Chapter 24: Blades Beneath a Crown
By Joy Daud
The grand hall was dimly lit, golden flames flickering along the polished walls. All eyes were on the Queen as she stood before the gathered nobles, her voice trembling just enough to seem sincere.
"I was once a hero," she said, voice cracking. "I bled for this kingdom. Fought in the darkest battles when others fled."
A hush fell.
"The king married me not just for duty," she continued. "He knew I was more than a queen—I could be his weapon. But the prince… he never accepted me. Never even looked at me as a stepmother."
Her voice dipped into a whisper, laced with heartache. "I'm… unfortunate."
The room shifted. Some nobles murmured sympathetically.
The king, standing beside her, looked at her deeply for the first time in years. He stepped closer—head to head, eyes locked. Then slowly… he pulled her into a heartfelt embrace.
"I'm sorry," he murmured. "If that's what you've felt all this time, my queen… I failed you."
The Queen rested her head on his shoulder. In her mind, a silent victory echoed:
Yes… oh yes… blame your stupid self. Feel worthless. Feel like a failure.
---
That night, under the moonlight, Prince Kimo sat with Oki at the edge of the palace garden, the stars scattered above them.
He turned to her, brows furrowed. "You once said you're older than my past three generations. Was that true?"
Oki didn't look away. "Yes. I am not mixed with human blood, Kimo. I do not belong to this world. But your mother…" she placed a hand gently over his heart, "loves you deeply. More than you know. She's with you—always."
Emotion stirred in Kimo's icy blue eyes. His hand brushed against hers, then slowly cupped her face.
"I don't care what you are," he whispered. "You've become… everything to me."
He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers. The kiss deepened with longing, vulnerability, and pent-up desire. His hands slid along her waist, pulling her closer. Oki melted into his touch, her fingers knotting in his hair. His breath danced across her skin as his lips trailed down her neck.
But then—Oki gasped, pulling back slightly. Her eyes flickered with inner conflict.
"I… I can't," she whispered. "Forgive me, Kimo. I'm not here for this. I'm here… for you."
Kimo's eyes darkened with frustration, but he steadied his voice. "Then since you're here for me… I'm asking for this."
Her breath caught again.
"As your prince," he said in a commanding tone, "I want this."
Oki's shoulders dropped. She looked away, a shadow of sadness in her eyes. "I thought I was stronger than this," she murmured.
Kimo gently turned her chin to face him, smiling. "So… you can cry. I never thought I'd see the day."
She laughed quietly, brushing a tear. "I will never hurt you, Kimo."
"I know," he said softly, resting his forehead against hers. "But tell me—where are you from, truly? Where's your family?"
Oki's eyes shimmered. "Let's talk about that another day, my prince," she said, rising. "Tonight, let's clear our heads… breathe fresh air."
---
Elsewhere in the palace, the king stood alone in his chamber, gazing into a mirror.y clenched, magic whispering at her fingertips.
You won't win him over, Elira, she thought bitterly. He is mine to break.
---
To be continued…