Chapter 202: 202-A queen’s love
The night sky exploded into a thousand colors in every corner of the nation.
Golden sparks cascaded over the royal capital, followed by brilliant crimson, silver, and white fireworks that illuminated the palace towers and transformed the streets into a sea of dancing light.
The sound of each explosion rolled across the nation, drawing people from their homes to witness a celebration unlike any they had seen before.
Then, as the final burst of white light spread across the heavens, a name appeared among the stars.
KHEAMOSSA.
The letters shimmered above the capital, formed from countless white sparks that drifted like falling petals before dissolving into the darkness.
Cheers erupted throughout the streets.
"ALL HAIL QUEEN CONSORT KHEAMOSSA!"
"GLORY TO THE QUEEN CONSORT!"
"HONOR TO THE CROWN! GLORY TO QUEEN CONSORT!"
The Queen had done it again. Queen Velanora had never been a woman who loved quietly, but tonight, she had outdone herself.
In honor of her beloved consort, the entire capital had been transformed into a celebration of whiteblood love.
Lilies and white roses adorned every street corner, their pale petals glowing beneath crystal lanterns.
White ribbons hung from balconies, elegant flower arrangements decorated the fountains, and even the royal bridges had been draped in white silk.
The palace had spared no expense in making the entire nation feel as though it had stepped into a dream woven exclusively for Kheamossa.
Every household, whether it belonged to a noble family or an ordinary citizen, had been instructed to light seven candles in honor of the Queen Consort.
The seven flames represented seven blessings: long life, good health, enduring love, happiness, peace, protection, and prosperity.
No household was permitted to hold a celebration that might rival the royal festivities.
There would be no competing fireworks, no extravagant banquets, and no dressing more lavishly than the Queen and her consort. Even the nobles who considered themselves the center of the universe had been forced to put their pride aside for one night.
It was not merely a celebration. It was a royal declaration.
Velanora wanted every vampire in the nation to know exactly whom she loved and she wanted Kheamossa to know that no throne, crown, or political obligation could ever stand above her.
The royal carriage rolled slowly through the decorated streets, its white horses adorned with delicate flower garlands. Crystal lanterns illuminated the carriage’s interior, casting a soft glow over the two women seated inside.
Kheamossa sat beside her wife, watching the people gathered along the road.
Some bowed. Others waved white roses in the air. Children stood on their parents’ shoulders to catch a glimpse of the royal couple, while elderly vampires lifted their hands to offer blessings to the Queen Consort.
Everywhere Kheamossa looked, she saw her name, her flowers, and the evidence of how thoroughly Velanora had commandeered an entire nation to celebrate her.
She turned toward her wife. "You didn’t have to do all of this for me."
Velanora glanced at her, looking entirely unrepentant.
Kheamossa held her hand, running her thumb over the Queen’s knuckles as another shower of fireworks painted the carriage windows white.
"I know you love me, and I heart you too, but this is too much." Her cheeks warmed. "You made the entire nation light candles for me. You covered the streets in flowers. You even put my name in the sky, Nora!"
"Did you like it?"
"Velanora..."
"That wasn’t an answer, my love. Do you like it?"
Kheamossa pressed her lips together, struggling to maintain her composure beneath her wife’s shameless gaze.
"Of course I liked it."
Velanora’s smile widened. "Then I have no regrets."
She lifted their joined hands and kissed Kheamossa’s knuckles, lingering for a moment before raising her gaze toward the subjects gathered outside.
"This is nothing, Khea," her voice softened, losing its teasing edge.
"You and Vari are the best things that have ever happened to me. I want to stand on the tallest tower in this kingdom and shout at the top of my voice that I love you. I want every vampire, from the highest noble to the poorest child, to know that you are the woman who holds my heart."
She paused, looking directly into Kheamossa’s eyes. "But it would be unbecoming of a queen to behave so dramatically."
Kheamossa’s eyebrows rose. "Unbecoming?"
"Extremely."
"And yet you have forced an entire nation to light candles for me. Isn’t than unbecoming?"
"That is different. It is a royal decree and I only get this week to act recklessly in love, best believe that I’ll take full advantage."
Kheamossa burst into laughter. Velanora leaned closer, her expression turning unbearably tender.
"Since I cannot shout my love from the rooftops, I’ll spoil you instead."
A blush spread across Kheamossa’s cheeks. She leaned toward her wife, drawn by the familiar warmth of Velanora’s presence.
The sirens of Velanora’s love had always been impossible for her to resist. They did not need to sing aloud; their call lived in the gentle pressure of a hand, the lingering warmth of a kiss, and the quiet certainty that she was cherished.
For all her power, Kheamossa had never found a more dangerous temptation than her wife’s affection. She rested her forehead against Velanora’s.
"You are impossible, darling. I can’t seem to get you to behave."
"You me anyway, regardless of whether I behave or not. So why complain?"
"Sometimes I wonder how I survive you."
"With great difficulty, I imagine."
Kheamossa laughed again, and Velanora stole a kiss from her cheek before she could respond.
For a little while, they allowed themselves to enjoy the celebration without speaking of the troubles waiting beyond it. But the happiness could not last forever.
Kheamossa’s smile gradually faded as she looked out at the thousands of candles flickering in the windows of the capital.
"Zissa is back," she said quietly. "And Vonvaki is preparing for Maisa’s coronation. Are you aware of this?"
"I know."
Velanora brushed a loose strand of hair behind her wife’s ear.
There was no surprise in her expression, no confusion about the names or the implications. The Queen had been aware of the changes taking place in the supernatural world long before the first rumors reached the palace.
Kheamossa studied her face. "You’re not worried?"
"Oh, I am worried about many things, my love." Velanora smiled faintly. "But not about you."
"Velanora, I’m serious."
"So am I."
Kheamossa pulled back enough to look into her eyes. "Maisa will be crowned Queen soon. Are you truly all right with that?"
The question carried more weight than the words themselves.
Kheamossa knew her wife. She knew how fiercely Velanora loved the throne, how much she valued the authority and influence that came with being Queen.
Velanora had not inherited her position merely to sit upon a golden chair and wave at passing nobles. She had fought for her power, defended it, and shaped the kingdom according to her vision.
Giving it up would not be a small sacrifice and the thought of handing the crown to Maisa, a redblood who had spent much of her life regarded as an outcast would have been unthinkable to the old royal court and hurt Varitreya deeply yet Velanora did not hesitate.
"Don’t worry, Khea," she kissed her wife’s forehead. "For the extinction of humans and hunters, I would gladly step down from my throne."
Kheamossa’s eyes softened.
"Even if it means surrendering everything you’ve worked for?"