nanakawaichan
patreon
Dark Moon Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 342. An Extension
🕑 Added 2024-10-31 16:27:50 +0000 UTCThird Arc (Fallen Heart) - 342. An Extension
Despite her discomfort, she knew she needed to do her duty. “Lady Seraphine,” Rose said warmly, turning to the young girl, “it sounds like you’re preparing well for your future responsibilities. I’m sure you’ll be a great asset to your family and the kingdom.”
The girl’s eyes widened slightly, her face lighting up at the compliment from someone as important as Rose. “Thank you, Your Highness,” she said, her voice still shy but brimming with pride. “I will do my best to make my family proud.”
Her mother gave a firm nod of approval, pleased with how the exchange was going. “It is a great time for our kingdom, and with your coronation, Your Highness, we know the kingdom will grow stronger.”
Rose nodded. Aligning themselves with her, especially after the coronation, would be advantageous for families like Lady Seraphine’s. Having the queen’s favor could mean more influence at court, more opportunities. It was no secret that Angel's military power had secured him the throne, but now, Rose was being seen as the other half of that powerful duo—a queen with her own influence and kingdom, backed by the most formidable ruler in the land.
With the generals, chancellor, and dukes all loyal to Angel, it was clear that opposing him was unthinkable, if not suicidal. The smarter nobles had already begun to align themselves with Rose, hoping that her future position would bring them favor. Others were still watching, waiting to see how she would navigate her role as queen. And, of course, there were some who still resisted her, those who whispered doubts about a queen with ties to another kingdom. But Rose was determined to prove herself.
Lady Seraphine and her mother excused themselves, offering polite bows and well wishes for the coronation. Rose watched them walk away, her expression still composed. Claire, standing beside her, remained silent for a moment, watching the pair disappear into the crowd.
“They’re already trying to align themselves with you,” Claire said quietly, her voice steady but tinged with understanding.
Rose let out a quiet sigh, her fingers lightly brushing the edge of her gown. “Yes,” she said softly, her gaze distant. “And it’s only going to get more complicated after the coronation.”
Claire nodded. “It’s understandable. They see the strength of the king, and now, with you about to be crowned queen, they know they need to secure their place. A queen with her own kingdom, with the king’s full support... You’re not just another noblewoman marrying into power. You’re a queen in your own right.”
Rose pressed her lips together, considering Claire’s words. It was true, of course, and that knowledge made her even more aware of the pressure she was under. The balance between her role as Angel’s wife and her own position as queen was delicate. She didn’t want to be seen as merely an extension of Angel’s power, but rather as a leader in her own right. Yet, she knew that most of the court, and even some of the kingdom, would judge her based on how well she supported the king rather than on her own merits.
“And then there are the ones who won’t accept me,” Rose said quietly, voicing a thought that had been lingering at the back of her mind for some time. “No matter what I do, they’ll always see me as an outsider. A political prisoner turned queen.”
Claire glanced at her, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “There will always be those who resist change. But the majority see what’s happening—they see how His Majesty looks at you, how he’s different with you. They’ll follow him because they trust him, and if he trusts you, they will too.”
Rose smiled faintly at Claire’s reassurance. She had come so far already, but the road ahead felt just as daunting as the one behind her. The court’s expectations, combined with the pressure to live up to her new role, was heavy.
“I just hope I don’t disappoint him,” Rose murmured, more to herself than to Claire.
Claire didn’t miss the quiet confession. She placed a comforting hand on Rose’s arm. “You won’t. You’ve already done more than most people would ever expect. You’ve handled everything with grace, even the rumors. And His Majesty wouldn’t have chosen you if he didn’t believe in you.”
