Mathew POV
Early Dawn
As the first light of dawn broke over the kingdom, Mathew was already awake. He had taken an early shower and dressed himself, ready to take on the responsibilities that would one day be his. One of these days, he would wear his father's crown. The thought weighed heavily on him—not as a burden, but as a calling.
Today, Mathew decided to step into his father's shoes and begin assuming the duties of the crown. Dressed in his finest, he made his way to the kingdom gates to inspect the guards and ensure the night had passed without incident.
The shift change was already underway; the night guards were wrapping up their final minutes while the new shift began taking over. It didn't take Mathew long to arrive at the gates. Upon his arrival, he went straight to the head guard to receive the night report.
"How was the night?" Mathew asked as he stepped into the security room, where the surveillance cameras showed every corner of the kingdom.
"Everything was smooth, no complaints," the guard replied. "Only a bunny got stuck in the fence."
Mathew nodded, accepting the report. "Thank you."
The guard took a light sigh, then went off to brief the incoming shift. Mathew exited the security room and walked directly to the gates to inspect them himself. Just as he was doing so, his friend Alex spotted him.
"This is the first time I've seen you here," Alex teased. "Shouldn't you be with your mother, helping her prepare for the coronation tomorrow ?"
Mathew rolled his eyes. He hated events like the coronation—crowds, speeches, all of it. He would much rather be out training soldiers or standing in the field of battle than acting like royalty before an audience.
"Anything but that," he muttered.
Alex chuckled at his friend's irritation.
Mathew approached the main gates, where the guards stood tall and professional, greeting him respectfully. He returned the greeting and walked to the control box that operated the automatic gates. As he had feared, the machinery was damaged.
He took a deep breath. The guards hadn't mentioned a thing about this. Anger rose in him.
"Line up," he ordered the guards, his tone firm.
Once they were assembled, Mathew spoke. "Why didn't anyone report that the gate was broken?"
He wanted the kingdom to know who their future king was—and that nothing would go unnoticed under his rule.
"Sorry, sir," one of the guards replied nervously. "We forgot to write it down."
Mathew clenched his fists by his sides, his voice tightening with authority. "As your next king, I expect you to report anything unusual immediately. A broken gate, a damaged fence—these things could be serious. You forgot to report it? That's unacceptable."
The guards nodded in solemn understanding.
Turning to one of them, Mathew said, "Bring the toolbox from the security room and shut off the electricity to the gate so I can fix it."
The guard nodded and hurried off. As he disappeared, Alex stepped closer and grinned. "You already sound like a king."
Mathew gave his friend a dry smile. He wasn't in the mood for jokes.
Soon, the guard returned with the toolbox. The power to the gate was switched off, and Mathew got to work, determined to fix the issue himself.
Willow POV
As they finished discussing the betrothal ceremony of the wedding, it was time to say goodbye to Tyron, his son Olwe, and Everest. They had made arrangements for the ceremony to take place tomorrow in the Elven Kingdom. It was official.
Tyron and Olwe said their goodbyes, and Willow decided to walk with Everest until they reached the kingdom gates.
As they walked, Everest suddenly spoke. "I'm sorry about my father," he said, his voice quiet. "I know it's a lot to take in." He halted in his tracks, and Willow noticed the sudden seriousness in his expression. Something was weighing on his heart—she could feel it.
"I need to know," he said, turning to face her, "if you truly want to marry me—for me—and not just to save your kingdom."
A small gasp escaped her lips as his words sank in. But as she thought about it, she realized it wasn't about saving her kingdom anymore. Not truly. It was about him.
She reached out and took his large, warm hands in hers, holding them tightly. She looked up into his eyes and spoke softly but firmly.
"It's not about my kingdom anymore," Willow said. "I truly want to marry you, Everest. I want us to work—I want what we have to grow."
His blue eyes softened as he looked at her. He paused, licking his dry lips before speaking again.
"You should know that we Elves take things seriously. Becoming my wife, our Queen, means joining a people who are fiercely protective of their women."
Willow stepped closer, her gaze steady and unwavering. "Then let me become your wife—and your Queen," she said, her heart leaping in her chest. "I love you, Everest I want to spend my life with my best friend—the man I love."
No more words were spoken between them. Everest moved closer, and as his lips met hers, the world around them faded. She melted into his touch, returning the kiss with all her heart.
She have to married him to save her kingdom—but deep inside, she truly cared for him. She always had. What began as a rushed decision to protect her people and inherit her mother's powers had become something more. She meant every word she said. She loved him.
After a few minutes, she gently pulled away to catch her breath. Her eyes met his.
"I know I once said it was about my mother… about saving the kingdom," she said warmly. "But I meant it when I said I love you. I want to spend this life with the man who knows me—truly knows me—inside and out."
His eyes turned a deeper shade of blue as Everest rested his forehead against hers. Feeling his strong, warm arms around her waist was like being wrapped in a shield. With him, she felt safe. And she wanted to stay like that forever.
After a while, they said their goodbyes, and Willow returned to the castle. Inside, everything was quiet—everyone seemed to be off tending to their own duties. Still morning, she decided to grab some breakfast. But as she made her way through the corridor, she heard her mother's voice from one of the nearby rooms.
"Willow, my dear, come here."
She halted mid-step, frowning slightly, then turned around and walked toward the room. As she entered, she found her mother seated on a sofa, a large cream-colored box on her lap with a white silk bow tied around it.
"You summoned me, Mother?" Willow asked as she stepped inside.
Evelyn's eyes softened the moment she looked up. "Yes, dear. Please, sit down," she said gently.
Willow took a deep breath and approached, settling beside her mother with her hands resting in her lap.
"I want you to have this," Evelyn said, handing her the box.
Willow frowned in curiosity. "What is it?" she asked, carefully placing the box on her lap.
"Open it," her mother replied with a warm smile. Willow inhaled again and lifted the lid, setting it aside on the sofa. Her eyes lit up as she looked inside.
It was a wedding dress—soft white silk, delicate lace, and shimmering crystals that caught the light like stardust.
A gasp slipped from Willow's lips as she gently lifted it from the box.
"It was my wedding dress," Evelyn said softly. "I wore it the day I married your father."
Willow's eyes widened as she held the dress up. It was breathtaking—like something out of a fairytale.
"It's beautiful," she breathed, still marveling at the gown. Turning to her mother with a glowing smile, she asked, "Can I try it on?"
Her mother's smile deepened. "It's yours now. Go ahead—let's see how it looks on you."
With a burst of excitement, Willow sprang from the sofa and hurried to the nearby bathroom to try on the dress, her heart racing. She couldn't wait to see how it would look.
Eagerly, she slipped it on and quickly returned to the living room, where her mother was waiting. She had never worn anything so soft and delicate before. With excitement pulsing in her chest, she stepped back into the room, and her mother immediately turned to look at her.
"Willow, you are—" her mother breathed, rising from the sofa, surprise and awe lighting up her eyes.
"What do you think?" Willow asked as she walked slowly toward her.
Her mother's eyes sparkled with joy. Even without saying much, Willow could see the happiness reflected in them.
"You look breathtaking," her mother said softly, placing a gentle hand on Willow's upper arm. "It's almost as if the dress was made for you."
Willow took a deep breath and looked down at the gown. It felt like a dream against her skin—soft lace tracing along the fabric, with a beautiful heart-shaped neckline that made her feel both regal and fragile.
"I think when Everest sees you in this dress, he might not even recognize you," Evelyn said, her heart swelling with emotion. She still couldn't believe that just a day ago, Willow had followed her gut and agreed to this—marrying her best friend, not just for love, but to protect their people.
Her mother reached out, gently tucking a loose strand of Willow's brown hair behind her pointed ear.
"Do you think we're going to be okay?" Willow asked quietly.
A warm smile touched her mother's lips. "You and Everest know each other better than anyone. And from what I see, you're going to be just fine—because you were best friends first. You're a team."
Those words were exactly what Willow needed to hear—something solid to hold on to, reassuring her that she'd made the right choice.
But their moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. One of the Fairy Vila gate guards stepped inside and bowed. "Your Highness."
Her mother's expression hardened as she turned toward the door.
Willow frowned and followed her gaze as the guard continued, "Your Highness, there is someone at the gate asking to see you."
"Who wants to see me?" Evelyn asked, her voice calm but firm.
The guard shifted uncomfortably. "I'm afraid it's Lord Locrand, Your Highness. And… he refuses to take no for an answer."
Willow's heart nearly stopped.
Lord Locrand.
From the stories she'd overheard as a child—and from the horrors she had witnessed—she knew. He was the one who had started the fire in the forest. Because of him, her father was dead.
"Mother, why is he here?" Willow asked, her voice trembling with worry.
Her mother's eyes darkened. "I don't know," she said tightly. Then she turned to the guard. "Send for King Clyde. Tell him Lord Locrand is here."
The guard bowed quickly and left.
"He has no right to be here," Evelyn muttered, her lips thinning with rage, fists clenched at her sides. "He should know his place after what he's done."
Before Willow could say a word, her mother stormed off, leaving her daughter more alarmed than ever—she had never seen her mother so furious.
Willow quickly turned back to her room, hurried out of the wedding dress, and followed after her mother toward the gate.
Everest POV
As he continued making his way toward the castle, a warm presence and familiar scent drifted through the air, pulling a smile to Everest 's lips. He turned his head slightly and said with a knowing grin, "Just as I thought."
From the trees stepped Violet, his childhood friend, her expression bright. "How did you know it was me?" she asked with a warm smile.
Everest chuckled softly. "We've known each other since we were babies. I'd recognize your scent anywhere."
Violet's smile bloomed like fresh daisies in spring. Their mothers had been best friends, and the two of them had grown up side by side. She let out a soft laugh before her playful tone returned. "So, what's this I hear about my best friend getting married?"
Before Everest could answer, she gave him a gentle punch on the arm.
The leaves beneath their feet crunched as they walked, the quiet of the forest settling around them like a soft blanket. Everest ran a hand through his long silver-blond hair, slightly embarrassed. "I meant to tell you. Honestly. The Betrothal is tomorrow. I was going to let you know…"
Violet gave him a mock stink-eye, then broke into a smile. "As long as you're happy, and this is what you truly want, then I'm happy for you."
Everest stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression growing serious. "I've loved Willow for a long time. I suppose you already figured that out. I actually proposed to her quite a while ago… but she didn't give me an answer. Not until yesterday."
Violet's eyes, a striking shade of blue, darkened as she met his gaze. "As long as the two of you truly love each other—and this isn't something you'll regret later—then I'll support you."
He exhaled deeply, placing his hands on his hips as he studied her for a moment. Her long blonde hair spilled over her shoulders, glowing in the dappled light. With her pale skin, soft pink lips, and piercing eyes, she looked every bit the elegant warrior elf she was. Her long, pointed ears twitched slightly—always alert.
"I have a good feeling about this," Everest said at last, his voice steady with conviction. "I think we've made the right decision."
A warm smile crossed Violet's lips as their eyes met. Then, with a sudden burst of excitement, she exclaimed, "Well then, what are we waiting for? My best friend is getting married—we should be celebrating!"
Everest couldn't help but smile at her energy. He knew her well—of course she'd want to turn this into a grand event. "We could celebrate," he said with a chuckle, "but I still need to meet up with my father later."
Violet rolled her eyes and gave him another playful punch on the arm. "You only get married once!"
They both laughed, their voices echoing through the trees as they resumed walking together, making their way back to the Elven Kingdom with light hearts and shared memories.