The coronation ceremony was a success, considering Gigi was particularly nervous about it. She had not completely gotten over the huge crowd on her wedding day, so she was thankful that they granted her request for minimal coverage. Only the high ranking members of the nobility and the government were attending.

One day, she would be able to get used to that much attention.

The procession borrowed the same manner of procedure that was used a few centuries ago, for Gigi was the first consort to not be crowned together with the sovereign for over five generations.

As the double doors opened, Gigi entered the abbey in a classic white satin gown bearing the Empire's emblem in gold and silver, a similar style to the ones worn by the previous empresses on their coronation. The gown took months to build, even before her arrival to Angletonia. Her four handmaidens were behind her, holding the end of her long, sweeping velvet green robe. The Leroys' necklace sat proudly on her neck. The honoured guests stood on both sides of the aisle, bowing and curtsying to her as she passed by, recognizing a number of Prajan officials among them.

Sitting upon the throne beside her husband, the oldest members of the House of Lords went over to place two sceptres in her hands. Further, a coronation ring was slid into the fourth finger of her right hand. Gigi closed her eyes as the large, heavy imperial consort crown was seated upon her head. After pronouncing her promises to reign Angletonia fairly and justly, she rose from her seat and stood to Cal's side.

Gigi hoped to catch a glimpse of his casual smile, but he was completely serious during the procession. Although he did squeeze her hand, giving her a sense of ease as the warmth spread over her skin. He raised their entwined hands as the entire hall bowed to them both, thus ending the procession.

"Glory to the Emperor!"

"Glory to the Empress!"

***

That evening, Gigi stood in her dressing room as her ladies helped her prepare for the banquet. She had chosen an ivory bias cut dress with a deep neck and open back. With floor-length cape sleeves for drama; it matched the splendour of her coronation gown. Her hair was pulled in an updo, adorned by pearl and rhinestone pins.

The Emperor's face lightened with a wide smile when she met him near the staircase. He took her hand and landed a kiss on her satin glove.

"You look breathtaking."

"You don't look so bad yourself, Your Majesty," she smiled. Truth be told, he didn't look bad at all in a tux that emphasized his broad shoulders and svelte waist, with a series of regalia pinned to his chest.

Cal Junior, as always, looked like a miniature of his father.

"Sire, I do have something to give you," she announced, making his eyes light up with interest. Sitting on her palm was a gold and diamond brooch in the shape of a Garuda bird, the royal and national emblem of Praja. "Since you've given me your family heirloom, it's only fair to give you something of mine. This pin belonged to my father. Since we're celebrating the union of our two countries, it would be nice for Praja to be represented."

"I'd be honoured." Cal leaned forward, allowing her to pin the brooch onto his garter sash. "Shall we go?"

They were announced as soon as they came down to the hall.

"His Imperial Majesty, The Emperor. Her Imperial Majesty, The Empress. His Imperial Highness, The Prince of Emraullt."

The banquet welcomed even more guests; not only they were government officials and foreign ambassadors, but they also extended their invitations to a number of friends and known figures around Emraullt; Angletonia's capital city.

Angletonia as a nation was well-connected indeed, there was not a nation in the world that didn't wish to associate with them. Even the Emperor of Qingxin sent them a congratulatory gift with a personally written note, regretting not being able to be present at their wedding.

The Ambassador of Praja came to greet them with Miss Kumala, his junior secretary. She was among the staff that were sent to fetch Gigi from Praja, and now she was assigned to help her manage Praja's overseas trade.

"Looking magnificent tonight, Your Majesties. Is that a Prajan Garuda I see?" The Ambassador looked with interest as he spotted the bejewelled brooch over Cal's chest.

"A generous gift that the Empress has bestowed upon me tonight. She said it belonged to the King," proclaimed Cal.

"How are you doing, Kumala? I hope I haven't given you too much work," Gigi asked.

"I've been great, Your Majesty. I have to admit, though, our workload has been swallowing me a little." She lowered her gaze to Junior who stood beside Gigi. "I heard that Your Highness liked the goods we sent from Praja very much."

"It's proven to be good entertainment for me, thanks." Junior stuck his chest out pridefully.

Giving him a friendly smile, she turned over Gigi. "I beg your pardon, Ma'am. But I'm still awaiting your replies to the letters that your family sent you two weeks ago. I'm afraid that the King and Queen would start to think that you're... uh, in trouble."

"Oh?" Cal glanced at the two. "I didn't know about that."

Gigi dismissed it with a gesture. "It's nothing to worry about. Of course, I don't want them to think that I was unwell. I'll send you my responses as soon as I can."

Among the guests was a tall and beautiful young woman; a wealthy socialite judging from how she dressed. Her hair was in loose golden ringlets and her eyes a rare shade of blue, like the periwinkle. 'Miss Olivia Gold', as she was announced.

"Your Majesties," she curtsied to Cal and Gigi, then Junior. "Your Highness."

"Miss Olivia," Cal nodded in acknowledgement. "May I introduce Empress Gianita."

"It's an honour, Your Majesty. I am sorry to have missed the wedding, I was so caught up in my tra—" Olivia's last words were cut off, as she could not hide the obvious shock plastered on her face as her eyes fixated on what hung from Gigi's neck; the necklace Cal had given her.

"Miss Olivia?" Gigi tilted her head, astounded by her apparent reaction.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I'm feeling a little unwell tonight." She forced a smile, and Cal looked strangely stiff. "Please, do excuse me."

As the night went on, Gigi was thankful to be relieved from her post and given the liberty to entertain herself. When she was alone, she was able to soak in the ambience and music. As she grabbed herself some drinks, she was met with the very person she least expected to see; the Ambassador of Morioka.

Located in the east, Morioka was among the few nations in the world that could rival Angletonia, both in military and technology. Known for their fierce conquests, their leaders had set their eyes on Prajanagara for generations, trying to lure them with promises of 'brotherhood'. How inconvenient for them to have Praja secure an alliance with their biggest rival.

"Your Majesty," the Ambassador spoke to her in a thick accent. "Whoever thought that there would come a day where Praja formed a coalition with Angletonia?"

"One less burden for you, I hope." Gigi's lips curled, not attempting to mask her displeasure. "You could lay your hands off my country."

He laughed. "The Prajans have misunderstood us, as always. All we want is friendship."

Luckily, their conversation was short, as the band started playing, marking the start of the event. All stood as they played the Angletonia's national anthem, followed by Praja's.

Gigi clenched her fist, knowing that her turn to make a speech was only a moment away. She was puzzled as her husband suddenly left their table, marching to the podium.

"I have something to say," he began. "As you are aware, I have been given the ultimate blessing to marry a Princess of Praja, bridging the gap between east and west, making this union one of the greatest in our history. My dear, Gianita, would you please join me?"

Feeling hesitant, Gigi turned to Junior; the boy gave her an encouraging nod. With leaden steps, she came over to join her husband before the hall.

"My wife has become a great joy to me and my son over the past few months. Therefore, it is befitting that I show her my warmest gratitude." As he clapped twice, a footman came forward bringing an ornate box. Gigi eyed the box with suspicion. Again?

A silver tiara adorned with pearls, and green and purple gemstones in the shape of peacock feathers, was taken out of the box. Gigi had little time to remark on the detailed craftsmanship before it was laid upon her head.

"To Gianita Isvana Radini, I bestow the first tiara that belonged to my great-grandmother, Empress Orianne. It also came with a title, Lady of Charms. I think it could be lucky for us." Cal leaned to place a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Sire..." Gigi was at a total loss for words. Orianne's crown?

"You didn't think that I sent you no tiaras on purpose?" he added ingeniously.

The entire hall applauded them, but Gigi's gaze fell on Junior; clapping fervently in his chair.

Amongst the festivities, Gigi enshrouded herself in thoughts. Was he being genuine, or milking their union for a show? She appreciated him presenting her with these diamonds and crowns, but she hoped that one day he would truly see what she wanted.

Because the one thing that she desired from him was entirely different.

.·。.·゜·༺♥༻ ·゜·。.