• The halls of the castle were eerily empty as my heels clicked against the cold hard floor. Pacing, I looked to the large, gold plated door for my escort. Today, my brother, soon to be ExtraOrdinary Wizard, Septimus Heap, would escort me to the stage where I would be crowned queen.

    “He’s late,” I said with a sigh, “It’s not like him.” Once the last word left my stained red lips, the gold plated doors burst open with a frazzled Marcia Overstrand, soon to be ex-ExtraOrdinary Wizard, and a wild-eyed Septimus Heap burst through the door. It had been 8 years since I learned that I wasn’t really a Heap, but the princess and that Boy 412 of the Young Army had learned that he was actually a Heap and became Apprentice to Marcia.

    “Sorry, Jen,” he breathed. He sounded much winded, “Some Darke magic leaked into the tower.”

    “It’s alright, Sep. It’s just about time though. Coronation starts in ten minutes,” I said, hoping he would like my new name. Since Jenna Heap was my name under the false fact that I was a Heap child, I was to choose a new name. I haven’t told Septimus yet, because I hadn’t told anyone. It was supposed to be a surprise. The only person that knew was Dragon Boat, who had been moved to a secret chamber underneath the castle on my 16th birthday.

    “You look stunning,” Marcia said with a smile. I blushed and smiled back, “Thank you.” Sarah and Lucy, Simon’s wife, had helped me dress. It was a dark green, strapless dress with gold embellishments. The skirt blossomed away from my waist and touched the floor, even with my heels. She had her hair pulled away from her face in one long side braid. Her makeup was simple. Rouge cheeks and lips, and green eye shadow contrasting with my bright purple eyes.

    “Mom and Lucy did a good job,” Septimus said, and I spun. His bright green eyes sparkled as I did. I hugged him and said, “After today, I’ll no longer be a Heap.”

    “Of course you will,” Septimus exclaimed and I answered, “Well, not even be proxy. I’ll feel like a part of the family, but I’ll be Queen now.”

    Septimus sighed, and grabbed my arm, “Well, you’re still my sister as much as Sarah and Silas are my parents.” Marcia went to get a seat and I waved to her.

    We started to walk towards the doors that would take us into the chamber for the coronation. I sighed out of nerves and Septimus let go of my arm. Taking my hand, he gripped it tight to calm my nerves. I looked up, and we went back to escort and princess, unlinking our hands.

    The doors opened wide and the room fell silent. Then, we slowly walked to where my adoptive family was standing, beneath the stair to where my throne was.