Throne

Leia–POV

Today was the day to fight the candidates and select the kingdom's rightful ruler. I dressed in my fighting attire, ensuring it was flexible enough for quick movements. I checked myself in the mirror and tied my red hair into a ponytail. A wave of excitement coursed through me. It wasn't just my love for fighting that stirred these feelings; Kai's love for combat seemed to rub off on me. And just like Xavier always tweaked things to his vision, I changed the format of this challenge at the very last moment.

"Are you ready, Your Majesty?" Lily asked as she entered my room.

I nodded, following her to the arena. The candidates, dressed in their fighting gear, waited. As I stood at the center, the blare of a horn signaled the start of the duel. Han was my first opponent. He was a Witcher, melding swordplay and magic in his fighting style. Although he tried, his attacks felt slow, especially since I'd trained with Xavier, a swift fighter. I quickly overcame Han, holding my dagger to his throat, signaling his defeat.

Next was Jole, who wielded pure magic, forsaking any sword. Sheathing my dagger, I countered his attacks using light magic for offense and dark magic for defense. Jennifer had shown me this technique, and Xavier taught me how to ensnare dark magic users. I set magical traps that Jole couldn't detect. These sapped his energy as we battled. Noticing his fatigue, I seized the moment, swiftly defeating him. The crowd's cheers filled the air. I only wished my friends were there to witness my triumph.

The third candidate to enter the ring was Jess, a wielder of light magic. She held a dagger in her hand, and I countered by surrounding myself with dark magic. "I'm going to enjoy fighting you," Jess declared with a confident smile. As she charged at me, I defended myself effortlessly with my dagger. It was evident that Jess had a plan; her movements were calculated and different from the others I'd faced.

Suddenly, Jess cast a spell, creating magical restraints to immobilize me. But I shifted to using light magic and severed the entangling roots she'd summoned. Just as she lunged, I punched her, imbuing it with light and dark magic. My intention was not to harm her severely but to incapacitate her, which worked perfectly. After putting up a more extended fight than the previous two Witchers, Jess fell to the ground, defeated.

Then, to my surprise, Susan entered the arena. She was my mentor in dark magic. It felt odd to face her in combat, but I had a responsibility. However, before the duel could begin, Susan placed her sword on the ground, signaling her forfeit. "I don't wish to fight. I believe my mate, Jennifer, is the rightful candidate," she announced to the crowd. "I only entered because you asked me to, Leia. But I will challenge you if Jennifer doesn't win this match." She looked to me for acknowledgment, and I nodded in agreement, seeing her grateful smile in return.

Jennifer stepped into the arena. The familiar dynamic of teacher and pupil filled the air, but this was no lesson; it was a duel. Jennifer remained passive, forcing me to initiate. I wanted to finish the challenge quickly, eager to return to my mates.

Jennifer deftly dodged my attacks, studying each of my moves. I sensed her switch from defense to offense, catching me off guard with a sudden magic blast. Although it wasn't powerful enough to bring me down, it was a wake-up call. We exchanged blows, my dark magic countering her light. I sent several dark magic energy balls her way, but she evaded them effortlessly. Our magic battle raged on, neither of us gaining a clear advantage. Eventually, I suggested we switch to hand-to-hand combat. Our fists flew, parrying the other's blows until we simultaneously struck powerful punches that sent us crashing to the ground.

After what felt like hours, I managed to rise, as did Jennifer.

"Is it a tie?" Lily asked.

"No," I admitted, catching my breath. "Jennifer's punch landed before mine. By that rule, she knocked me out first. She's the winner and the future Queen of Witch Land."

The crowd erupted in cheers, showering the arena with flowers. To my surprise, Susan raced in and kissed Jennifer passionately. I was exhausted and swayed on my feet, but before I could fall, Xavier steadied me. Noticing Kai also by my side, I felt a wave of relief.

"You both came to watch the match? I thought you had other commitments," I remarked, surprised.

"We would never be too busy to support our mate. And you were outstanding out there," Xavier said, grinning.

Kai nodded in agreement, "She's strong and determined. We're lucky to have her as our mate." He leaned in to kiss my cheek, making me blush.

"We should go congratulate Jennifer," I suggested. Together, we approached and congratulated the new queen. Jennifer then requested we remain in Witch Land for another day. She wanted me to crown her during the official ceremony, and I found it hard to refuse.

***

The following day, I donned a regal golden gown. The maids styled my hair and applied makeup, transforming me. My mates looked dashing in formal wear, their eyes appreciatively scanning me.

"You look gorgeous," Kai whispered, stealing a kiss.

Xavier chimed in, "Absolutely stunning." We then proceeded down the aisle toward the throne room. Jennifer, poised and graceful, awaited her crowning. Following the witch priest, I blessed Jennifer and carefully placed the celestial crown on her head, adorned with a shimmering crystal.

"I present Queen Jennifer of Witch Land!" I announced. The room burst into applause and cheers, praising the new queen. The celebrations were in full swing, but my mind was already drifting to the Luna Ceremony of the Bluewood Pack scheduled for the next day.

"You look worn out," Xavier observed.

"I just want to curl up between you and soak in comfort," I murmured, sipping my wine. Before Xavier could reply, Jennifer approached.

"Leia, Xavier," she began, acknowledging Kai as he moved closer upon seeing her. "I wanted to share that Witch Land will extend its relations with the Blackmoon and Bluewood packs."

"That's encouraging," I replied. "I hope you'll govern with the same care as Veronica, always keeping the people's needs in mind."

"I intend to, Leia. Thank you for all you've done for me and for Witch Land," Jennifer said warmly, her smile growing as Susan joined our group. We continued discussing the future collaboration between the packs and Witch Land.

Later, we headed to the Bluewood Pack, not Blackmoon. I needed to be there, with the Luna ceremony scheduled for tomorrow. Kai gently scooped me up, carrying me to our shared quarters. Together, he and Xavier helped me change for bed. We were all drained from the day's events, longing for rest. Nestled between my two mates, an unexpected voice echoed in my mind.

"Leia, you must come to me with my son. I wish to see him one last time before I pass to the other world," the voice of Sia implored.