The Queens Gambet (Book 1 Of The Rosed Queen Trilogy)

?Nine?

The next morning, Elizabeth watched as Dominic was getting ready for his coronation, she didn't know why she was so nervous. It was his day, after all, maybe it was the fact she was meeting her parents again.

"You alright?" Dominic asked noticing how Elizabeth was looking uneasy.

Elizabeth snapped out of her chain of thought, "Yes, I'm sorry was just thinking about tonight."

"Everything is going to be fine, don't worry," Dominic smiled fixing his jacket. "How do I look?"

Elizabeth looked at him and what he was wearing, which was a lovely black and white suit with a white rose in his top pocket. He also had a white bow tie.

"You look perfect, ready to be king," Elizabeth smiled as she stood up, closing the gap between them.

Dominic smiled widely as his hand grasped Elizabeth's waist pulling her closer to him, tilting down and pressing his lips to hers. Instantly her body melted as she moved her lips in motion to his.

The two of them pulled away a few moments later, as a knock came at the door. Dominic held Elizabeth close.

"Come in," he said.

The door opened to reveal his mother Diane walked inside, "Good morning lovebirds," she smirked.

Diane was wearing a gorgeous red and gold dress with gold high heels, her hair was up in a bun and her crown sat firmly on her head.Elizabeth couldn't help but blush instantly, she remembered Queen Diane, came in last night after hearing she was back and instantly ran to hug her.

"Morning mum, how's dad doing this morning?" Dominic asked.

"He's a little better. He's having help get ready, he wants to be there for your big day. My son is finally becoming King and you've found the one to stand by your side," Diane replied.

Dominic nodded, kissing the top of Elizabeth's head, "Thank you, mum."

Diane smiled, she was honestly proud of her son, for finding that one person, he dreamt about, "Of course, what kind of mother would I be, if I forced you two apart. Anyway, I heard that Elizabeth needs help with her dress which is why I'm here."

Elizabeth looked shocked that the Queen wanted to help her, she stepped back from Dominic. Diane and her stepped into Dominic's walk-in wardrobe where her dress was still hanging up.

"How are you feeling this morning?" Diane asked.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, "I'm okay. Glad I made it back in time but I'm worried I've sent a war to your kingdom," She replied.

Diane instantly shook her head and grasped Elizabeth's hand, "Don't think like that, we are the ones who should start the war. He stole you from our land, but don't worry about that. Let's get you ready," Diane smiled.

Elizabeth stripped down into her garments, a few scars and bruises were highlighted on her body.

"Is this what Adrian did to you?" Diane asked seeing the scars and bruises.

Elizabeth gave a short nod, she didn't want Dominic to know, "Please don't tell Dominic, he's worried about me enough."

"Don't worry I won't," Diane reassured.

Elizabeth stepped into the dress before turning so Diane could do up the dress, making it right.

"You look absolutely gorgeous, Dominic wouldn't be able to keep his eyes off of you," Diane replied making Elizabeth blush a little.

Elizabeth turned back around once Diane finished doing the back of the dress. Elizabeth smiled as she looked in the mirror, she was proud of Dominic, having picked this dress while she wasn't here.

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The ballroom was filled of his family, not to mention some from the town and those he has helped on the outskirts of town. Dominic represented the wisdom and careness of his people, it was his time to reign and no one could stop him, especially now he had Elizabeth by his side. He looked around seeing everyone watching, his eyes landed on his mother and father who looked so proud.

The priest Hamish stepped forward, closing the gap between him and Dominic, reading from the holy book. Dominic shed a few tears, knowing he was finally going to be king.

Elizabeth was standing just behind him wearing a similar robe to Dominic, not to mention a necklace that hung from her neck. A grin widely seated on her ever-expanding face, eyebrows glued together in tight harmony. Concentrating on what Priest Hamish was saying

Each person played their role correctly. Not a single mistake occurred during the coronation. The crowd cheered on cue as the priest Hamish prepared to put the crown on Prince Dominic's head.

Queen Diane gave a marvelous speech about what the people should expect and when Dominic stood up not a single person stood; everyone bowed.

As Hamish crowned Prince Dominic, the crowd began to chant.

"Long live the king, long live the king."

The heavens knew they needed someone who cared more about the people than themselves. From his work outside the castle with the sick not to mention helping those who are barley making it. Being worthy of the throne had never been questioned by anyone. For everyone knew out of all rulers who had reigned in the kingdom of Ashbourne, King Dominic was the best bet for success.

As King Dominic walked to the podium to give his speech he noticed in the crowd a familiar face. A face burned into her memories for ages, yet he hasn’t seen in decades. George, his uncle, his father's brother, stood 5 rows back with a long grey beard and ragged clothes. He had been living offgrid for the past 30 years and looked frail.

King Dominic paused for a minute or two before anyone noticed. They all turned their heads to what caught their ruler’s full attention. The man now had everyone looking at him, from the High Priests to the common folk. Yet he stood his ground while making way to the stage. A few guards hurried to grab him and keep him a few inches from the new King.

“It is my time!” the frail man shouted. “I deserve the crown!!” His voice weak yet clear as day.

King Dominic grabbed his hand just before Geroge could touch him. Roughly pushing him backwards causing the crowd to gasp, Elizabeth on the other hand gently grasped Dominic's hand.

A minute goes by before the Hamish distracted the crowd by saying, “Let us forget what has taken place and move on with the rightful heir to the throne. I give you, Dominic James Zachariah Williamson , King of Ashbourne."

The crowd cheered, drowning out the misery that had taken over the ceremony as the guards dragged out the uncle who had no right of saying what he did. Dominic looked at Elizabeth gently pulling her closer towards him.

"I have some people I want you to meet," Dominic spoke.

Elizabeth nodded, she felt as if her heart was about to burst out of her chest. Dominic made his way through the crowd, stopping a few times as many congratulated him.

Dominic saw the King and Queen of Ashbourne waiting paintely behind a few politicians.

"King Dominic," Queen Adriana spoke as she curtsied.

"Queen Adriana, thank you for coming," Dominic replied bowing his head.

Elizabeth looked shocked as stared at the women in front of her. She looked exactly like Adriana, from the curls of her hair, to the pale skin. Not to mention she had her father's blue eyes.

"I have someone who've you been looking for," he gently pulled Elizabeth towards him. "You're daughter Elizabeth."

Queen Adriana stared at Elizabeth, her eyes widening as she finally saw her daughter after 21 years.

"Is it really her?" King Richard asked.

"Yes, can you turn around for me Elizabeth?" Dominic asked.

Elizabeth nodded and did so, gently pulling down her sleeve, to show her the birthmark.