Moonlight Bonds ; shadows of the crown

s Alden sat by Lyria, their conversation flowing easily. However, as the nig

geting restlessly in her lap. Her skin, which had once looked warm

ght?" Alden asked, co

just a little tired," she said, forcing a smile. But Alden wasn't convinced.

ok fine," he

ff. "I just... I need to go. It's getting

furrowed. "Lyria, if something's w

her neck as if feeling something invisible. "I d

anything else, she turned away, moving quickly towa

before he c

, her mind heavy with the weight of the kingdom's expectations. Her thoughts w

eye, lunged forward, catching her by the waist. His str

ess," he said, his t

cted contact. She smiled at him in gratitude, her hand resting brie

she said, her voice b

olding her steady. "It

e hallway. The Queen, Gwen's mother, stepped into the foyer with an

ere?" The Queen's v

fened. "M

he slapped Gwen across the cheek in front of the entire court that had gathered nea

th shock. "Mother... why?" she whispered, the s

Queen spat, her eyes seething with fury. "You

arsh words settling in. She felt her stomach churn, and in a blur of

ifferent tonight, and Lyria's strange behavior made him uneasy. He was eager to speak with Gwen and share hi

behind her door. His heart clenched. H

ently, his voice quiet but filled w

n. Gwen stood there, her face pale, her eyes red from crying.

me?" Alden asked, s

y, but they kept coming. "I didn

nto an embrace. "Gwen, you're my sis

. she doesn't care about me. She never did. I

That's not true, Gwen. She cares. She just doesn't know

rs but still carrying a small smile. "I love you, Ald

spoke. "I love you too, more

expression serious but compassionate. "Your Hig

a stern look.

lden's. "The Queen... she slapped the princess

d at his sides. "What

n growing more distant and cold. The Queen... she wants

en I'll make sure she understands that Gwen i

fire in her brother's eyes. "No, Ald

ad. "She can't keep tr

ry step, as Darian and Gwen stayed behind,

of all the Queen-hurt his sister again.