CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER SIX - CORONATION Bitaqir stood before her mirror as she looks at her reflection, her black hair braided up in an elegant manner with two lose strands, no ornaments adorned her hair as the crown will have to sit on it. Her mother had been there earlier and gave her the family heirloom, the teardrop amber jewellery set that is worn by the chief Queen consort as it was made with the crown two centuries back. She wore a set of teardrop amber jewelry set, ditching the necklace. Her dress yellow in colour with rose petals embroidered at the tail. Her long sleeved and turtled neck dress hugged her tight from shoulders to waist and from the waist downwards was left to flow. Bitaqir looked at the mirror one more time and she was satisfied with her appearance. "Your majesty, it's time " Nigar Kalfa informed Bitaqir as she admires how beautiful their Princess looks in a Queen's attire. ****************************** "Make way !!!, Her Highness Crowned Princess Bitaqir is arriving" the Aghas announced as I head towards the throne room. Worry, fear, excitement, uncertainty, were the emotions battling Bitaqir as she stood at the door way of the throne room. "Breathe sultana, breathe !" Sadika spoke waking Bitaqir from her trance. "Sadika ?! , You're here ?" I asked surprised "Yes Sultana, my wounds have been treated that is why i was allowed to leave the hospital" Sadika Hatun replied as cheerful as she always does. "Sadika! Go back to the harem and rest, that is an order" Bitaqir told her jokingly. "As you wish" Sadika bowed and then set off to the harem. Thanks to the little exchange with Sadika, Bitaqir was now a bit calm. I took a deep breath, composed myself, held my head up and mustered up all the courage I could. " Aghas I'm ready" Bitaqir spoke after she had composed herself. Sounds of trumpets filled the room as the doors slowly opened to show a room filled with officials, royal and non royal members. I sucked in a breath as I have never seen the throne room so packed. I looked at the end of the path and locked eyes with my mother, my once chubby mother has lost considerable weight, no doubt father's death has taken it toll on her. "Confidence" she muttered to me and that was all I needed to boost my confidence. I squared my shoulders and raise my chin so that my nose will point to the air and then walked with elegance and and a bit faster pace as the sun was rising. At the end of the path, I met my mother and kissed her hand and asked for her blessings. "Crowned Princess shall we ? " Sheik Abdullah asked and  I nodded. I zoned out during the ceremony until I heard my name. "Princess Bitaqir place your right hand on the Qur'an and repeat after me"  Sheik Abdullah spoke . "I , Shehzadi Bitaqir Khadija Khan, daughter of the late Sultan Soulayemane Khan and Sultana Aisha Khan, Princess of Azbedran and renounce my title as a Princess"  Sheik Adullah said and Bitaqir repeated after him. "I stand before man and God and do solemnly swear that as Queen, I will upkeep the law, rule to the best of my abilities and work in the interest of the citizens of Azbedran." Skeik Abdullah said and the again Bitaqir repeated. The vow was completed just as the sun sat overhead the palace and it early morning rays coming in through the glass ceilings and reflecting on every shining object in the hall Sheik Abdullah held my hand and guided me to the throne. Sitting on the throne I realized that this was really happening. Suddenly something caught eyes, it was the crown. Gold in colour with amber stones surrounding it and the centre peice was amber as well but it was shaped like a lions head which is Azbedran's national symbol. Ibrahim Pasha whispered something to the Valide Sultan  and she walked towards the crown, picked it up and climbed the stairs up to the throne slowly. When she reached the top she stood on Bitaqir's left side and placed the crown on her head as tears of joy fell from her eyes. I present to you Her Majesty Bitaqir Khadija Khan, First Queen Regent and 13th ruler of Azbedran!" Valide Aisha declared. "Hail the Queen" the Page said as the hall erupted into a series of  " hail". "Long may she reign" Valide Sultan whispered to her self as fear gripped her, as she is well aware of what awaits her daughter. Looking at Bitaqir sitting on the throne her black hair a contrast to the golden crown she wore, the amber stones on the crown and her teardrop amber jewelry complimented eachother and her yellow dress and dark skin were a match made in heaven. Overall Queen Bitaqir on the throne was like a predestined occurrence, now the question on everyone's mind was ''will she be able to execute her role and responsibilities ?'' That is except a few people. One particular person dressed in a Knight's attire, his only focus was how will he make that young queen his. Another person focus was how to dethorne her. And thus the reign of Queen Bitaqir Khadija Khan began with danger lurking in the shadows and enemies surrounding her.