Chapter 38
(Lily’s POV)
After Meriel left, I stood by the door for a moment as a slow chill crept down my spine…
The Queen had summoned me to her chambers.
I walked back into the room to quickly wash my face and fix my tangled hair. I didn’t have time for a full touch–up, but I wanted to look presentable. Queen Eden doesn’t summon people lightly; it had to be very important.
As a little girl, I used to spend countless nights in the Queen’s chambers, wrapped in her arms while she stroked my hair and whispered lullabies. She was the only mother I knew all my life… thus, I wouldn’t be needing an escort to show me her chambers.
I smoothed down my dress and stepped into the hallway. The palace was still half–asleep, and soft moonlight filtered through tall glass windows, casting long shadows across the marble floor. The day had not broken, yet guards were already changing shifts. A few nodded politely as I passed.
As I walked down the grand hallway that led to the Queen’s wing, I slowed near the corridor where the portraits of past rulers hung. Thick frames, golden edges, and regal faces stared down from above… My eyes drifted toward a particular painting: a man with bold eyes, dark curls, and a jawline frighteningly similar to mine.
Underneath the frame was written: “King Pison.”
My breath caught, and a dizzy spell immediately washed over me. I had to reach for the wall to steady myself.
This was him. My real father.
The one who had hurt and wrecked so many families in the kingdom. The reason for all the predicament that has befallen me. The man whose shadow followed me everywhere.
I should hate him, but I couldn’t. A hot tear slipped down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it before turning away as a guard walked past, nodding respectfully.
I shook myself back to the present… The Queen was still waiting for me.
So, I hurried down the corridor and arrived at her chambers. Meriel stood beside the door and curtsied before opening it for me. When I stepped inside, an overwhelming sense of peace wrapped around me instantly.
The room was grand yet comforting; soft coral drapes framed the windows, a four–poster bed with golden accents stood at the center, and a cozy sitting area adorned with velvet armchairs surrounded a round table set with fresh tea and stacks of warm, buttery pancakes. The air smelled faintly of jasmine and clove.
It wasn’t just a queen’s room. It was a mother’s haven.
Queen Eden stood near the table and turned the moment I walked in.
“Lily,” she breathed, opening her arms. I walked into them, and she hugged me tightly.
“Come,” she said, leading me to the sofa. “I thought we could share a little breakfast together… Just us.”
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Chapter 38
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We sat, and she poured tea into delicate cups. Her movements were graceful and warm, and everything about her reminded me of the nights she used to braid my hair and sing me to sleep.
We ate in silence for a moment, the pancakes warm and fluffy, just like I remembered.
Then she spoke. “I wanted to see you before the palace fully wakes up. I just wanted to have some uninterrupted time with my daughter” Her voice cracked slightly.
“You still see me as your daughter?” I asked quietly.
She reached out and cupped my cheek. “Yes. You’ll always be my daughter, Lily. I never stopped loving you.”
A choked sound left my throat.
The Queen smiled, brushing her thumb against my skin. “And I must say, Lucien is everything I ever prayed you’d end up with. Strong, respectful, of noble blood. I always hoped the Moon Goddess would give you someone like him.”
I blinked, her words catching me off guard. “Lucien?”
She chuckled softly. “Isn’t he your mate? He acts like it. The bond between you two is so effortless, so natural.”
I didn’t respond.
Because what could I say?
Her smile faltered. “You don’t look certain. Lily, what is it?”
I looked down, heart twisting. “That night I was taken away… I thought I lost everything. I thought you didn’t want me anymore.”
Queen Eden’s eyes welled with tears instantly “Lily, no. No, baby. I never wanted to let you go. The moment they said you were dangerous to be in the palace… I fought for you. Your father and I both did.” .
“But you let me go,” I whispered, my voice cracking.
She reached for my hand. “I still remember the sound you made as they took you. I screamed your name, Lily. There was not a day that went by that I didn’t think of you.”
Tears ran freely down both our faces now.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry. I miss hearing you call me Mom. I miss you, my precious baby.”
I leaned into her and hugged her tightly. The sob I had been holding escaped my chest… We cried like that for a long time.
Eventually, she pulled back and smiled tearfully. “The King and I are doing everything we can to get full custody of you. But know this… with or without the Council, you’ll always be my daughter. Nothing can change that.”
I smiled through my tears, heart swelling with relief. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I truly belonged… like I was home.
Then she clapped her hands softly, chuckling, “Now! Onto happier things. Zelda’s seventeenth birthday is in a few days, and I want you to co–host it with me.”
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Chapter 38
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My eyes widened. “Really?”
She laughed. “Yes. We’re going all out. She’ll love it, and I think it’ll be good for you too.”
Joy bubbled in my chest. I nodded quickly. “I’d love that.”
As I left her chambers sometime later, my thoughts drifted to my friends: Dev, Aria, and Tobe.
I wondered how they were doing, and how they would react to me being in the palace- in the same space with Zion. I hadn’t told any of them before coming here… and I knew one thing: if they were coming to Zelda’s party, they were going to find out everything soon.
I only hoped it would stay as perfect as it sounded.
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