Chapter 32 Melody Through the Garden
We entered the garden and everyone applauded. We walked towards the makeshift stage. There were several soldiers trying to stop the crowd from advancing, and several large barriers around preventing a possible overcrowding.
Conrad approached the microphone, and I looked intently at my companion, a gentle and happy smile on my face. Conrad took a step forward, opening his arms in a solemn gesture.
"People of the packs, I thank each one of you who crossed forests, mountains, and borders to be here today. Your presence honors not only me, but the future we are building together," he said, taking my hand. "Today we celebrate not only a bond between two companions. We celebrate the renewal of our own union as a kingdom."
Conrad's gaze swept across the garden, unwavering.
"The new Luna I present to you does not come to replace traditions, but to strengthen them. Her presence among us marks a time of stability, of listening, and of shared leadership."
Conrad turned to me for a moment.
"May this be the beginning of a reign guided not by division, but by trust. May each of you find in it a voice that echoes the will of us all. We" Conrad looks at me, pulling me closer. "We choose to let the Moon and our bond guide us. May the strength of our bond be as strong as that of our kingdom, and may our union make our people prosper."
The people applaud and wave. Conrad steps aside, giving me space to speak to the people. I was advised not to have a prepared speech, that the Moon would guide me when needed.
I look towards the Moon, which is almost hidden by the rising sun. Would the Moon guide me?
"Nations of the Moon, I do not come today to promise perfection, nor answers to everything I do not yet understand. I come to promise presence."
I place my hand on my heart.
"I will be here when decisions are difficult, when the moon seems distant, and when the strength of a kingdom depends more on unity than on power."
I raise my gaze firmly, trying to look at everyone present.
"Let each of you know: as long as I occupy this place, no nation will be forgotten. I do not walk alone... I walk with all of you."
I take a deep breath, feeling the words coming to meet me.
"But I do not ask for blind faith. I ask for time. I ask that you walk with me, that you let me hear your pains, your hopes, and your fears. A kingdom is not sustained by crowns, but by voices. May this night not be remembered only as a celebration, but as the beginning of a pact: I will not reign over you... I will reign with you."
There is a minute of silence, but soon applause fills the place. And I feel my heart relieved and a great surprise at having managed to express myself well. Conrad holds my hand and kisses my head, standing beside me. "Reverence to our Luna, Maya, guardian of all the peoples of this kingdom!"
A soldier shouts, and then everyone begins to kneel. An uncountable crowd. All kneeling before me. I could never have imagined this would happen. That everyone would accept me. And I smiled openly, feeling complete.
"May the moon find us in joy. I declare this night open for the celebration of all peoples!" I speak loudly, and everyone rises, applauding.
I smile as I run after the children. It was night again and the party was still lively. The music played loudly and all the peoples were mixed together, having fun.
At some point, children of different species began to toast with Conrad's royal cloak. Then, I started playing with them. I had never been close to children or been a child myself.
I always wanted to experience the innocence that children had and I was getting a small glimpse of it. Their high-pitched laughs gave me an inexplicable feeling of well-being.
I finish playing and approach Conrad again. I try to fix my hair, which must have been a mess. I gave my crown to a shy little elf, who was soon surrounded by other girls.
"I've never had so much fun," I confess to Conrad, who looked at me enchanted.
Conrad hugs me and kisses me tenderly.
"I'm having fun too," he says after we finish the kiss.
An employee arrives with hot drinks and some alcoholic beverages. I grab a hot drink, as the night was turning cold. Kael and Ana were near us, as were some of Conrad's soldiers, Richard among them.
"There's too much happiness here... this should be illegal," Kael says, sounding pained.
"Places with many people end up overwhelming the advisors," Ana explains, smiling at her father's pained expression.
We all smile. The men gather in a group, mocking something together. Ana approaches me.
"I've never seen a party like this," she observes, looking around. "Several different species having fun together, without any separation. Everyone smiling and dancing. It's the first time a Luna recognition party has been so long and lively."
I let out a sigh of satisfaction, grateful to hear that.
"I was so worried and anxious," I confess to Ana. "I can't even describe the happiness I'm feeling, that everything went well." I finish with a satisfied smile.
"You'll be a great Luna," Ana tells me, and I look at her gratefully.
"I see you have a lot of knowledge about the kingdom, and I need help to be a good Luna. Would you dare to come a few times and help me learn more?" I ask with a gentle smile.
"It would be an honor, Your Majesty," Ana replies with a smile.
"Just call me Maya," I say, and Ana smiles.
An upbeat song begins to play in the garden, and I clearly remember the melody. It was a song from my old pack, which I used to listen to as a child. I would watch other children take dance lessons from afar and practice secretly behind bushes.
I look towards Conrad and notice he's already watching me with a smile. I approach and take his hand.
"Would you dance with me, Your Majesty?" I ask with a playful smile.
"I'd love to, Your Majesty," Conrad joins in the joke. "But your mate doesn't know how to dance." He confesses while making a funny face, which makes me smile.