revenge they wish for themselves and the land they boost to become their very kingdom. Who knows. This kingdom could bring the sources and people you're wishing for, and that will give you the peace of mind you desire."
"That's some amazing advice, Dominick," she whispered and moved to hug me tightly. I chuckled and hugged her back as I kissed the top of her head while avoiding the sharp ends of her crown. "I'm glad my mother's words of advice could aid you, my queen."
I caught Omarion at the corner of my eye, his back pressed against the wall with his arms crossed. He was clearly waiting for us to finish before making his return, and when our eyes met, I gave him a slight nod in acknowledgment.
He pushed off the wall and began to approach us, just as I moved back to look down at Cassandra one last time. She smiled in return, her head then moving to her right to see Omarion's approach.
I returned to her left side as Omarion settled on her right, and after their quick greeting, a loud bell rang through the castle.
It's time.
I took one last look at Cassandra. I could see the wave of calm that took over her as she stood there proudly and held our hands tightly. This was the moment we'd been anticipating since arriving at this place, but I had no fear in my heart.
My queen's strength is as strong as steel, and now the supernatural world will have no choice but to acknowledge the threat of power she brings to the table of domination.
~CASSANDRA~
* * *
As I took the final step to the throne, Dominick and Omarion let go of my hands. They knelt down on one knee in wait. I already knew what to do as I felt threads of the past seep into my memory.
I could feel the immense magic in the air as the last specks of sunlight shone into the throne room just like it had decades ago. A part of me felt in control while the other was as though I was floating within another body, but I wasn't in the least afraid, knowing well that the other side of wisdom and familiarity was Quilzurashi.
Walking down the aisle reminded her of the past. The aisle she walked before marrying my father, the same aisle she walked down to be the first to sit upon the throne.
Now, she was walking down this path a third time, only it was through me. Not as a tested trial or a fateful memory, but a walk towards immense change.
Turning around at the top step of the platform, I acknowledged those in the room. Dominick and Omarion were at the bottom step of the throne. Otis, Adonis, and Tristian were on Dominick's side of the aisle while Mother, Father, Marigold, and Aries stood on Omarion's side.
My eyes briefly locked onto Father's as he looked at me with conviction and gave me an encouraging nod. This next step would help bring us one step close to getting rid of his brother and the shadows of pain and hatred he'd inflicted upon our family.
He'd be able to walk freely and love my mother in the open, rather then protecting another kingdom in the shadows without credit to his name.
Looking to Mother, I saw the tears in her eyes as pride flowed off her. She was proud of how all of this led to this solid day where I'd not only been pampered by her but gotten the privilege of her being here for this fateful moment.
I wanted this change to help us find a way to cut the chains that bound her solely to her kingdom, but to also release the truth of all the sacrifices she'd made for those she loved and the kingdom she treasured, so the world would acknowledge her strength and courage.
My eyes glanced down to acknowledge Marigold and Aries. The two of them stood proudly as their wings fluttered lightly. There was a whole world to explore when it came to who they were and what they could achieve, and I only hoped that this step would give the opportunity for Marigold to grow and discover more of herself.
Finally, my eyes acknowledged my men, taking in each of them as they stood there supportively. How blessed I was to have these men in my life. To have grown with their guidance, love, and support. I'd made it this far with their lessons and words of