It had been two years since Lyra had begun her work as the future Queen of Anemoi. The trials, the paperwork, the negotiations—it was all part of the journey to the throne. But now, finally, the day had arrived. She was about to be crowned queen, the weight of the crown symbolizing all that she had accomplished, and all the responsibilities that lay ahead.
Lyra stood before her mirror, staring at her reflection as her ladies-in-waiting finished adjusting her gown. The dress was exquisite—white with delicate hints of pale pink, lavender, and gold, the fabric shimmering softly in the light. It was a gown fit for a queen, yet Lyra's heart was heavy with the knowledge that she was about to face a new life, a life that was her responsibility to shape.
The past two years had been a whirlwind—handling affairs of the kingdom, writing letters to her beloved sister Astrid, who had been happily married to Prince Alexander of Helios for a year now, and keeping in touch with Priscilla, who had become engaged to the King of Gaia. Her aunt Katherine had also found happiness, marrying a dear friend just a month ago. It was a time of change for everyone.
But amidst it all, the one constant in Lyra's life had been Dylan. Over the past two years, their meetings had been spaced apart by duties, but they had maintained their bond, growing even closer as a couple. And today, as Lyra prepared for her coronation, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change forever.
Before the grand ceremony, Lyra needed a moment to breathe. She slipped away from the bustle of the palace, seeking solace in the private garden hidden behind the library. The garden was her secret sanctuary, where she could escape from the weight of the world. The flowers, blooming in vibrant hues, swayed gently in the wind. Lyra paced back and forth, her heart racing as the anticipation of the ceremony—and her unspoken desire—grew.
"I should have asked him," she thought quietly, feeling a mix of frustration and nervousness. She had waited for Dylan to propose, but he hadn't. She had planned on asking him herself, but now she wasn't sure how to do it.
Just as she stopped pacing, the soft sound of footsteps behind her made her heart skip a beat.
"Lyra," came Dylan's familiar voice, full of warmth and affection.
She turned to find him standing in the doorway of the garden, his eyes lighting up when they met hers. He was dressed impeccably, as always—his attire dark and regal, a stark contrast to her soft gown, but together they looked like two halves of the same whole.
"I thought I'd find you here," he said, his tone filled with tenderness. "You've been so busy, my love. I thought perhaps you might need a moment of calm."
Lyra smiled, stepping closer to him. "I do, but I was just… thinking. About everything."
Dylan tilted his head, concern clouding his features. "Everything?"
"About what comes next," she whispered, feeling the weight of her words. "And… about us."
Dylan stepped forward, taking her hand gently in his, his touch warm and reassuring. "What do you mean? Whatever happens next, we'll face it together. You know that, right?"
Lyra nodded, but before Lyra could continue, Dylan's face softened with a gentle smile spread across his lips. He pulled her closer, his other hand reaching for the small velvet box hidden in his coat pocket.
"Lyra," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You've always been the one to hold our future in your hands. But I never realized how much I was waiting for this moment, too."
He dropped to one knee, taking her hand in his. "My sweet Lyra, ever since I laid eyes on you when we were children, I had this feeling that you were going to be in my life forever. Not just as my queen, but as my partner, my love. You are the spring sunshine. You are bright, warm, kind, and most importantly strong. I knew I said it wasn't love at first sight, but you have been living in my mind and my heart since then. And now, if you will allow me, I wish to live in yours forever. My love for you has become the foundation of my existence. I want to be there for you, in everything. Not because I have to, but because I cannot imagine a future without you in it. Will you marry me?"
Tears welled in Lyra's eyes as she gasped, overwhelmed by the moment she had longed for. "Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling with joy. "Yes, I will marry you, Dylan."
Dylan smiled, the weight of the world lifting off his shoulders. He slipped the ring onto her finger, his hand gentle and steady. He stood, cupping her face with both hands, and kissed her deeply—sealing the promise they had made to each other.
The coronation ceremony was set to begin, and the atmosphere in the palace was electric. Foreign dignitaries, including Prince Alexander and Astrid, were in attendance, along with the kings and queens from the neighboring kingdoms. The air was thick with excitement, the crowd anticipating the moment when Lyra would officially take her place as Queen.
Lyra, her heart still racing from Dylan's proposal, stood proudly in front of the throne, the crown resting atop her head. The red robe draped over her shoulders symbolized her new role, and the weight of it felt just right. She was ready.
But as she stood there, about to address her people for the first time as their queen, she caught a glimpse of the crowd outside on the balcony. The sound of cheers and clapping filled the air, and Lyra waved, a bright smile on her face.
It was then that she noticed something—something that made her heart skip a beat. As she waved to the crowd, her left hand, adorned with the engagement ring, caught the light. Whispers began to spread like wildfire through the crowd.
"Is that… a proposal ring?" one person whispered.
"Is she engaged to Dylan?" another asked.
Lyra's heart fluttered as the whispers grew louder, but she simply smiled and nodded, holding her hand up slightly to show the ring. She had no need for words—the ring spoke for itself.
The crowd erupted into cheers, chanting, "Long live Her Highness! Long live the Queen!"
Lyra's smile grew wider, her heart full of joy and love as she glanced at Dylan standing beside her. In that moment, everything was perfect.
As the ceremony concluded, the people's excitement and admiration for Lyra only grew stronger. She was not just a queen—they saw her as someone who had fought for her place, someone who had earned their trust and their love. And now, with Dylan by her side, the future seemed brighter than ever.
Later, as the night wore on and the celebration continued, Lyra found herself on the balcony once again. Dylan had stayed close, never leaving her side, but she felt the weight of the moment as she gazed at the stars.
"We did it," she whispered, her hand resting gently on the railing.
Dylan stepped beside her, his presence comforting and strong. He placed his hand over hers, his fingers brushing against her ring. "We did," he agreed. "And this is only the beginning, my love."
Lyra smiled, looking at the man she would spend the rest of her life with. The future was uncertain, but with him by her side, she knew they could conquer anything.
And so, together, they stepped into their new life, their love shining brighter than ever before.