Chapter 24

The soft, fall breeze ruffles through my hair as I watch Alekai running around with Nova and Chaos. Elisa hands cups of hot tea to Arabess and I while we enjoy the warm sun. The two of us are poring over a binder, going over the plans for Alekai’s coronation that will be taking place in a few days. I sigh, realizing just how big of an event this will be while having the responsibility of planning such an event for the last three weeks.

But a Kingdom cannot go without a leader for too long.

"Lyra, be honest with me.” Arabess starts, taking the binder from my hand and placing it on the chair beside her.

“Aren’t I always?” I retort, stretching to reach the plate of cookies in the middle of the table.

“Alekai doesn’t want to marry Linnate, does he?” I nearly choke on a bite of a chocolate chip cookie, quickly taking a sip of my tea to help the dessert down my throat before turning to look at Arabess incredulously.

“He despises her. Trust me when I say that if there were any small reason to imprison her in the dungeons, she would be chained down there.” I answer honestly, seeing Arabess chuckle.

“I had a feeling that may be the case. You see, Joseph wanted a strong alliance with many Nobles and Royals around the world by using his children. But, because of complications while giving birth, Alekai is the only child we were able to have. Truth be told, I find that little hussy a horrible fit as Queen.” I watch as disgust crosses her face and relief fills me, happy to know that Arabess did not approve of Linnate at all.

“So, why did you argue with Alekai to marry her?” I ask, taking her hand in mine. I have been wondering about it for a while, especially when Alekai would leave me alone to have his meetings with his parents.

“Because that’s what Joseph wanted. No matter what, I couldn’t say no to the King. He made sure I learned that long ago.” A lone tear falls down the aging woman’s face, and my heart breaks for her. Wrapping my arms around Arabess, I reassure her that her life can only get better from here, that she still could find love at forty-one years old.

“One-day, Alekai will tell us who he wishes to marry as his Queen, and I have a feeling that day will be soon,” Arabess whispers as we pull away, a knowing smile on her face that leaves me slightly confused. She returns the binder to the table between us, taking out a list that I recognize is the food for the ball that will take place after the coronation. She hands it to me, asking for my opinion. Everything looks perfect, and I hand it to the personal maid of Arabess, asking her to bring the list to Ali. I turn to see Arabess looking at me with emotion I can’t decipher. Arabess learned quickly that I could not continue to be her personal chef eight days after the funeral, and I took the opportunity to introduce the Queen to Ali and her team. After a few tests and another week of the food being tested secretly, Arabess appointed Ali and the others as the royal family's personal chef and the head chef for special events.

Ali could not stop thanking me for days, sending new deserts and scrumptious meals to my room every chance she could, along with recipes she created herself. At one point, I had to scold my friend and explain that she had earned this opportunity and no longer needed to thank me.

With the food decided on, I ask Arabess to double-check the guest list. I would need her expertise as Queen for the last twenty-seven years in this decision.

“Viscount Raylack and his wife will not be able to attend; they are on vacation. Lord and Lady Mirrrose will be late by an hour, thinking they are better than others, so remove them and their family from the coronation guest list.” She continues to cross off names from the list, removing twenty people. I nod, taking in the information of the guests she excluded and making a note in the binder for future reference. I have a feeling I will be helping these two host balls and banquets in the future, and knowing who to exclude will be helpful.

With the list now set, I smile and take out the invitation sample agreed upon yesterday from the binder, turning to Elisa, who waits patiently behind me.

“Elisa, please take these to the calligraphers and have them create and send these invitations out to the guests.”

“Of course, Miss Lyra,” Elisa replies, smiling at me as she scurries off to fulfill the task.

“You really sound like a Royal, bossing around the servants like this.” Alekai chuckles, bending down to plant a kiss on my temple before giving his mother a hug.

“Well, someone has to make sure your special day goes smoothly.” I chuckle, watching him take a pastry from the table and devour it in two bites. Arabess shoots a disapproving look at her son, handing him a napkin before turning to me.

“Just be glad I raised him and not his father.” She jokingly states, causing her son to roll his eyes.

“Well, Mother, I am glad you raised me because I am a one-woman type of man,” Alekai states, sitting beside me and taking my hand, placing a gentle kiss on top of my knuckles. I blush, his words causing butterfly flutters inside me.

“Why don’t you and Lyra go out for the night? Chaos and Nova will be fine with me, and you two can get away from the Palace.” I see Arabess give Alekai a look as if the two are hiding a secret from me, causing me to be curious. I give them both a questioning look, but instead of prying, I return my focus to the coronation planning until the binder is taken away, and Alekai looks at me with an amused smile.

“Lyra, you’ve worked hard enough.” Arabess mock scolds me, accepting the binder from her son and placing it out of reach.

“I know, but I just want everything to be perfect.” I agree, running my fingers through my hair.

“With you and Mother planning it, the coronation will be amazing. Now come, I have something planned for us.” Alekai cuts in, standing and holding his hand out for me. I sigh, placing my hand in his as Elisa and Margarite—Arabess’ maid—return after fulfilling their tasks.

“Leaving already?” Elisa asks.

“Yes, is everything set?”

“Yes, Your Highness. Nick is out front with the limousine.” Elisa smiles, turning to give me a hug and whispering congratulations, confusing me even more before Alekai shoos her away and leads me out of his study. Trying to pry information out of Alekai, I cuddle close to his side, trying to be coy to see if he would tell me what is going on. Still, he just chuckles and whispers you’ll see in my ear when we exit the Palace and enter the limousine I haven’t seen since being brought to the Palace almost three months ago.