Athènia's POV
I was stressed and overwhelmed with work, running everywhere. After all, it was my little brother's ceremony, for heaven's sake.
Mara: Lis, calm down a little.
Athènia: Calm down? The guests will arrive any minute now!
Mara: But running around won't help.
Athènia: Okay, okay, okay.
I take a few deep breaths. Is everything going well in the kitchen?
Mara: Don't worry, everything is already perfect. Go get ready now.
Athènia: But..
Mara: Just go, Lis.
Athènia: Fine.
With heavy steps, I turn to leave the hall. I don't understand why she insists I get ready.
Iris: Big sister!
She calls out in a pouty voice.
Athènia: What is it?
Iris: I want you to pick my outfit.
She says, pouting even more.
Athènia: The one you are wearing looks fine.
Iris: No, I don't like it.
Jayden: Will you stop pouting already? You're giving me a headache.
Of course, he's Kemran's son I sigh.
Iris: What's it to you? You already look perfect, and I look like a clown!
Jayden: Mom, please, tell her to stop acting like a spoiled brat.
Iris: I'll remind you I'm your aunt.
She mocks him.
Jayden: We're the same age, Iris.
She smirks.
Iris: Same age, but not the same birthday, idiot.
Jayden: What difference does that make?
Iris: I'll always be your aunt, no matter what.
Jayden: Yeah, right. Too bad my aunt acts like such a child.
Athènia: Enough, both of you. Jayden, go get dressed the guests will be here soon.
Jayden: Yes, Supreme.
He walks off. That boy, honestly.
Athènia: And you, Iris
I take her hand.
Athènia: Come with me, I have the perfect outfit.
Iris: Yay!
She jumps happily. That girl, I swear. We head to my room.
Iris: What's the perfect outfit, big sister?
Athènia: Wait here a minute.
I go into my dressing room and take out a dress white, with silver sleeves and royal blue stripes. I return.
Athènia: This one.
Her eyes light up.
Iris: I love it! Whose is it?
Athènia: It's mine.
Her eyes widen.
Iris: You made it yourself?
Athènia: Yes. I don't know why, but I always knew how to design clothes. I dreamed of wearing it one day on my birthday, our 10th anniversary… but things didn't go that way. For you, it's different. I'm giving it to you.
Iris: But you wanted to wear it! Why not now?
Athènia: I've outgrown it. But for you, it's perfect.
Her eyes shine with joy.
Iris: Thank you, big sister!
She hugs me.
Athènia: It's my pleasure, little one. Now go get ready.
Iris: Yes, yes, yes!
She grabs the dress and skips off to the bathroom. That kid, honestly.
I head back to my dressing room, I have my own bathroom there too. After a shower, I wrap a towel around myself and check my wardrobe. I see the dress I had planned for tonight: royal blue, long to my ankles, with silver and black accents and a deep neckline. I slip it on, put on black heels, half-tie my hair, add a sheer cape, and place my crown on my head. When I step out, Iris is already dressed.
Athènia: You look stunning, Iris.
Iris: Thank you, big sister. You're stunning too.
Athènia: Will you stay here then?
Iris: Yes, I'll wait for the others.
Athènia: Alright, stay here and eat whatever you like.
I leave my room and head for the stairs. I spot Asher, Garth, Lonia, and Harley all dressed in royal blue as I asked, though without crowns or capes.
Athènia: Wow, people look so handsome around here.
They laugh.
Harley: Stop teasing us.
Athènia: I'm serious you all look great.
Jayden: I look the best, though!
He arrives, also in royal blue with silver and black accents.
Athènia: You look very handsome, my dear.
I kiss his head.
Jayden: Mom, I'm not a baby anymore.
Madnah: You're a big baby.
Lenah: The biggest one.
We all laugh.
Athènia: Come on, let's go down.
We descend the stairs as the guests begin arriving. I stand by the door with Jayden to greet them; they compliment the island.
Jayden: Mom, I need the bathroom.
Athènia: Go ahead, dear.
He leaves. Soon after, Jiji rushes upstairs, and Jayden comes back to stand by me. Guests ask who this adorable boy is. Then the TALOR family arrives.
Kemran: Supreme.
Athènia: Lord Kan, it's a pleasure to have you with us tonight.
I smile, but they all keep staring at Jayden. I already know what's coming.
Jayden: What? Do you want my picture or something?
Exactly as I thought.
Athènia: Jayden, please don't talk like that.
Kora (in my head): He deserves it, especially that bastard Kemran.
Athènia: Calm down, Kora.
Jayden: I wouldn't talk like this if they stopped staring.
Kan (muttering): Just like Kemran's attitude.
But I hear him anyway.
Athènia: Please, come in.
They enter, Kan giving Jayden one last glance.
Kayla: Supreme?
The little girl Evera and Kan's daughter speaks.
Athènia: Yes, girly?
Kayla: Can Terror come play with us?
Evera: Kayla!
I bite my lip to keep from laughing.
Athènia: Well, if Terror agrees.
I tease Jayden.
Jayden: Come on, Mom, don't tease me. Fine, I'll talk to girly.
Kayla: Yay!
She takes his hand, and he doesn't complain. Clearly, they're siblings.
Evera: Sorry about her, Supreme.
Athènia: It's fine. His little sister is just like her, so he won't bully her.
Evera smiles before entering with her son. The DELMAL family arrives next.
Athènia: Good evening, family.
Naylinah: Good evening, dear. You look beautiful.
Athènia: Thank you, Aunt.
Regan: Aunt, where's JD?
Athènia: Over there with that little girl.
Regan: Bye!
He runs off toward Jayden.
Athènia: Please, come in.
They enter.
Kora (in my head): There are so many people.
Athènia: Of course.
And finally, the last ones arrive.
Athènia: Took you long enough.
Zelda: Where's the little redhead?
Iris: Right here!
She appears beside the king.
Fabellia: Iris!?
Iris: Yes, Mom, I'm here.
Raven eyes her.
Raven: Why did you change clothes?
Iris: I like this one better.
She says innocently.
Athènia: Come in, you were the last ones we awaited.
I notice Alvin's nervousness as they enter. I hold his arm.
Athènia: Alvin, you're stressed.
Alvin: Yes, what if the royal sword falls?
Athènia: It won't. Have some faith in yourself.
Just then, servants announce MJ and Jiji, who arrive with Max and Mariane. I whistle.
Athènia: Magnificent.
MJ blushes.
Athènia: See you later, little brother.
I head to the stage with a glass and spoon, tapping for attention.
Athènia: Your attention, please.
The room quiets.
Athènia: Thank you.
I set the glass aside.
Athènia: Dear supernaturals and hybrids, we are gathered here tonight for a coronation. This time, we chose Hybridia to mark a new beginning. As we all know, sorcerers are among the strongest in the supernatural world. It has been ten years since I became the Supreme Alpha of Hasrland, but today, I am officially Supreme Alpha of Hybridia. In honor of this great event, the coronation will take place here. For future coronations, it will be held in Harmonie. As I said ten years ago you may choose to attend or not. Now, let us begin the ceremony. Alvin, come, please.
He approaches nervously.
Athènia: As in all ceremonies, a king must lay down his title to pass it on. Since that has already been done, we move to the nomination of the new king.
I snap my fingers summoning the crown, royal sword, and the golden book of oaths. Yellow light shines as I channel power toward Alvin.
Athènia: Alvin Gronds, do you swear to honor and serve your people?
Alvin: I swear before the heavens.
Athènia: Do you swear to give equality to your people?
Alvin: I swear before the heavens.
Athènia: Do you swear to give your life for your people, if necessary?
Alvin: I swear to give my life, if need be.
The light envelops him the transfer is complete. Only the official nomination remains. I take the royal sword in one hand, the golden book in the other.
Athènia: Alvin Gronds, by receiving these two objects, you will officially become King of Harmonie if neither the sword or the book falls.
He nods, takes them, and they remain steady. I turn, take the crown.
Athènia: Alvin Gronds, the power and protection of Harmonie now belong to you King Alvin.
I place the crown on his head. He turns to the people nothing falls.
Athènia: Long live the new king!
I place my right hand to my heart and bow. Everyone imitates.
Athènia: This, the coronation is complete.
Alvin sets the book down and sheaths the royal sword. I smile at him.
Athènia: Told you so.
Alvin: Thank you for giving me courage, big sister.
Junior: Congratulations, little brother.
Alvin: Thank you, big brother.
Everyone congratulates him.
Iris: Wow! I want to be crowned queen too!
We laugh.
Athènia: You can't, little one. Alvin will be king until he has a son.
Iris: But I want to be queen!
Jayden: You're already queen of drama.
We laugh again.
Iris: That's not funny, JD!
???: Stop teasing Iris, Darkness.
I recognize that voice.
Athènia: Jade, Jordan, you're here!
Jordan: We did everything to arrive on time.
Jade: And we didn't miss a thing.
Jayden: Oh no, the she-devil is back.
Jade: You dare, Darkness?!
Jayden: She-devil and queen of drama together, what a nightmare.
He sighs, we all laugh.
Iris: Queen of drama!
Jade: She-devil!
Iris & Jade: You'll see what real noise is!
Jayden: Helppppp!
He runs, chased by Iris and Jade.
Athènia: Everyone, enjoy the evening.
Jordan: You handled it perfectly, Supreme.
Athènia: My love.
I embrace him.
Athènia: Thank you for coming.
Jordan: I wouldn't miss such an important family moment.
Athènia: Let's have fun.
We begin to dance as the music plays only the start of a long night.