"Is this really necessary?" I pouted as I felt the heavy robe draped over my shoulders. It was not only heavy, but I felt like I


    was in a sauna.


    "It''s traditional. All of the crowned royals wore this robe." Lyle''s blue eyes sparkled in amusement as I grumbled. "The weight represents the burden of leadership. Besides, you look rather fetching in it. Like a true queen."


    "A sweaty, irritable queen," I muttered, but then a realization came over me. "It''s never been washed... has it?"


    Lyle boomed out a loudugh. "No, it''s not washed. It''s only worn for a few hours for the ceremony, and-"


    "I''m caked in a stranger''s sweat."


    "Darren wore itst." Lyle smirked at me.


    "It doesn''t have his scent." I sighed, staring at the mirror. There was still no message from Darren. He knew I would be worried, and I knew he would reach out to me as soon as he could. I knew he was alive, but that was the extent of it. How bad were things for them right now? "It feels weird to be doing this without'' "m


    here."


    "I know, Issy. I hate not being there with him. I would fight by his side, but-"


    go and


    "You should. You can be there, and-"


    "No. My ce is by your side. I''m going to protect you and my little niece or nephew. I know that''s what Darren would want, especially after you were pushed."


    "Still no culprit there, huh?" Lyle looked frustrated, and I


    reached out and patted his hand. "It''s okay. We''ll figure it out. Someone knows something. We get to y detective and figure it out."


    "I feel like the rug''s been pulled out from underneath me. So many things I thought I knew about our kingdom... it''s eye opening to start finding things out. And-"


    "And things happen everywhere. No kingdom is perfect. Kingdoms are run by the imperfect."


    "You think? I don''t know, Issy... you seem pretty perfect to me. I''m waiting to find your w, but I haven''t yet."


    "I''m far from perfect." I smiled with a small shrug. Maybe if I was perfect, I would be able to keep my focus on the kingdom. Instead, I couldn''t stop thinking about Darren. I just wanted to be with him, and if I was perfect, I would care more about the people than my own mate. But that wasn''t the case. I would choose Darren above everyone and everything. "I''m selfish, Lyle, and I would choose Darren over the world. In a sense, I could easily be a viin." He was still smiling at me, nodding his hd.


    "That is why you''re perfect. I hope I find a mate who I can


    experience that with. Maybe after this war is over, I will go on a mate hunt. See if I can find the person who speaks to my heart. Just think... if Alfred had never screwed up, Darren would never have found you."


    "You mean I never would have found Darren. He has saved me


    in so many ways he may need me to break his curse, but I


    am more indebted to him. He has elevated me as a person and shared with me something that I didn''t know was possible. He is my prize."


    "I think he will disagree with you there." Lyleughed. "And I do too. However, I guess if you are this twin me I soulmate thing, then you need each other equally."


    "I can agree to that, I guess." I still thought I needed Darren more but I was sure Darren would say the same thing about me. I looked myself over once more and Lyle offered me his hand.


    "It''s time. The moon will touch the altar soon."


    I took his arm and he escorted me down the hall. He led me to the back of the throne room, where tworge stone doors slowly opened. The night sky was glittered with stars and the full moon was rising high in the sky. It lit up the outdoors, illuminating everything in a soft glow.


    Lyle squeezed my arm gently. "A fitting backdrop for such a momentous asion, wouldn''t you say?"


    I nodded but couldn''t find any words to say. My focus was on what I was about to do and bing the ruler of this kingdom.


    We ascended another set of winding stairs outside that led to the highest tower. My gaze was drawn to a figure waiting at the top of the stairs. Milo stood regally, his blue eyes reflecting the starlight as he gripped an ornate scepter.


    "Allissa," Milo said, his voice thick with emotion. "You are moments away from bing our queen. Are you ready?" I nodded my head as he ced the scepter in my hands.


    Lyle cleared his throat. "This is where I leave you, Is. You must take the final steps alone. You will take the knife at the altar and spill your blood into the water as soon as the moon is fully visible in it."


    I turned and looked at a small set of stairs that led up to a clearing. In the heart of this open space stood a majestic stone altar, its surface worn smooth by the passage of time and adorned with intricate carvings that whispered tales of ancient rituals. The air was still, carrying the faint scent of moss and earth, and the dappled moonlight filtered through the clouds above, casting a mosaic of light and shadow upon the altar''s surface.


    I took a deep breath and made my way toward it. As I approached, I could see the water shimmering, as if it was alive. Setting the scepter down next to it, I grabbed the knife. I could see the moon in the reflection slowly bing whole. As soon as I could see the entire moon in the water''s reflection, I cut my hand, allowing the crimson drops to fall in the water. T sparkling water rippled and the rings began to glow.


    The world around me exploded into light. It was as if the moon Chapter 82


    itself had descended, enveloping me in its ethereal glow. I was momentarily blinded, and when I finally managed to blink away the spots dancing in my vision,


    I found myself encased in what looked like a giant, pearlescent bubble.


    I spun slowly, taking in my new surroundings. The bubble was translucent, allowing me to see the blurred outlines of the altar and the night sky beyond. But everything seemed distant, as if I''d been transported to some in-between ce. I couldn''t hear Lyle or Milo, but I could sense their presence. Was this normal? Lyle didn''t mention this part.


    Then, slowly, bright blue eyes began to glow in front of me,ing more into view until a form appeared in front of me. What the heck was going to happen now?


    Darren, wherever you are, your queen has gotten herself into a fine mess. Whatever is about to happen, I promise, I''m going to make you proud. I love you, and pleasee back to me soon.


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