In front of the castle in Ghent, Mea straightened her back. The stone towers practically invited it. She had no crown, no entourage and no reason to issue orders. She had comfortable shoes, a lovely dress and a free afternoon. For a small private coronation, she thought that would do.
Illustrated fiction inspired by original Travel2City photographs. The places come from separate journeys, not a one-day itinerary. Characters, dialogue, props and some composition and lighting are artistic interpretations.
Mea raised her chin just a little: enough to feel ceremonial, but not enough to miss a bump in the pavement. The towers remained solemn, and so did the ivy. A promising beginning. With one hand on her bag strap, she surveyed her temporary kingdom. There was room for curiosity, comfortable walking and a smile. Her first decree could therefore be quite short.
Beneath an arch in Bruges, Mea placed a hand over her heart and gave a small nod. Her audience consisted of a lantern, stone walls and light at the end of the alley. Nobody expected a speech, which suited her. Her skirt moved with her step, and the ceremony lasted barely two seconds. Then she continued, amused by how easy it was to allow herself a little pleasure without a special occasion.
“Thank you for receiving me. We shall skip the speech today.”
In Leuven, she looked up at the large clock face. For a moment she wondered whether a queen might be allowed to slow time down. The clock offered no sign of cooperation. Mea folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. Apparently, ruling without a crown came with certain limitations. Still, she could choose how to use the next ten minutes. She decided to stay and take a proper look at the facade.
“All right. You keep your pace, and I will keep mine.”
On the coast she found her most comfortable residence. The canvas deckchair had neither carved lions nor a golden backrest, but it was excellent for sitting. Mea planted her feet in the sand and relaxed her shoulders. White beach huts stood in rows, the wind pressed against yellow screens, and the sea managed without protocol. She approved of this arrangement. At last, nobody expected her to look ceremonial.
“I will keep this. No crown jewels required.”
From notebook to book
The Map with No Last Page
Travel2City journeys continue between the covers of a book. Discover our illustrated travel world.
