Oh my God, it's all finally come to this! The last chapter of A Diamond In The Rough! It's seems surreal that after two years it's finally over and at an end. But I hope you'll stay tuned for the sequel, which I am still taking suggestions for!
Ok, on with the epilogue!
I woke to a beam of sunlight drifting through the heavy red velvet curtains. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes with one hand and listening to the doves coo in the early morning dew my mind was reminded of today's date. It was mine and Peter's two month wedding anniversary, which meant it was time for us, along with Susan, Edmund, and Lucy to face our destinies and take our rightful places as kings and queens of Narnia. Deciding to get up and start readying myself before Adelaide and the maids rushed in and whisked me away, I started to sit up, but was stopped by a tightening around my waist. I looked back to see Peter, who was still sound asleep, the hand that flashed his gold band sprawled across the pillow. I looked to my own hand, where my ring still shone proudly in the early morning sun. Not wanting to disturb him, I tried to gently wriggle out of his grip, only for it to tighten again. A whine passed through his lips. Smiling warmly, I leaned down to him and gently pressed our lips together. After a few seconds, I felt him reciprocate and once he did, I kissed him a little longer and pulled away. When I did his eyes were fully open and he was smiling.
"I could get used to waking up to that every morning," he said. I smiled and rolled my eyes.
"Peter," I teased. "Last I checked, you do." He smiled again and put both arms around me.
"Well maybe you should wake me up in a different way, then, my queen," I shuddered instantly. The name, as he quickly found, made me want him desperately and how dare he use it now. I threw my legs over him and straddled him, my naked core grinding against his. I thrust my tongue in his mouth as his hand travelled down to rest on my backside. I started to slide up and nearly got the sweet sensation of his length inside me when a bang on the door interrupted our lustful bliss. Groaning, Peter reluctantly and gently pushed me to lay beside him. "Come in!" he said, trying to sound as dignified as possible. The door swung open to reveal Mr. Tumnus.
"I'm so sorry to disturb you Your Majesties," he said. "But the tailors are calling for you, My King."
"Of course, they are." I heard Peter whisper under his breath. "Tell them I'll be there in two minutes." Mr. Tumnus bowed again and left the room. With a slight blush on his cheeks I noticed. Peter leaned over me and I stared into his beautiful blue eyes. "I'll see you at the ceremony, my love," he whispered. He leaned in to give me a quick kiss and then left the sheets. I watched his toned, tanned body as he got dressed in simple clothes and left the room, giving me a cute little wave and smile on his way out.
Sighing and falling back against the pillows I had nothing to do but wait. Peeling myself out of bed and putting on undergarments and a simple dressing gown, I sat on the edge of the bed running my fingers through my hair to try and get some of the tangles out. Soon enough the knock at the door came. I gave permission to enter and Adelaide, along with my other ladies-in-waiting Thea, Millicent, and Sybil, came in with hands full of brushes, cosmetics, jewelry, breakfast of course, and Adelaide wheeled in my coronation gown, which was kept under burlap sacks and I was not allowed to look at it until everything else was done. Flurries of greetings were shared and I was hurriedly pulled out of bed and into my adjoining dressing room. I was plopped down at my vanity where Thea started on my hair, Millicent my nails, and Sybil my makeup. Adelaide helped me pick my beautiful but subtle jewelry as I ate my breakfast. Thea put my hair in between two hots irons to straighten it. Then she took the hair on the sides of my heads and lightly curled them. then she thickly braided the hair all the way around the back of my head. At the bottom of my hair, halfway to the ends, she put it in a loose fishtail braid, placing small little diamonds all throughout. Millicent varnished my nails in a gold liquid, matching Aslan's mane. Sybil gave my eyes a silver glow, long lashes, dark rims, pink cheeks and rose pink lips. Then it was finally time to see my dress.
"Adelaide, you've outdone yourself!" I giggled in awe, staring wide eyed at the beautiful gown. The front of the off the shoulder bodice was a plain dark gray velvet and on the sides, rising up to make a V, was a lighter bluish gray silk. The back was laced up in a fishtail braid style. Attached to the sleeves and bottom of the bodice, real frozen roses were sewed in on top of silver sequin leaves. The skirt was thin layers of dark gray organza. When caught in direct light subtle accents of light green and purple could be seen. The skirt was full yet fitted, not too big, and dragged the floor. Attached to the top of the small sleeves were the same decorations and more layers of organza that would extend from my shoulders down to the floor.
"This day will go down in Narnian history as the beginning of a new Golden Age," she said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "A historical queen needs an equally historical coronation gown."
"Thank you, Adelaide." I smiled hugging her.
"My pleasure, Princess," she reciprocated. "Although," she continued with a smirk. "Not a princess for much longer." I giggled once more and went to slip on the dress. The material felt cool and smooth against my skin and the material attached to the sleeves tickled my arms. I put on my jewelry, earrings, bracelet, and necklace made out of more frozen roses and diamonds. I also slipped on matching shoes with low heels. When I was all ready I looked in my mirror one more time and sprayed my skin with fragrant mist. "You look every part the queen, Milady." said Adelaide.
"It feels...right," I said smiling.
"You are Aslan's chosen one. It should." I smiled again, straightening my posture, ready for this next step. Suddenly another knock came at the door. "Yes?" I called.
"It is time, Your Grace," Mr. Tumnus said from the other side. "The ceremony is about to begin. The kingdom is waiting for their High Queen."
"Thank you Mr. Tumnus," I replied. "I shall be there shortly." I heard his hooves retreat and the first trumpet blasts sounded.
"We shall see you in the throne room, Princess." My maids all curtsied and left the room. I looked in the mirror one more time.
I was ready.
I opened the door and walked through the labyrinth hallways of Cair Paravel. Whatever staff was left throughout the castle as security in case something happened stopped in their tracks and bowed low to me. Finally arrived at the throne room, where Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy and Aslan between them all, were halfway down the aisle. The further they moved down the centaurs raised their angled swords straight. The throne room was beautiful and packed to the brim, decorated in Narnian flags everywhere. Red and gold decorations were strewn about, as well as flowers of almost every kind. The salty sea air blew in from the open windows and the cream ivory and gold pillars shone like stars. The siblings themselves were as regal as one could look. Lucy wore a very pale light blue satin gown with a red cape decorated with white vines. Her brown hair was curled that framed her face in such a cute way. Susan's hair was pulled back in a braid and was in a dress with gray velvet that matched my gown and stone blue sleeves and a navy blue cape. Ed's outfit nearly matched Susan's, with the exception of black boots, and I could see him fidget in excitement. I could only imagine how big his smile was. And yet again, my husband managed to make me fall in love all over again. Peter looked like the very definition of a King with his golden trousers and cape, and dark royal blue tunic. They reached the steps that led to the Five Thrones and paused, taking in the sight, their future ahead of them. Then together they all walked up the stairs and paused in front of four of them, leaving the middle one vacant. Turning over their right shoulders together, they faced the crowd. Aslan then spoke.
"To the glistening Eastern Sea," he began, turning his head to the far left, where Lucy stood. "I give you Queen Lucy: The Valiant." Her face lit up in delight at the sight of the Beavers coming forward with the crowns on pillows and Mr. Tumnus behind them. She bowed her head as the faun placed the delicate silver crown on her head. She looked up and they shared a smile.
"To the great Western Wood," continued Aslan, turning his head the opposite direction. "King Edmund: The Just." The other silver crown was placed on my brother-in-law's head and I saw him shake his fists quietly in delight.
"To the radiant Southern Sun, Queen Susan: The Gentle." The first golden crown was placed on her head and she looked at Mr. Tumnus with a fittingly gentle smile.
"And to the clear Northern Sky-" Aslan finished up, his voice growing. The last crown was lowered onto my husbands head. "I give you King Peter: The Magnificent." I thought that title fit him perfectly. Finally together, they all sat in their thrones. "Once a King or Queen of Narnia," said Aslan again. "always a King or Queen. May your wisdom grace us until the stars rain down from the heavens." Then together, everyone in the throne room chanted.
"Long Live King Peter!
Long Live King Edmund!
Long live Queen Susan!
Long live Queen Lucy!"
I heard the Beavers more than anyone on the last one. I giggled. The applause was thunderous. I clapped too from my place beyond the entryway. When it died down more heralding trumpet blasts went up. I could feel my heart beating really fast. It was time for me to be crowned. My ladies-in-waiting had been holding the doors open a crack so I could see what was going on, but I could still have a majestic entrance. As the triumphant sounding music filled the room, the doors before me swung open, revealing me to the entire assembly. Immediately I locked eyes with Peter. He was wide-eyed and his mouth was agape in awe. I blushed and smiled back before straightening my posture, clasping my hands in front of me, and beginning my walk down the aisle. The men bowed low and the women curtsied deep as I walked by. I answered them with small nods and took my time walking to Aslan. Finally I reached him and when I did I curtsied to him, so low that my knees brushed the ground. I stood up and greeted him with a smile. I couldn't help myself then. I threw my arms around him. He chuckled and put a paw on my back. Pulling away from him, I walked up the stairs to the one remaining throne in the middle. I turned as the music silenced once more.
"You look amazing, my love," Peter whispered to me. I smiled my thanks and turned to face Mr. Tumnus, who was in front of me with a golden and bejewled scepter and orb. I smiled again and took them in each of my hands. Since I was the High Queen and Aslan's chosen one, I had a different, more traditional coronation. I held the most power, so I had to take an oath. I looked out at the people.
"My Daughter, Princess Diamond Wolfsbane of Narnia," Aslan began. "Do you swear to lead this kingdom with valiance, justice, gentleness, and magnificence? Do you swear to serve your people in times of both peace and war, happiness and tragedy? Do you swear to be the leader that your people deserve? Do you swear to mercifully with your fellow Kings and Queen at your side? And most of all, do you swear to remain loyal to The Lion now and remain so for the rest of your days?"
"I swear." I said simply, placing the two objects back on the pillow. Aslan nodded and moved over to the pedestal on the far end of the room, on the side where Lucy sat. On the top of it sat my crown and it was beautiful. It was made of a mix of silver and gold and had a repeating arch pattern. It was fully embellished with diamonds. The only part that wasn't was the part that disappeared into my hair. In the center point, suspended with magic, was the top pale blue crystalline diamond from my mother's wand; the only part that was recovered. Aslan grabbed the crown in his mouth and walked over to me, smiling and nodding once. I curtsied low again once more and Aslan put the crown on my head, heavy with responsibilities, but light with the promise of a new future for my people.
"The to all of Narnia and the surrounding universe, I give you Queen Diamond: The Brilliant!" My lips split in a smile and I bent down to hug Aslan again, and again I felt his paw on my back.
"Thank you, Aslan," I whispered. "I love you."
"I love you as well, my daughter," he whispered back. I parted from him and we both smiled, hearing the chant of "Long live Queen Diamond, Daughter of Aslan!" I stood up and smiled at my subjects before feeling Peter's hand clasp mine. I looked over at him and simultaneously we leaned in and pressed our lips together in the sweetest way. When we pulled apart I smiled at Edmund and then turned the other way and smiled at Susan and Lucy. Then we all looked at the assembly and sat together in our thrones.
Finally, we were Kings and Queens.
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The party that followed was spectacular. Peter and I were to share the first dance, being High King and Queen after all. It was just like our wedding, when our true love was strong. It was so now, even with all the responsibilities. Those, I knew, we'd conquer together. Ed then shared a dance with Susan, and Lucy a playful one with Mr. Tumnus. Soon the party was in full swing, with everyone in attendance eating, drinking, laughing, and dancing. I looked over to where Aslan sat on a little raised dais a few times, and saw the end of his tail keeping time to the music. Eventually I pulled myself away and went to the balcony, watching the sunset over the Eastern Sea, a goblet of sparkling Narnian cherry juice in my hand. "Diamond," said a voice behind me, startling me. I turned around and Aslan stood there. "Walk with me, dear one." I didn't hesitate. I put my goblet down on the rail and followed him.
We ended up on the beach, walking along the waves, my hand in his mane, like things were back to how they used to be. We were about two thirds of the way along the shore when he stopped and came around to stand in front me. "Diamond, my daughter, I am so proud of you. You have done all that I've asked of you and more."
"I must thank you though, Aslan," I replied. "I wouldn't be who I am without you."
"My child, the years we have spent together were certainly the happiest of my life and I wouldn't trade them for anything."
"Neither would I."
"And, that is why I must leave you." I gasped, not fully grasping what he just said.
"What?" I whispered. "Aslan, why? Why would you leave?"
"The time has come for you to rule, Diamond." he began to explain. "I have provided you with everything that you need in order to be the Queen you were destined to be."
"But Aslan-"
"You have a duty now, dear one." he continued. "You must rule with the wisdom and knowledge that not only I have given you, but the wisdom and knowledge that you've always had within your heart and spirit. But most importantly, you must spread the good news about me, and tell people of what I've done and that I love them all. Tell them that I am always watching over them and tell them to believe in me."
"Aslan, I don't want you to leave!" I said, nearly tearing up and sinking down so I was level with him.
"I will never be far," he smiled. "And I will return. You and I will never be apart." I looked at him and tearfully, tightly, clasped my arms around his neck, like I did at The Stone Table. I felt him embrace me back, tighter than he ever had before. Then I felt something I had never felt before. I felt moisture on my back. Aslan was crying. As was I, my salty tears decorated his mane like morning dew on a leaf. Finally after a few more minutes, he put his paw back down on the ground and began to walk away. I held on until my fingertips could stretch no further. I watched him, drying my tears, as he came to two trees at the edge of the forest that bordered the shore. He looked back over his shoulder one last time. He spoke. He wasn't shouting, but I could here it as if he was still next to me.
"I love you, Diamond."
"I love you too, Aslan." I may have whispered it, but he smiled. He heard me. Then, he looked back to the forest, and walked in between the trees, disappearing from my sight. It was only a moment later I heard another voice.
"Diamond!" I turned around only to see Peter running across the sand to me, leaving his cape behind at the palace.
"What's going on?" he asked. "Where's Aslan?" he said looking around.
"He left Narnia in our hands, Peter." I said. "Its up to us to rule as he would, to spread the good news about him and all he's done." Peter nodded and we embraced; tightly, as I let a few more silent tears fall on his tunic. "But with a King like you," I continued, pulling back to look at him. "What do I have to fear?" I stroked his cheek. "I love you so much, Peter." Then he smiled and pulled me into a kiss that shot the fireworks of our love off all over again."
"I love you more than you'll ever know, Diamond," he smiled, pressing his forehead against mine.
"I think I have a pretty good idea." I smiled back. Pulling apart from him I took his hand, lacing our fingers together. As husband and wife, as King and Queen, and most importantly, as Aslan's children, we turned towards the waves and looked at the sun setting over them, drifting into darkness, yet rising with the light of a new future.
One that we would face together.
*THE END*
Oh my gosh, I cried writing that last sentence. Thank you all so much for sticking with me and my story over these past two years. It has become my most popular story ever. I can't believe its over. I love you all so much and I do hope you stay tuned for the sequel. This is not the end of this story, but the beginning of another. I'll see you all in A Diamond In The Rough 2: The Golden Age.
XOXO -Blue