Chapter 33

I stare at myself in the mirror, the white fit-and-flare ball gown unable to conceal my two-month baby bump as Elisa helps style my hair into simple curls and Arabess orders maids about. Soon, I will go from Lyra Roselette to Lyra Nightwood, Queen of Symphrain. To think about four months ago, I was sitting in a cage on display, ready to be sold, only to end up in love, pregnant, and soon to be Queen of my country.

“It’s almost time,” Arabess calls out excitedly, coming to stand beside me, her royal blue gown stunning on her.

“I am a little nervous. What if I am not a good Queen?” I blurt out, my fingers playing with the white gold diamond engagement ring Alekai placed on my finger, something to show we were each other’s while at the Coronation Ball. As ordered by Doctor Ridley, I remained seated, with Arabess making sure I was on the throne meant for the Queen while she sat on another decorative chair beside me. She kept me company and helped me navigate the multitude of Noble Ladies and Gentlemen who came to congratulate Alekai as King and me as the woman pregnant with the future heir. Since that day, Arabess has been training me in the ways of being a Queen with one condition from Alekai, that we were to be equals in ruling.

“You’ll be perfect. You have already helped with so much this past month, including working on a new bill to abolish the slave trade again.” Arabess states and I smile, feeling reassured.

“Your Majesty, Lady Lyra, Alekai asked me to present you with a surprise before we make our way to the cathedral,” Elisa cuts in, causing the two of us to look at her as she turns to the door.

“Come in!” Curious, I stand from my seat as the door opens, and two very familiar ladies I have been worried about walk inside.

“Aime! Jaida!” I call out, tears falling from my face as I lift the front of my gown and rush to the two I call my sisters. They greet me with open arms, the three of us hugging each other as we cry tears of Joy. He did it. Alekai found my friends, my sisters.

“Lyra, you look stunning,” Jaida exclaims, her long red locks now a short bob. I look in shock for a moment. The Heiress to the Roland estate and land always loved her long hair that reminded her of her deceased mother and only had the maids trim the ends when needed.

“You look different. I love the hair!” I state, getting a chuckle from my friend.

“It was time to move on and try something new. Lyham showed me that.” She replies, and I take a step back.

“Lyham as in-“

“Duke Lyham of the Lyham Blackcreek Estate, yes. He was the one who bought me.” Jaid answers, and I give her a look. She just shrugs, and I accept that this is a story for after the wedding.

“At least you had the man you’ve been in love with for ages, Jaida. I had my enemy,” Aime groans, but instead of the usual look of hatred, I see one of love.

“Dorian bought you!” I scream, seeing Aime smile and blush, her pixie-cut aqua hair longer after four months of not seeing each other.

“Yes, and before you ask, we are engaged, and I will explain later. First, you Lyra have to tell us how you became Queen!” Aime concedes. I go to say something but am cut off by Arabess.

“My daughter-in-law can explain to you ladies later. Right now, we are running a little late, and all three of you need your makeup redone.” My mother-in-law states, with two maids waiting behind her as we are ushered back to the dressing table to have our makeup redone. It is then that I realize my chosen sisters are wearing the bridesmaid dresses designed by Aime’s father for my wedding, and I smile. I have a man I am in love with, a mother-in-law who adores me, my chosen sisters by my side, and a baby on the way. Life is perfect.

With our make-up fixed, we are ushered into a limousine and driven straight to the cathedral, where Uncle Elyse is waiting to help all three of us ladies out before turning to look at Arabess with a smile.

“Are we still on for our date tomorrow, Ara?” He asks, and she blushes, leaving Aime, Jaida and I looking on in shock.

“How about we focus on Lyra today and talk later.” She answers, giving me a hug before rushing into the cathedral, the wedding march beginning to play through the open doors. My friends smile at me, Uncle Elyse giving each of us a hug before Jaida and Aime too enter the cathedral, a bouquet of flowers in each of their hands. Elisa helps me up the steps on my right with Uncle Elyse on my left.

“I am grateful you are letting me give you away.” The Duke states, and I smile, resting my head against his shoulder as we wait for our cue.

“You’re a father to me, Uncle Elyse. There is no other person I would choose.” With that, our signal is made, and Uncle Elyse guides me into the cathedral, past the front entrance and through double doors. A long cream carpet leads to where Alekai waits for me, tears in his eyes. With tear-filled eyes of my own, I walk steadily toward my love. After Uncle Elyse hands me to Alekai, the ceremony is a blur. My thoughts solely focus on the fact that this is my new life, this is my husband, and this is my fairytale ending I always wanted after Mother passed away. My eyes never leave his, not until the traditional “You May Now Kiss the Bride” Is exclaimed and his strong, soft lips descend onto my own. This kiss is one of passion and love, held with a promise that no matter what happens, I will never be alone. I will always have my husband, Alekai, with me and our little family that is growing. With us legally declared husband and wife, The Priest asks me to kneel as he continues to the next part of today’s schedule, crowning me Queen. I keep my head bowed, Alekai moving to stand beside his mother as the Priest says the simplest phrase we agreed upon.

“Do you, Lyra Nightwood, vow to be a just Queen and rule alongside your Husband, King Alekai Nightwood?” He asks, and I smile.

“I do.” With that, a crown is placed on my head. Alekai comes to help me stand and places a soft kiss on my cheek, his left hand resting on my stomach where our little Prince or Princess grows.

“I love you.” He whispers as we walk down the aisle as husband and wife, our destination being the Palace—our home—to celebrate our love for each other with the people who support and love us.

“I love you too, Kai. You and our little Princess.” I chuckle, surprising him even more.

“Princess!” He asks, stopping outside the limousine.

“It’s a girl.”