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    On the day the king’s ship finally arrived at port, Althea was already dressed in her finest gown. Yet despite herposed appearance, a quiet nervousness settled in her chest. The sight of so many people gathered to wee them was overwhelming.


    Then she felt Gavriel’s hand gently take hers, guiding it to rest on his arm. He gave her a reassuring squeeze, grounding her.


    “Let’s go… our people are waiting for their queen,” he murmured softly.


    She turned to him and found him smiling at her with warmth and quiet pride. It was all the reassurance she needed.


    Taking a steady breath, she nodded, returning his gaze with her sweetest smile before stepping forward at his side.


    As they descended from the ship, the sound of trumpets rang through the air, followed by a surge of cheers that echoed across the port.


    “Long live the king and queen!”


    Althea’s smile widened, her heart swelling at the overwhelming wee. She had never experienced anything like it before-being greeted with such warmth, such joy.


    Her vision blurred as her eyes filled with tears. Unable to hold them back, they slipped down her cheeks as she began to wave at the crowd, offering them her brightest, most heartfelt smile.


    A small girl suddenly rushed toward her, but Trudis quickly stepped in, stopping her before she could get too


    close.


    “I just want to give these flowers to the queen!” the little girl said with a pout.


    Althea noticed the exchange and immediately stepped forward. She gently knelt to the girl’s level and reached out her hands to receive the offering.


    “Your Majesty, I picked these flowers myself and made them into a bouquet for you. I hope you like it,” the little girl said shyly. “My mother told me that you saved us.”


    Althea epted the bouquet with a bright, grateful smile. She then gently patted the girl’s head.


    “But it wasn’t me who saved you,” she said softly. “It was God-His power, mercy, and grace that protected us all. So don’t forget to thank Him properly through your prayers.”


    She gave the little girl a yful wink, and the child nodded in understanding, her eyes shining with admiration.


    Gavriel remained at her side, protectively taking her hand once more as he guided her toward the waiting carriage. It was the grand royal carriage, open for the people to see-the one traditionally used for parades.


    “Are youfortable with this?” he murmured near her ear before they reached it. “We can use a closed carriage if you prefer more privacy. This was my mother’s suggestion, so our people can see their future queen. Not everyone will be able to attend your coronation, after all.”


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    Althea hesitated for a brief moment. “This is fine with me. Let’s do what…” She paused, the words catching in her throat. She had wanted to call the Queen Mother Mother as well, but she remembered what Melva had told her, how distant the Queen Mother had once been.


    Even if things had changed, she didn’t want to assume too quickly.


    “…let’s do what the Queen Mother wants,” she finished instead, turning to Gavriel with a reassuring smile.


    Gavriel looked at her gently. “You should get used to calling her ‘Mother.’ I’m sure that’s what she would want. I know she misjudged you before, but she’s seen the truth now. She sees you differently, Althea.”


    Althea simply smiled. “I’d rather hear it from her directly,” she replied softly.


    Gavriel nodded, understanding, and helped her into the carriage before stepping in after her.


    Althea could hardly believe what she was seeing. People lined both sides of the road, cheering and waving as the carriage passed. Some even threw fresh petals into the air, letting them fall like a soft rain around them.


    “Long live the king and queen!”


    Her heart swelled at the sight. She had not even been formally crowned yet, and still, they weed her with such warmth and eptance.


    It was overwhelming… and deeply humbling.


    It didn’t take long for them to arrive at the royal estate. Their ship had docked at a province just outside the capital, and before noon, their carriage was already passing through the grand gates.


    As soon as they entered the estate, Althea suddenly reached for her temple, her breath catching as a rush of memories flooded her mind.


    “Althea, what’s wrong? Are you alright?” Gavriel asked at once, pulling her gently into his arms.


    “I’m fine,” she said quickly, though her eyes remained closed as she leaned against him, resting her head on his


    shoulder.


    The cheers around them continued, but she barely heard any of it. For that moment, all that mattered was grounding herself in his warmth as the memories surged within her.


    A sudden silence settled around them, easing the tension in Althea’s chest. The quiet feltforting.


    Slowly, she opened her eyes. The carriage hade to a stop, and when she looked outside, the once-crowded path was now empty.


    “Are you feeling better?” Gavriel asked, his voiceced with concern.


    Instead of answering right away, she nced around in confusion. “Where is everyone?”


    “I had them clear the area to give you space,” Gavriel exined gently. “The noise and the crowd wouldn’t have helped. Don’t worry, my men exined everything, and they understood.”


    Althea swallowed, her heart softening at his thoughtfulness. “We should continue,” she said quietly. “I’m really fine now. Having you by my side… It’s enough to calm me, even with everythinging back.”


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    And it was true. His warmth, his presence, the familiarfort of him-it grounded her, steadying her despite the flood of returning memories.


    Gavriel signaled the coachman to continue, gently guiding Althea’s head back onto his shoulder. “We’re nearing the main pce,” he murmured. “We can postpone the coronation so you can rest properly.”


    She quickly turned to him, her expression firm despite the softness in her eyes. “No, don’t do that. Let’s finish everything today. They’ve already prepared so much, and I don’t want it to go to waste. I’m ready.”


    Gavriel studied her for a long moment, his brow creasing with concern. But before he could argue, she leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.


    “Long live the king and queen!”


    The sudden cheer made her freeze. Flustered, she quickly buried her face against Gavriel’s chest, only to feel the rumble of hisughter beneath her cheek.


    Her face burned in embarrassment.


    “Wee home, Your Majesties!” voices greeted in unison as the carriage came to a stop.


    Althea took a steady breath, forcing herself topose as Gavriel stepped down first. He turned and offered his hand, patiently waiting for her.


    When she finally stepped out of the carriage, she barely had time to gather herself before the Queen Mother approached.


    Althea froze.


    Without warning, the older woman pulled her into a warm embrace.


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