just as tightly.
The mere touch made me realize how small my hands were in comparison to his. Even with the screen on us, our hands were well-hidden thanks to how close we were, but our height difference made me look so short in comparison to him.
Even with my red heels.
It was nice to find some joy in all of this, but as the cameras moved to the center stage, the world around us dimmed to a tense silence. This gathering was being televised to the world, yet none of us knew who would be leading this moment of mourning.
As the sound of heels echoed upon the stairs of the back of the platform, gasps of shock filled the massive crowd as the shutters from multiple cameras went off in herds.
It was impossible for me to hide my own shock, my lips slightly parting at the sight. Omarion's body grew tense like mine, but he held my hand firmly while Marigold leaned in to whisper in my ear, "This may work in our favor, Your Majesty. Stand tall and proud."
I couldn't understand how this would become beneficial for the villainous plan I had brewing in my mind, but I did as I was requested as the world fell silent as the sound of heels came to a stop.
With one gaze across the vast crowd, the leader of the service nodded their head and gave a sad smile.
"This was not what I envisioned when I wished to talk to the masses of humans and supernaturals on this plane of our supernatural world, but alas, fate has decided otherwise."
No one dared to speak, and that was the cue for introductions.
"My name is Faith Cyldrirth. I'm the queen of one of the four fae kingdoms."
That created a buzz in the crowd, many gasping at the realization of who this woman was. I could tell a few individuals were looking my way, but I kept my expression grounded while remaining tall and serious.
Their attention wasn't bothering me in the slightest, but it left me a little curious as to what Mother was surely planning. She hadn’t been allowed to leave the castle all this while. What had helped her - or forced her - to leave the lands unattended to come here?
Marigold? Is our kingdom safe?
"It is, Your Majesty. What you are seeing is a projected image of Queen Cyldrirth. It takes loads more magic to create a realistic illusion like that, but she's clearly perfected it for other occasions."
That gave me a bit of a relief, for I was sure Wilfried would find any means to try and destroy our kingdom when unattended.
"Omarion instructed me to gather extra assistance in ensuring your kingdom's safety. Do not be worried, for all is well. Your mother is safe and well protected."
Thank goodness.
I couldn't afford to deal with anything else as of now, and though my mother's relationship with me was fresh and would require years to build like any mother and daughter, I still carried a sense of love and worry for her wellbeing and happiness.
"It has come to my attention that a great catastrophe has occurred upon your lands, and once I discovered the prime culprit of such was King Cyldrirth, I knew I couldn't remain still. To see a crowd of such magnitude gather to seek justice for the men who have impacted many of your lives is inspiring, especially when it seems our kinds are united by this act of violence."
She paused as her eyes scanned the crowd, and those beautiful jewels locked upon me as she carried on.
"King Cyldrirth believes he's won. That he's torn all of you down after revealing who Cassandra Thorn was. However, it's become clear that Cassandra, or should I say, Princess Cassandra Cyldrirth, is alive and had a very close bond to the four men of the supernatural council," she revealed. "With the truth of Omarion's innocence and the current disappearance of Tristian, Dominick, Otis, and Adonis, I'm sure you're all waiting to see what will happen next. What will Princess Cassandra's next move be?"
She paused as everyone remained silent. I was sure many were confused about why this was being brought up here and now, and even I was uncertain why she was taking this moment to reveal so much.
"I'm sure the news outlets have attempted to paint Cassandra as a newfound villain. A woman who lost her loves and is now seeking vengeance on humankind. Some individuals have already plotted to kill her in rebellion