us. We are not worthy of you." a tearful Gran cried.
"Oh please! Give me a break, you fools." The woman spat, pulling the sinister blade free from Sonia's gut, she turned and walked away, opening another portal. Turning back, she said, "If it's war you want, then it's war you'll get. With that, she stepped through, leaving the artificial world behind.
Sonia fell into her throne as blood began to rapidly flow from her wound. The King scooped her up in his arms, shouting for his mother's assistance.
"We need to wake her up. She's not safe here!"
"Right you are, my boy." Gran agreed, sprinting toward her son. She spoke a few incanted words before Sonia was jolted awake in the real world, gasping and coughing as blood began to fill her lungs. She fell from the cold, stone throne and onto the marble floor of the old cathedral. Echoes of her coughing and retching filled the hall. She was dying.
The sun began to fill the hall with new light, as the sun washed over the stone woman before her. Color began to return to Gran as she came back to life with a sigh. With not a moment to lose, Gran rushed over to where the injured Sonia lay sprawled on the floor. She Held her and kissed her forehead, reassuring her that everything will be okay.
In truth, the poor girl was dying. The wound that was inflicted was not a normal one, being inflicted with magic, it would take more than powerful magic to heal her. There was only one option, and that was to perform the rite that would not only make her part of the royal family, being imbued with the family crest, but it would also make her immortal. This, in theory, was the dangerous part. It was not often that a mortal was made immortal, and the consequence of it is unknown. But at this point, she would die regardless.
Due to the sudden noise in the hall, a little girl descended the stairs leading to her room above the cathedral. She immediately spotted Gran hunching over a figure on the floor. The site of it worried her, so she hid and observed.
"Listen Dear, I'm going to attempt something, something that honestly should not be done. But I believe in my heart that this is right. Please, hang on!" Gran said, caressing Sonia's cheek in calming assurance.
The dream had shown her a possible reality that she could not ignore. To think, that Sonia could be the Silver Queen. Not only had she seen the family crest shone brightly on her forehead and the divine glow of eyes that belonged to an immortal, but also the crown and the sword that belonged to only one famous deity. It could not have been coincidence. This was prophesy.
Nobody in existence knew this rite. She had learned it from her grandmother, who taught it to her so many thousands of years ago. She alone knew how to do it, to transcend Sonia into a god.
The time of greatness was upon them, and Gran could not contain the smile that shown through from her very core.
In time, all of Celestia will witness the rise and wrath of the Silver Queen.