Chapter 106 Chapter 106

Chapter 106 Chapter 106
Ivan squeezed my thigh, no doubt to try and calm me down, but that ship had already sailed.

“Two years ago, I was betrayed, stabbed in the heart, and left for dead. I was taken away from everything I have ever known: my home, my family, and the throne I fought so hard for. I had to live in the dark, not knowing who I was or where I came from.” I pushed my seat back and stood up.

“I had to relearn everything. I had to work 10 times harder to get my powers back, to control my fire, and to manifest the rest of my elements. You have no idea how hard it was, how excruciatingly painful and all-consuming it was to reach for what everyone around me seemed to have naturally.”

“I did in the span of months what took years to master. You don’t know what it’s like, to go from not knowing anything about yourself to having to keep your existence a secret because you had no idea who betrayed you.”

“You have no idea how heartbreaking it was to look my best friends in the eyes every damn day and lie to them to protect them and myself. And after all of that, after all the sleepless nights and the torturous training sessions and the trials YOU put me through, I fought for everyone back at the academy.” 

“I had to watch one of the few people I trusted die right in front of my eyes, I had to kill my own cousin for betraying the kingdoms, and if that was not enough, I had to rush back here to protect my family, to fight for my people, only to end up in a coma. And you dare to sit there and call me a child.”

I took a deep breath, glancing all around me at the shocked, insulted, and impressed faces of my guests.

“I earned my throne, your highness. I earned my place at this table and my position as the supreme leader of the four kingdoms. 

Now, you either respect that and join us for the ceremony tomorrow as our esteemed guest, or you leave now, and your objection to the throne will be noted.”

—

Safe to say, dinner was an awkward affair after that.

The next morning came all too soon. I expected my parents to reprimand me for the mess I caused the night before, but surprisingly, they had nothing to say about it. 

Luka, however, didn’t shy away from clapping me on the back –not too gently- and telling me how proud he was of me and how happy he was that someone finally had the balls to stand up to King Ajay. 

Rose’s father was known for his condescending temperament, but it was obvious that this time he had gone too far. Daisy and Ivan felt the same way, although, being the diplomats they were, they didn’t express their opinion as heartily as Nick did.

The ceremony was set in the late afternoon. The throne sat in the middle of the castle’s lavish garden, surrounded by Agni’s most beautiful plants, trees, and flowers. 

White pews sat divided by the natural path of stones where I would be walking down later, adorned by the glow of the golden hour as the soft sun rays caressed the shimmery material of my ivory gown. 

As I stared at the scene in front of me, I was stunned by the amount of careful planning it took to set this magical scene. My mother and sister worked really hard to make this moment unforgettable, and I was very grateful to have them handling this pivotal moment in our history. God knows I wouldn’t have pulled any of this off myself.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Ivan’s voice was nothing but a whisper in my ear.

“It’s gorgeous.” I nodded and watched as he came to stand beside me.

“How are you feeling?” The look in his eyes said he already knew.

“Nervous.” I chuckled. “I can’t believe this is finally happening.”

“Two years overdue.” Ivan’s tone was wistful.

“Do you think I would have made a good leader?” I stole a glance at him, then looked back at the throne. “Two years ago?”

He took a deep breath before answering.

“You were always meant to lead.”

“That’s not exactly what I asked.” My soft smile was met by his bright one.

“You were born for this.” He nodded.

“But…?”

“But,” He repeated, “Ahri may not have been ready to be queen.”

“Oh.”

“Lilith, however, definitely is.”

A moment of comfortable silence passed between us as I mulled over what he said, and eventually, I came to the conclusion that he was right. 

I may have had the powers of the elements two years ago, but what I went through made me stronger, braver, and more confident. I would have been a great queen, but now I could be the leader my people needed me to be.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

He nodded, his smile never leaving his gorgeous face.

“Shouldn’t you be getting ready?” He asked after a while.

“Yes, I suppose I should be.” I turned around to leave. “Have you seen Daisyg? She promised she’ll help me get ready.”

“No, I haven’t.” He shook his head slightly as he walked me back to the castle. “But check her office, she’s probably there.”

I did as he suggested.
On my way there, I lost count of how many members of staff I almost ran into. Everyone was rushing somewhere to do something or the other. 

Beautiful vases were switched from this table to the other, antique artifacts were being polished, and paintings were dusted down and rearranged. 

Why was the castle being redecorated when the event was to be held outside? I couldn't even tell you, but I knew better than to question the authority of the queen.
As I drew closer to the office, the familiar shimmer of an open portal caught my attention. At first, I thought nothing of it; maybe she was just coming back from Lixierra, but then the dread that consumed me started making sense. 

Usually, when a portal is opened from one kingdom to another or to the island of Coleste, it would have this silver shimmer to it.