Still, Bastion knew that he wanted Yana to be with him, and it might be too much to ask, for her to make that sacrifice. Yet, the sacrifice he would have to make to pursue a gypsy life with her would be far greater, including the cost that the citizens might suffer. Running off was only a fantasy, accepting the burden of the crown was the reality.
Yana stirred, and Bastion smoothed her hair lightly. No matter the outcome, no matter the future- he loved to be with her. Bastion sipped a bit more coffee, as he looked out on the gypsy caravans of the west meadows. No doubt they were missing Yana. Bastion thought anyone who had ever known her would likely miss her when she was gone.
Yana opened her eyes, seeing her darling Bastion looking out over the countryside. She adjusted, and got up on one elbow.
“What is that smell?” Yana greeted him with. Bastion looked over, raising his cup.
“Coffee!” he said. Yana looked over and saw a second cup along with an urn. Bastion never missed a trick. As if to reinforce that very thought, Bastion poured her a cup, and handed it to her while she stayed nestled in the blankets. Yana took a few sips, enjoying it thoroughly.
“Thank you, Bastion,” Yana said.
“Good morning, little gypsy.”
“So, will I have to call you King Bastion after today?”
“Yep.”
“What if I want to call you something else?” Yana said, teasing.
“Well then, ‘Master’ will do. Or ‘His Mighty Lordship and Grace’,” Bastion said with a laugh. Yana shook her head.
“That last one is too long. How about ‘darling boy’?”
“I should think not. At least, maybe only in private,” Bastion said. He did like the way she said it. She made it sound like she really had been in love with him her whole life.
“I liked your title ‘Captain’,” Yana said.
“I suppose the real question is,” Bastion pointed out-
“after the Coronation, what shall I call you?”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Pook!” Gumi shouted. “It’s time to ring the bell!”
“I know, I know,” Pook said. “See all those gypsies coming in?”
“You think the gypsies want a new King too?”
“Maybe they know something we don’t know!”
“Everybody knows more than you!” Gumi said with a hearty laugh.
“I know everything,” Pook said. “Why do you think they gave me this job?”
“I thought they did it because you couldn’t bake biscuits worth a damn!”
“You love my biscuits,” Pook said. “Better than yours.”
“Just ring the bell, you old dog,” Gumi said. Pook raised the hammer to give the bell 12 solid rings.
“I think I’m getting too old for this,” Pook said. “Maybe I’ll git me one o’ them gypsy girls like the King!”
“A gypsy girl would be the death of ya,” Gumi said. “But you go right ahead. Just let me be in charge of the telescope this time!” Pook took a big breath, and began clanging the bell.
Bastion and Yana took the stage, at the Coronation ceremony. There were so many people in attendance, Yana thought she could not possibly even guess how many. Thousands, she figured. She was glad to see so many gypsy faces in the crowd. They were not right up front, mostly, but they were recognizable by their scarves, hats, and colors.
Yana was amazed by the extent of the pageantry. There were banners, flags from different kingdoms, especially for the kingdom of Jedikai. Ribbons and streamers adorned buildings and homes alike. The festive mood and music of the citizens made Yana want to dance.
“Bastion,” Yana said, “Why do Kings merit so much fanfare? So much splendor?”
“The fact is that I am just a man, like any other,” Bastion said. “You and I know that. But the people of the kingdom want to believe something more. As they elevate the King to greatness, it gives them comfort. It gives them confidence.
“So many people think it is to pay homage to a person of great import... but the fact is, the only reason I am allowing it is for the people themselves. If it were up to me, my Coronation would have been this morning, with you and I drinking coffee.”
“You know what, Bastion?” Yana said. “I know you are just a man. But just as you have said I am no common gypsy... you are no common man. You might be King just because of your heritage. But I call you King because of who you are. You are a King- crown or no crown. City or no city.”
“If ever there was a man worthy of such splendor, it would be you.”
“I feel exactly the same way about you, Yana,” Bastion said.
“Behold,” Otta announced, “The time has come for the kingdom of Jedikai to designate its new leader. To establish traditions of old, and welcome the new age, and new rule.”
“Behold,” the Magistrate said, stepping forth, “The time has come for our new leader to take his oaths, and accept his duty!”
The officials in charge of the ceremony came forward in kind, speaking their parts. Many people from other cities were in attendance. It was not just for the ceremony, but because of the story of heroics that had circulated, about the gypsy warrior, and the exploits to crush the slave traders. Slavers were a concern to every community, and Bastion had not just defended his territory, he had lashed out and struck down an extensive underground threat.
Yana waved a welcome to her caravan near the stage, whom the Chamberlain had been kind enough to accommodate. Luba, Emilee, Dimmie, Jaelle, Kizzy and Nadya, and even old Lyubov had come to take part. Yana couldn’t remember a time when Lyubov had actually entered a city. She wondered if the old woman knew something. Finally, it was Bastion’s turn to speak.
“Citizens of Jedikai, and people from every land! We are here today to carry on the purpose of our forefathers- to thrive, to build, to work hard, and to live a good life.” The crowd cheered him. Yana marveled at the way he presented himself as a King. He wore the red and gold mantle that Kizzy and Nadya made for him, as good as his word. Yana wore her matching shawl.
“To rule a kingdom is a difficult task. It takes diligence, perseverance, and vision. It also takes sacrifice. I ask each of you- as I take on the mandate to rule this kingdom, I ask that each of you take on the mandate as well. To make certain that ours is a prosperous and strong community, we must take that responsibility together. Your own excellence, to a man, will be the cornerstone of your future, just as mine will be.” The crowd cheered at length, at Bastion’s words.
“May we take the time to recognize those who have made the greatest sacrifice, for the good of those they love and serve.” Bastion began to list men who had died in service to the King, emphasizing his own black riders who had died recently under his command.
“May we also recognize those whom no duty was required, but who have sacrificed for us all as well!” Bastion announced. Yana was surprised as her entire caravan was escorted onto the stage. Not just those who had swore an oath to Bastion when he was Captain, but even Lyubov, the other girls, and everyone in their group. The crowd cheered, as everyone had heard of the gypsy warriors, especially from the captives who aggrandized all their deeds out of deep gratitude.
“Welcome, the clan of Yana!” Bastion said, working the crowd up to a loud roar. Yana was impressed at how well he worked the crowd. She hugged her friends that had just joined them on the platform. She wondered if ever a moment had come, where gypsies were so honored in a city, instead of scorned. Her heart was grateful for Bastion’s recognition. His display of them to the people here was excessively generous.
Bastion let them revel in the moment, as Yana had not gotten the hero’s welcome she had deserved after their mission. As far as he was concerned, a gypsy girl of her valor, rushing to save his life, was deserving of much more. He smiled as he saw the gypsies in the crowd wave their colors.
Otta brought forth the crown, to complete the Coronation. It was gold and silver, embedded with several jewels, bearing significance of his ancestry. Bastion saw
it anew, for its new jewel, in the center.
Alexandrite.
Yana had turned her attention back to Bastion, as his oath was about to commence. Her eyes widened at the sight of Alexandrite in the crown. She couldn’t take her eyes off of it, until Bastion began to speak. He spoke his oaths from memory.
“I promise to serve every soul in the kingdom, even as they serve me. I promise to uphold the law established by the commonwealth, and by my father, the King before me.” Bastion voiced choked just a bit, at the mention of his father.
“I promise to make whatever sacrifice necessary, for the good of the people. I promise to fulfill this duty- my duty- to the end of my days.” Yana was speechless. Those were some serious vows, but the gravity in Bastion’s voice revealed his conviction and determination to see them through. She wondered if she had ever uttered such words. It was not like a gypsy to make vows and agreements. They were not a people who made many promises.
She realized that only since Bastion had come into her life once more, had she made such vows- to protect Bastion, and to follow his orders. She was not entirely sure how she felt about that. She didn’t like to tell lies, but her way to avoid that was to make no promises at all. Bastion had a way of inspiring her to do all sorts of things above her usual ways.
Most of all, she could not stop looking at the Alexandrite in Bastion’s sleek new crown. She had expected the crown to be clunky and cumbersome, but it was manageable, masculine, and truly gorgeous. The stone at the center was the same shape as what she had given him. He must have somehow had it inlaid when he went for that wonderful coffee.
Bastion stepped forth, to the front edge of the stage, and knelt before all the people of Jedikai. Otta took the crown from its cushioned mount, and set it upon his head. King Bastion stood, and Yana was astounded. The crowd gave a mighty roar of applause, as did everyone on the stage. From Yana, to Mille the jester, to the dignitaries of other lands. Yana thought he must be the most magnificent man she had ever known.
Bastion signaled the Chamberlain, who brought forth an elegant chest. It was much more feminine than the one that had held Bastion’s crown. He signaled for the crowd to hush.
“Citizens of Jedikai!” he boomed, “I require your silence.” Bastion waved his arms downward a little, getting the calm he requested. He came to Yana, with the Chamberlain beside him.
“Yana, I love you. I have brought you forth to honor you, for your heart and your character have inspired me more than you know.” Yana was fully unable to speak. Bastion spoke in a low voice, for just the two of them.
“I ask now that you honor me as well. I ask of you, your best, your everything. In turn, I offer you my everything as well.”
“Yana, I ask you to be my wife.”
Bastion lifted the crown from the chest. It was the crown of a queen.
Yana gazed at it with wonder. In the center, was an alexandrite stone, just as the one in Bastion’s crown. She looked up at him, and looked him in the eye, as the countless crowd looked on.
“Bastion... tell me that we will not fail,” she said, as tears began to cascade gently down her face.
“We will not fail, Yana. We will be invincible.”
Yana believed him.
She thought of the sacrifice that her beloved King had just undertaken. The burdens he would bear. She didn’t want him to bear them alone- she just did not know how to bear them as well. She was built differently than Bastion... but she had come to trust her Captain, the King, to all ends. If he said they would make it, then they would. She knew he would make sure.
Yana dropped to one knee, and knelt before him.
“I accept you, my King. Ya tebya lublu.” Yana’s wit and eloquence escaped her, as love and emotion engulfed her. She had no other words. Bastion’s aura was glowing, brighter than she had ever seen.
Bastion took her hand, and lifted it, for her to stand up. He placed the exquisite crown in her hands.
“When we take our vows, you shall wear this crown, and rule beside me,” Bastion said. He brought her before the crowd, as they remained faithfully silent, straining for good views to see.
“Citizens of Jedikai,” he boomed once more, “For my first official act as King, I am honored to present to you, Yana- the next queen of Jedikai!” He raised her hand with his, and the crowd roared more than ever, more than Yana could imagine. It was surreal beyond all description, for the young gypsy.
Yana kissed him desperately, needing to feel his assurance, his safety, and his love for her. She needed to partake of his courage, as the scope of this moment was far beyond anything she had ever imagined. Just as she hoped, she felt emboldened and relieved, in his embrace.
They faced the crowd, and Yana smiled with appreciation that so many would support them, and cheer for them.
Yana’s eye, just for the slightest glimpse, caught the face of Draiman out in the crowd, looking right at her. She looked again, and it vanished. Her smile remained, even as his words echoed in her ears...
_________________________
The Gypsy Queen- CHAPTER 22- “gathering”
Bastion and Yana climbed aboard the large, flat wagon that awaited them. It was decorated with more ribbons and streamers, part of a small parade with several other wagons. Yana recognized the two horses that were hitched to the King’s float were the ones that they rode together when they went to save Kizzy and Nadya. Huge animals, perfectly groomed, and handsome in their own way.
There were five wagons, at Yana’s count, none more ornate than the King’s. She took his hand and boarded it, as the band struck up their tune in front of them. They began with the King’s song, but blended into a happy medley of music that included some of the gypsy music that Yana and Mille had introduced them to recently.
The parade progressed slowly, a spectacle to the citizens that celebrated them. It was a strange feeling for Yana, to be celebrated. Didn’t seem natural. It was no more surreal than the high of having accepted Bastion’s proposal. Yana had never thought much of marriage until recently. She was only about twenty years old, and starting a family had been far from her mind. Suddenly it was at the forefront.
Bastion would want an heir.
The thought of bearing his children, and becoming a mother to them, set her mind spinning. Bearing a son for Bastion... a son who would one day become King himself... was difficult and spectacular to imagine. Yana looked at her lover, now her betrothed, with a smile- I wonder what our child might look like, she thought.
The parade continued, as Yana played her part, waving to the people in attendance along with Bastion. Bastion had honored her and elevated her to great heights, by proposing at his own Coronation. She was proud to be at his side. Still, she found herself craving to be alone with him and escape the crowds. She tried to be patient and just enjoy the obligation of letting everyone heap adulation on her and the King.
Queen Yana. It sounded so foreign, as she let those words ring in her ears. The people were saying it, or rather, shouting it- as the parade progressed. Yana had never thought it possible. She had even stayed away from Jedikai, and Bastion, because it was so impossible.
Good luck, she thought, for everything that had happened. She would finally get to be with the man she had loved since they were both children. The man she used to long for on many a night, in the cave near Jofranka. Here he was, beside her. Loving her. Wearing a crown.
“Bastion,” Yana asked, “how did you get the Alexandrite I gave you into your crown?”
“I had it done this morning, while you slept,” Bastion said. Yana looked at it again, as he spoke.
“It’s perfect. It’s just perfect,” she said, admiring it. “But... how is there Alexandrite in the other crown? The queen’s crown?”
“That stone was set there for my mother, the queen, by my father. When you gave me that stone, I knew there was only one place for it. The center of my own crown. This way, I can always have you close to me.” Bastion waved some more, and reached down t
o say hello to one of the well-wishers.
“Do you know why I gave you that stone? What it means?”
Bastion looked at her expectantly, as more people swarmed their wagon, reaching out and interrupting them both. They accommodated the crowd, and Bastion looked back to Yana for her answer.
“I will tell you later,” she said, as they made their last turn to head back to the palace.
“Well, I can say this- I will enjoy wearing this crown, instead of hating it.”
“I love you, King Bastion,” Yana said. “It suits you.”
The parade made its way toward the palace, to Yana’s relief. She wanted just to rest with Bastion and be alone with him. It was him that she wanted, not the trappings of royalty. It terrified her still, though it did hold a certain excitement to it. The thrill and fear of the unknown, Yana thought. The wagon stopped, as the crowd was overly thick, so Bastion and Yana greeted more citizens. Yana found that gypsies were gravitating to her side, giving her greetings of old country and old tradition.
“Yana!” A voice called out. She had heard her name ten thousand times already, but she knew that voice. She looked up with dread.
It was Draiman.
“So it’s true, is it?” he asked, more friendly than she knew him to be. “Yana, the gypsy queen?” Yana said nothing, but tugged at Bastion.
“Your majesty,” she addressed him, “This is Draiman, leader of a tribe of Ursari gypsies.” Bastion reached out graciously to greet him in a gypsy handshake. Draiman returned it, as though he was an avid supporter.
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