[hr][hr][center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180221/49bcc0b2957deef9bc393fe1c8c068d4.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://media.giphy.com/media/vPL4ZdHbFSOac/giphy.gif[/img] [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180604/5d2e3c6fa7cb5ac54964c3595d381741.png[/img] [/center][hr][center][b][color=4169E1]Location:[/color][/b] The Palace Lawn [/center][hr] Lyra's blue-green gaze smoothly turned to the ExtraOrdinary Wizard Arya as the woman formally began the ceremony. Ever so often, she glanced back over at Valda, seemingly checking up on her, before her attention would eventually return to Arya. She nodded her head along with the wizard's words, before pausing when a question was posed. She looked over at Luna with a pleased smile on her face when the former crown princess declared she held no objections to her sister's rule. As far as she could tell, Luna had pushed aside whatever resentment or jealousy she may have had, and for that, Lyra was grateful. The last thing Valda needed was for her own family to oppose her rule. While that concern was seemingly dealt with, at least publicly, as there was no telling what would happen in private, it still left another bigger concern out in the open. Her muscles tensed in anticipation as Arya asked the question that Lyra was dreading on hearing the answers for. Did any of the Castle object to Princess Valda's claim to the throne? Her laced hands shook slightly in anticipation, and Lyra had to take a deep breath in an attempt to steady herself. All the while her ears remained peeled, listening for anyone who would dare let their objections be known. Yet, all she was met with was silence. She didn't buy it. Something wasn't right, and soon she would know how right she was. Her breathing sped up slightly as her anxiety for Valda's safety only grew. Her gaze met Arya's, and the look in her eyes almost pleaded with the wizard to do continue before people changed their minds. A gust of wind tousled her long platinum blonde locks, and she could've sworn for a split second she had seen a nearly imperceptible flash of silver. Just as soon as the crown was placed on Valda's head, Lyra blinked and then blinked again. [I]What the hell?! Princess Luna was gone!![/I] While everyone in the crowds collectively gasped and cried out in a mixture of shock and dismay, Lyra's protective, warrior instincts kicked into overdrive. Without an ounce of hesitation, she stormed up onto the stage to throw herself in front of Valda. She slid to a stop just as Atkin's ornate pillow unceremoniously hit the new queen in the face. Lyra shook her head lightly at Atkin, but otherwise ignored his screw up. After all, a pillow was the least of her worries. No, her concern was that whatever or whoever had taken Luna could also come back for Valda. She promptly took up her position in front of Valda, spinning around to face the crowd and unsheathing her sword. The green in her eyes had seemed to diminish, giving way to a stormy blue. Her demeanor took on a formidable intensity that almost said "try me." And yet, she was smart enough and humble enough to know that she couldn't do this all by herself. Her intense gaze turned to Arya. [color=4169E1]"ExtraOrdinary Wizard, I can only protect our queen through physical means. If this was indeed the work of [b]Darke Magyk[/b], I will need your help,"[/color] she exclaimed before her gaze surveyed the crowd once more. Whether or not she noted the presence of Cuyler amongst the crowds, one could not tell from the piercing look in her eyes. [hr][hr] [hr][hr][center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/171220/5ec03724db4435074dd4b4d274e4bc3b.png[/img][/center][center][img]https://media.giphy.com/media/2SYq8smpHdEp4IncsP/giphy.gif[/img] [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180410/75ae9c5cbb2b05ff8a0654246a786595.png[/img] [/center][hr][center][b][color=808080]Location:[/color][/b] The Palace Lawn [/center][hr] With the light touch of his fingertips, Malekith tucked a strand of Fleur's blonde hair behind her ear, before straightening back up in his seat. His dark eyed gaze looked her over with a look that was seemingly one part appreciative and one part appraising. His gaze came up sharply when that man from earlier had the gall to show his face again. Or had he fallen prey to Malekith's bait? His head tilted to the side a bit, and his eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the man, with hawk-like attention, openly flirting with Fleur yet again. He considered playing the jealousy card but quickly decided against it. No, that would only serve to complicate matters. It would in the eyes of the public tie him down to one woman, and as such, if his expertise was needed elsewhere, it would only serve to incriminate himself as a cheater. He most certainly didn't need that added complication. Besides, the jealousy card wasn't one of his favorites anyways. Malekith rolled his eyes and settled back in his chair, but from his peripheral view, he continued to study the man. Rhys's flirtations were a bit overkill if you asked Malekith. After all, he much preferred the art of subtlety when it came to such things as deception and seduction. Nevertheless, he had to admit that the man had an admirable amount nerve. It was reckless, yes, but still admirable. And yet, he also detected a weakness in the man, if the man's response to his goading were any indication. Rhys was no doubt the jealous type. [i]Oh, now that I can definitely work with.[/i] A devious glint came to his dark eyes just as his attention turned to the stage as the coronation ceremony began. His facade soon changed to one that appeared more lighthearted and expressed seeming interest in the ceremony. Truthfully, he couldn't care less about it. I mean Valda's rule wouldn't truly benefit him in any way, so why would he care? No, it was just that appearances mattered to him, and at the moment, it was better for his own sake if he seemed interested. He rose to his feet with a fake smile gracing his features as Valda came down the aisle. He was truly a master of acting, acting like he cared, acting like he was normal, acting in whatever way would benefit him the most. Yet, his lips soon thinned and the lightness of his features ebbed as things took a turn for the worse. [I]You idiots!!![/I] he thought angrily, assuming that the twins Marya and Medea were behind snatching Luna in front of [I]everyone[/I]. Sure, no one saw the culprits, but nevertheless, it drew way more attention than he would have liked. The last thing they needed was this [I]very[/I] public fiasco that was sure to put every guard in the realm on high alert. [I]Idiots. Idiots. Idiots!! If they don't get themselves killed, I'll kill them myself![/I] Despite the more or less internal tantrum he was having, he kept up a façade of fake concern. Well, that was until he heard Fleur's parting words to Rhys. As she ran off ahead of him, he took a moment to face Rhys. The façade slipped for a moment, revealing the devil of a man that lied underneath. [color=808080]"Until we meet again, [I]lover,[/I]"[/color] he taunted, the corner of his lips pulling up into a smirk. He then turned his back to the man and followed after Fleur.