"The Lunareth Kingdom deserves a selfless Queen, one who understands the weight of the crown she wears. This kingdom thrives not on power alone, but on loyalty, grace, and sacrifice. You will be scrutinized, dear Elara - your every step, every word, every glance. These people, as kind as they may appear, will not forgive mistakes easily. And mistakes… they will come."
Her tone softened slightly, though her gaze remained piercing. "Your role is not just to rule but to inspire. A Queen of Lunareth does not live for herself. She lives for her people. Every choice you make must be for them, not for your comfort or desires. You will come to understand that love, personal ambition, even freedom, are luxuries a Queen often cannot afford."
She paused, her eyes narrowing as if to gauge Elara's reaction. "You will also learn that trust is a rare commodity. Those who smile at you today may conspire against you tomorrow. Do not forget that the crown you wear is both a symbol of power and a target."
The Queen Mother clasped her hands, her voice growing icier. "But above all, remember this—Lunareth has endured centuries of trials because its rulers understood one truth: loyalty to the kingdom comes before loyalty to oneself. Fail to uphold this, and the crown will consume you."
A faint smile tugged at her lips, though it lacked warmth. "Welcome to the throne, my Queen. May you prove yourself worthy of it."
Elara who hadn't react or speak anything all those time while the Queen Mother spoke as they sat in the confines of the garden , spoke now ," Your words are both a warning and a guide, and I will carry them with me. For the sake of Lunareth, I will strive to be the Queen this kingdom deserves. Thank you, Your Grace."
Although that's how a Queen is expected to respond to all matters , the Queen Mother that stood - prepared to leave now sat down , her eyes narrowed to the Queen of Lunareth . "Tell me dear , how are you feeling ?"
At the question , Elara had the answer at the tip of her tongue , yet for some reason she didn't feel right about telling her worries to the Queen Mother , yet at the same time the guilt of lying and keeping "them" in the dark gnawed at her .
"I feel like—" Elara's voice died out as the Queen Mother placed her hand ontop of hers .Her body went rigid, her breath caught in her throat, and her pupils dilated into an inky black abyss. A sensation she couldn't name—an overwhelming rush of painful pleasure, sharp and electrifying—coursed through her veins. It was consuming, maddening, and entirely unfamiliar.
Her gaze darted up to the Queen Mother, who showed no sign of noticing the strange reaction. The elder woman's expression remained composed, her eyes piercing yet calm. "Talk to me, dear Elara. You can trust me—I won't tell your husband," the Queen Mother said, a hint of humor lacing her tone. But Elara couldn't focus. The dark energy that seemed to linger in the air around them was suffocating, twisting her thoughts into chaos. Before she could find the courage to say something—anything—the court lady appeared, her presence breaking the moment like a shattered mirror.
"I beg your pardon, Your Majesty, Your Grace, but the Queen's presence is required in the King's chambers."
While the Queen Mother's mood suddenly escalated , Elara was still caught up in the trance she just experienced . Something so wrong , yet something that felt so good .
The Queen Mother slowly rose from her seat, poised and graceful. But just as she began to stand fully, her feet wavered, and her body swayed dangerously to the side. For a brief moment, it seemed as though she might collapse, but with an almost imperceptible shift, she regained her balance, her stance steady once more.
The court lady, Morgana, gasped, her voice sharp with concern. "Your Grace!" she called out, rushing toward the Queen Mother.
The Queen Mother, however, straightened herself and waved off Morgana's concern with a calm, almost dismissive gesture. "I am steady, do not worry, Morgana." Her voice was firm and reassuring, but there was a cold edge to it, one that indicated she would not tolerate any weakness, especially in front of others.
Morgana nodded, her posture now more protective as she moved to walk alongside the Queen Mother, offering a gentle arm to ensure the Queen's stability.
Turning toward Elara, Morgana's expression softened slightly. "Come, Your Grace," she said, motioning for Elara to follow them. "The King awaits."
Elara, unsure of what had just happened, stood still for a moment before following them, the weight of the moment pressing on her before she finally followed Morgana and the Queen Mother .
And at a far distance, while something awakened in Elara, another part of her stirred, heading towards the Lunareth Kingdom, bearing something that would soon have Elara wished she never got released from those dungeons.