The Web of Knightspur-Chapter 253 - 249

Princess Eleanor wore a white gown with beautiful embroidered motifs on them. Her lips were tinted a rosy red and her hair was tied back in a loose bun.

"Princess Eleanor, you look absolutely gorgeous!" Lady Gisella smiled as she clipped on her hair accessory carefully. "Nia would have loved looking at you."

Princess Eleanor smiled as she looked at her own reflection in the mirror. "But I think Nia will be happy now."

"Yes, I got information from Doctor Raul that Nia was a little afraid when she saw his death, but soon she realized that she had to be strong to be there for Prince Arlo." Lady Gisella shook her head, "I think it was a good decision to send Doctor Raul along with them."

"Do you think that Arlo will be able to influence the nobles of the Angevin Kingdom?" Princess Eleanor asked in a small voice. "Grand Duke Christopher had sent people there, but I am still a little afraid for him. He is still young."

"I agree. Prince Arlo is young." Lady Gisella said in a small voice, "But he is intelligent. I believe that he understands human nature and he has seen a lot of things. He has also seen the death of his dear ones. Even if you do not want to, it makes you learn things. Also, Nia and Raul are there to help the young Prince, not only with his disease but in healing his heart as well. I am sure that they will help him to understand the situation and show him ways to heal from it."

Princess Eleanor nodded her head. Her eyes looked at her reflection one last time as she got up from the chair. "It’s time for the play to commence."

Lady Gisella nodded her head as she smiled, "Just a second, Princess." She walked towards a table and opened one of the drawers. Princess Eleanor looked at the cloth that was in Lady Gisella’s hand. "Lord Christopher wanted you to have this. This is the Beaumont family’s heirloom. Something that has held deep meaning to the family."

Princess Eleanor nodded her head as she saw Lady Gisella bringing it toward her. She soon opened it only to see a dagger that she knew all too well. It was the same one that she had gotten. "This..."

"This is a symbol of love, Princess. It shows that the Lord will be with you even if he cannot be there physically. No matter what the situation is, you can use this as a weapon or a symbol of authority. All the people of the Beaumont’s household know that the owner of this dagger is their master."

"And your Lord is just giving it to me like that?" Princess Eleanor asked a little incredulously. She knew that Sir Kit had given her the dagger at the Temple. Did he have feelings for her then as well?

Princess Eleanor took the dagger *You wear it. "

"You know where I would like to wear it?" Princess Eleanor asked in a light tone as she handed the dagger over to Lady Gisella.

"I did not know it." Lady Gisella said as she bent down making sure to place it correctly. "However, it was the Lord who told me about it."

Princess Eleanor nodded her head in understanding. The man was really mysterious and knew everything about her and yet he wanted to keep himself hidden.

’Maybe you loved me first, but after today, I will make sure to love you even more.’ Princess Eleanor thought as she looked at Lady Gisella who now stood in front of her.

"Let’s go now. We cannot keep everyone waiting." Princess Eleanor smiled.

—----

The hall was filled with a buzzing and positive energy. The High Priest was standing at the podium with a wide smile on his face as he looked down at the people.

Princess Eleanor made her way toward the stage. It was divided into three layers. The highest one had the High Priest there standing alone. It was a place that was closest to God. In the next stage was the royal family. Princess Eleanor could see the Emperor and Empress sitting there. Beside the empress was Crown Prince Richard who had a confident smile on his face while Grand Duke Christopher stood beside the Emperor portraying the character of the First Prince.

Princess Eleanor could sense Grand Duke Christopher’s eyes on her. There was no other way to express it. He was staring at her like an eagle eyeing its prey.

At the last level were all the Priests followed by the nobles and commoners. It was a grand event. Someone who was not a part of the Roulux Royal family would determine the next Crown Prince.

"God has given His word. Princess Eleanor please walk up." Priest Erasmus said in a confident voice. There was a determination in his voice. Princess Eleanor knew that everyone was looking at her. She was at the very center of everything today.

Princess Eleanor did not waste any more time as she walked toward the podium. With every step she took, her heartbeats were racing faster and faster. When she stepped onto the stage where the Royal family was present, Princess Eleanor bowed her head as her eyes looked at Crown Prince Richard for a brief second.

Princess Eleanor could see the sweat on Crown Prince Richard’s forehead as his hands were trembling slightly. It was such a small movement that it would go unnoticed by the common eye, or could be easily chalked up to his nervousness-. ’The effects have started. Soon the poison will stop his heart.’

Princess Eleanor smiled as she blinked at Grand Duke Christopher before walking upstairs. As soon as she reached her destination, she could see Priest Erasmus standing there with a crown placed beside him. His eyes were bright as he looked at Princess Eleanor.

Princess Eleanor bowed to him as she said, "Priest Erasmus sure is happy." Her voice was small as if she was whispering.

"I have to be. I am going to get my revenge." Priest Erasmus said under his breath as he indicated for Princess Eleanor to sit on the chair that was at the center. "How long?"

"Five minutes." Princess replied in whispers, but she wanted to give Crown Prince Richard the last surge of hope.

Priest Erasmus nodded his head as he walked to the front and said. "God had given his words. Princess Eleanor has to give the name of the one she chose to hand over the throne to in the next five minutes. It will be God’s wish and the man who is not chosen could be said to be the one who has planned to put the Empire in danger, and God will find a way to punish those who do not care for the land he had created."

Priest Erasmus’s words were loud as he walked to the side. He took the crown as he stood behind Princess Eleanor. His face was expressionless as he looked at the people and the priests that stood at the bottom. Everyone could hear their breaths hitch. The anticipation was high as everyone’s eyes stayed focused on Princess Eleanor.

Princess Eleanor could feel the pressure building up. She could feel the effect of the poison in her. Her breathing quickened. She looked at Crown Prince Richard as she saw him staring at her with wide eyes. She was sure he was struggling too. She could see his nostrils flaring as he put one of his hands on his chest.

’It is time.’ Princess Eleanor thought to herself, and soon she could feel a cold surface touching her head. "As the citizens of the Roulux Empire, we welcome our Crown Princess. Princess Eleanor."

The High Priest’s voice was loud, making Princess Eleanor look at the people who cheered. They were the ones who were happiest even though they did not know who she was. Maybe that was the belief that the citizens had in the temple. They believed that no matter what the High Priest says, he cannot be wrong. The man’s words were God’s will.

"So Princess Eleanor, let us all know God’s will. Who will be the man to stand beside you. Who will be the man who will rule the Roulux Empire under God’s wish?" Priest Erasmus said as he looked down at Princess Eleanor. He could sense that she was not feeling well, but this was what they had all hoped for.

Princess Eleanor took a deep breath as she got up from the chair. Her eyes looked at Grand Duke Christopher before moving towards Crown Prince Richard. She could see the man standing as if he was confident that she would be calling out his name.

Princess Eleanor smiled, "I know that everyone wants to know the name I will be saying. But before that, I want to thank Prince Richard who had extended his helping hand towards me. He had agreed to call my friend, Felix. The only family that I have to attend my coronation, although I do not see him here." Princess Eleanor said with a smile as she could see Crown Prince Richard’s face turn pale. He was standing in anticipation but he did not know that Princess Eleanor would say this in front of everyone. All the people were now looking at him.

"But even though he was the one who helped me, there was one person who extended his help without asking or expecting anything in return. The man I fell in love with. Prince Chris..."

Thud!!!!

Before Princess Eleanor could finish her sentence a loud sound was heard and everything turned quiet. The chosen one was on the ground and the crown she wore a few seconds ago rolled on the stairs.