Healed

                                    

                                          
"For the first time, I would like to announce Queen Mila Barclay, Nirasus's newest leader."
Noelani steps away from the balcony, smiling at me softly. She pulls me into a brief embrace, using the well-timed gesture to whisper in my ear.
"You're ready, my love."
I gulp nervously. Am I?
A year has passed since Noelani and I liberated Nirasus. A year since the death of her mother. It's been a trying time, but it wasn't all bad.
Noelani was officially crowned two weeks into her new role as queen. Her coronation was bittersweet, following the sudden loss of her mother. But we made it through.
We healed each other and built a lasting and beautiful bond.
Four months ago, Noelani and I got married– she really followed through on her words from Freya's Ranch. 
It was a beautiful ceremony– a day full of love. I only wish that my father could have been there.
Since then, I have gradually gotten more involved in matters of the crown, silently helping Noelani with the stresses of everyday life as a Nirasian queen. I'm kind of good at it.
Of course we don't do it alone, either. One of Noelani's first actions in charge was to create her first Royal Council, composed of a number of our most trusted allies. Serving on the Council has helped me a lot in gaining confidence in my future role as queen.
It has been decided– today I will be crowned a queen. Not a Consort, but a Crown Ruler. We'll share the power equally.
So here I am. My official coronation, a celebration of what will hopefully be a long and happy life as Queen Mila.
But first, I have to kick it off with the province's most terrifying speech.
"Mila," Ettiana nudges me from behind, reminding me that there's a courtyard full of Nirasians for me to address.
I force my legs forward, stepping out onto the balcony and gripping the railing tightly to hide the fact that my hands won't stop shaking. My head feels heavy with the weight of my new custom-made crown.
I clear my throat, trying to stall as I take in the many faces full of budding anticipation.
Damn, there's a lot of people here.
I gulp. "Nirasians," I greet. "Thank you for joining us on this special day," I recite robotically.
Noelani made me prepare a speech, a fact that I am grateful for considering that my nerves are threatening to make me forget my own name.
I take a deep breath. "A lot of hard work and dedication was necessary in order to make this moment possible."
They look bored already.
I sigh, strengthening my resolve and making the decision to go off script. I can practically feel Noelani's eyes burn a hole in the dark green velvet robes she picked out for me.
"The truth is, I was terrified that this moment would become a reality," I say. "I mean– I'm clearly not royalty."
The crowd laughs, making me feel a bit better.
I smile, risking a glance at Noelani and chuckling when she stares daggers at me.
She shouldn't be surprised– she knows who she married.
"I am simply someone who fell in love– and I believe that's something most can relate to," I say. "So you see, I am no different from you, and I did not want to start my reign with words that I don't relate to."
I reach up, slipping the heavy piece of metal off of my perfectly-styled golden curls. 
"So here is my piece," I say. "This crown is really not important, but what it represents...well, that is not mine alone. Nirasus belongs to us– all of us."
I pause, watching the reactions of those around me and letting them give me strength.
"I am simply here to serve you. I wish to protect Nirasus with all my heart because through the eyes of my greatest love, you have become my greatest hope. 
"Nirasus," I say, tears flooding my eyes. "I am committed to you."
I complete my speech the traditional way that all Nirasian rulers do, a closed fist to my heart and a deep bow.
The crowd cheers as I wave and slowly make my way back into the castle. My heart pounds in my chest as I attempt to get over the shock of it all.
Did that really just happen? I'm a fucking queen.
Noelani is the first to reach me, pulling me into her arms with a stern look on her face. She kisses me, slipping a hand through my hair and officially messing up my curls.
Well, my hair wasn't going to behave for long.
She pulls back, the stony look in her eyes washed away by the love she has for me.
"It was perfect," she whispers in my ear. "I love you, Mila."
I grin from ear-to-ear, pulling her into another kiss– I knew she wouldn't stay mad for long.
"I love you too."
_____

That night, after the grand events of the day, sleep still manages to find me. At least, for a moment.
I am awoken by something– an inkling– in the dead of night.
Quietly, I slip out of bed, leaving Noelani to dream in peace. She's a heavy sleeper.
I make my way to the balcony, a different one from the scene of my speech earlier. It's smaller and more secluded, offering me a beautiful glimpse of tonight's full moon.
I felt something just now, and it wasn't the first time. There's a current of magic that I don't have an explanation for. But everything has a reason, doesn't it?
It's hard to prevent myself from reaching out and unraveling the string of doubt that lies at my core. Why now? Everything's so perfect– Noelani and I are so happy.
But there's something out there calling to me. If only I could get a firm grip on the feeling. I've been toeing the line between doing something about it and leaving the issue alone for months now.
Tonight is different.
 On this long and sleepless night, it finally comes to me. A near-forgotten conversation I once had with a Northerner. He told me of the Great Imbalance in the world and how the magic is pleading with me to help. No, not magic– Magik. I couldn't feel it back then, but I certainly do now.
Is this the curse that Althea warned me of? I'm not sure. But I do know one thing.
Rhaegal was right.
	I can feel it in my blood.