Chapter 28 By destination
I felt my blood churn and the dark magic course through my veins with greater force. I felt my hatred growing to an absurd degree. Solange had crossed the line.
"This buys a new life. Far from here," she said with feigned kindness in her eyes.
"I didn't come looking for one," I said, trying to control the magic that seemed to want to surface.
"You came looking for a throne that doesn't belong to you." Solange's voice was as soft as poison. "Break the bond. Go away before I make you go."
I took a deep breath, trying to lessen the darkness that was trying to dominate my insides.
"If the bond were as fragile as your fear, Your Majesty, I would have already left."
"Take the gold," Solange insisted, and her voice began to waver, betraying the hatred she felt for me.
"There is no coin that can buy the moon," I replied, raising my gaze. "And your son won't lose me for anything that fits in this chest," I say firmly.
"Don't want me as your enemy, Maya!" Solange warns me, approaching me with a threatening posture. "I have much more power than you imagine."
I know. I see what you're capable of! In desperation, you even used black magic and ceased to be considered pure. Fear and despair guided you. Now I knew that the queen preferred to use black magic to expel me from the kingdom, rather than maintain her purity.
I stare at the jewels, trying to understand what black magic she had used. I feel the curse on the jewels, which were covered in poison. They were made to kill anyone who touched them. But it was weak magic, like something made by a child.
"Then use it," I reply calmly. "If one day I fall... it won't be from fear."
"You don't know what you're playing with!"
"I know, Your Majesty. And that's why you're so afraid of me."
Silence reigns between us. I can see Solange's hands clenched into fists, trying to control the hatred she feels for me.
"Your Majesty." Richard enters, bowing towards me, until he notices Solange's presence. "Your Majesty." He greets Solange as well. "The celebration is about to begin, Your Majesty. The king asked us to accompany you to the sacred valley."
I simply nod. I stare at Solange, who was still watching me with hatred. The queen slowly approaches me and whispers so only I can hear.
"You will drag not only Conrad, but this entire kingdom into ruin. I hope you are ready for that."
Solange leaves the room, leaving my thoughts disturbed. The nervousness I was already feeling triples. I look at the chest again and close it slowly. It was difficult to have good expectations for this celebration, since I had been rejected by Conrad's family. Would the people accept me?
"Are you feeling well, Your Majesty? Do you wish me to summon the king?" Richard asks, seemingly worried.
"No, I'm fine," I reply quickly.
Conrad already had enough to worry about. I needed to relieve him of all my anxieties and fears. Besides, I couldn't tell him everything that haunted me.
"Let's go," I finally say, gathering courage and leaving the room.
I see the celestial valley in the distance and take a deep breath. I could already hear the murmur of the guests. I was surrounded by security guards who guided me to where my entrance would be.
I quickly wipe away a tear that runs down my face and take another deep breath. I was so scared that, for a minute, I thought about leaving. I look towards the forest, which had once been my accomplice.
It was then that I looked ahead and saw him. Conrad, my partner, was waiting for me so we could make the entrance we had rehearsed so much last night. His gaze was full of concern and love.
It was then that I remembered why we were there. I couldn't run away or leave him behind. Any thought of escape was banished by the feeling of having him by my side forever. Because of love.
I hug him as soon as I get close. My fears subside, and the only thing I hear is his heartbeat.
"Are you alright, my love?" I hear Conrad's concerned tone, now gently touching my face.
"I am now," I confess.
I kiss his lips tenderly, and Conrad pulls our bodies closer. When we stop kissing, he looks at me with a sly smile.
"Everyone is excited to meet you. First, we'll have this more formal presentation with the pack leaders and leaders of other creatures in the kingdom. Don't worry, everyone will love you," Conrad encourages me.
We cross our arms, and I feel more confident. I was confident because I had my mate by my side. And I knew Conrad would do anything for me. The door opens, and silence fills the room.
"We present Luna Maya, chosen by the moon and the future rage of this kingdom," they announce loudly.
We started walking, and I kept a calm smile on my face, trying to hide the anxiety inside me. As I walked, looking at everyone kindly, they all bowed respectfully.
"They're already recognizing you as Luna," Conrad said, looking at me with pride.
My smile widened, and I felt all that fear dissipate. We reached the platform, an elevated place where the royal thrones were located.
The thrones were made of solid gold, and mine was covered in white flowers. We positioned ourselves in front of the thrones, our attention focused on the audience.
"My people... today I present not only my future queen. I present the woman the moon chose to walk beside me." Conrad took a deep breath, as if feeling the weight of each gaze. "Maya wasn't born in palaces, nor was she shaped by titles. She knows pain, loyalty, and what it means to protect those she loves. And that's why our bond is true. Let this kingdom know: as long as I reign, Maya will be my voice, my strength, and my Luna. Not by tradition... but by destiny. And as long as I breathe, no power—be it of blood, crown, or shadow—will take her from her rightful place by my side."