Paper Crown Novels & Stories

"They never agreed to crown you." I didn't have an answer for that yet. I needed three weeks to earn one. • • • I'd assumed the coronation would be ceremony … old words, old crown, a formality laid over something already decided. Then the council brought out the Silvercrest crown, ancient and beautiful, etched with the names of rulers going back further than the Charter itself, and I understood exactly what it said the moment I looked at it. Silvercrest first. Alliance second. "I don't want it."

The Queen’s Emblem," she announced. I looked down at the palm of my hand. It was forged from a metal that seemed to glow from within. A circular medallion made of shimmering white gold, about the size of a large coin. A high-relief carving of a blooming peony, its petals layered so finely they looked soft to the touch. Each petal was tipped with a microscopic pink diamond. Resting atop the flower was a delicate, emerald-encrusted crown, identical to the one the Queen wore.

Never! He smiled with a proud glint in his eye as she lifted her head. One of the attendants offered a rough-looking black circular crown, the top spike in the center adorned with a massive black gemstone. Around the circlet's base are four long horn-like thorns. Nothing about the crown screamed glamor; everything about it roared status and dominance.

Renee nodded slightly at Mandy in the audience and said, "This is my birthday crown design, 'Star and Moon.'" At the mention of a birthday crown, the audience's first thought was of the small, gold crowns typically worn while blowing out birthday candles—an image that's hard to innovate on. Annie allowed herself a barely noticeable smile. What could possibly be special about a little crown like that? But the very next second, Renee lifted the cloth covering the tray, revealing its contents. The crowd peered curiously at what lay inside, their faces filled with confusion. Annie chuckled softly. "Renee, are you feeling okay? Where's the crown? All I see are a few scattered pieces. If you could

Betty’s hands trembled slightly as she fastened the clasps at Emilia’s back, and Emilia couldn’t help but notice her nervousness. “Relax, Betty,” she said gently. “You’re doing well.” Betty blushed, nodding quickly. “Thank you, Your Highness.” Once she was dressed, Matron Isla gestured to a silver circlet resting on a velvet pillow. “Shall I place your coronet, Your Highness?” Emilia hesitated, the sight of the intricate piece making her stomach twist. It was beautiful, but it felt like another layer of distance between herself and her old life. “No,” she said softly. “Not today.”

Grinning, the guard dragged the four-wheeler luggage all the way to her bed, told her a resounding congratulation before making her way out, jumping on the soles of his feet. Blinking stupidly, Hera made to crouch beside the luggage, catching glimpses of it but not daring enough to grab hold of it. Hera, instead, poured her attention at the circular seal carved on the envelope. Printed inside the outline of the seal was a crown arced with a laurel wreath in the corner, its center having a large ‘W’ and small ‘s’ just below. It had a faded look in it, especially its crimson tint.

My brows furrowed as I watch Mina at the monitor in front of me-- She was walking with a sword and a book in her hand, wearing a red cape and a crown looking beautiful and dominant on her behalf--- The crowd clap their hands as Mina walk the aisle, not smiling. I watch as she walks near the platform-- how the people stare in awe and admiration. I don't get it, all of it-- not until the priest started the ceremony. "We are gathered here today to witnessed the passing of crown to the firstborn of Moreiti's as part of the ritual over generations-- I am here by the power and rights vested upon and in accordance to the law and order of the Moreiti mafia." The priest started, he then held the swor

“Let’s finish you up. It’s almost time. Even in her early forties, Anna is good at applying makeup. She dabs some finishing touches of makeup before she puts on my jewelry. I touch the intricate carving of the pendant. It is shaped like a spiral that is adorned with thirty diamonds. At the center of the spiral is a bigger diamond than the rest with the purest color of diamond I have ever seen. There were three knocks on the door. Three knocks meant that the person was a royal guard. Anna excuses herself and heads for the door. “Your Highness, the King was just checking to see if you’re all set up for your coronation,” General Silverstone stands on the doorway and bows. “Shortly, General Silv

"There must be a misunderstanding. Please, just try to calm down." Bella let out a derisive snort, her eyes—heavy with gaudy eyeshadow—dripping with disdain. "Chief Surgeon? She’s just glorified labor. Who knows whose bed she crawled into to secure that title? She’s probably filthier on the inside than anyone else here." A moment later, Bella’s phone vibrated violently. Lorenzo’s name flashed across the screen. "Baby, my car is at the entrance. I brought your favorite cake."

That kid probably turned to dust. The air hung heavy. Wade's gaze bore into mine, swirling with emotions I could not read. Shock, wild joy, the madness of finding something once lost, and a possessiveness fierce enough to set the world on fire. He held on for a moment before letting go, his calloused fingers brushing over the scar with the tenderness one might use for a priceless artifact. "So… It was you." His voice was a whisper, and then he fished out a black and gold card from his jacket, a card that held the Romano family's highest authority, and tossed it into my lap.