there is only us | wilbur soot x reader

Chapter 23 - Marionette

Dream POV

On the 99th day, a crowd gathered in the courtyards. Good.

I had the impeachment form eradicated 97 days after (Y/n)'s return. Now her tragic summer was broadcasted everywhere, falsified into a more appropriate explanation.

The leaders of L'manberg had kidnapped (Y/n) and held her hostage, demanding freedom as the price of her safety. I had been obligated to step in and rule in her absence. I had challenged the L'manbergians to a duel, a battle for (Y/n) and independence. Double or nothing. My victory had been hard-fought and hard-won, and I returned to the Dream SMP with my sister and my land. Now, with our rightful leader returned to our lands, I had no choice but to step down and return to my role as general.

I gritted my teeth as I slid my mask in place, pristinely repaired, and stepped out on the balcony. I waved to the people with my head held high, my shoulders drawn back in my emerald green cloak. My armor was polished and snug on my body, a deliberate show of strength.

The only thing missing was the crown, but it no longer belonged to me. Behind me stood (Y/n), dressed in a large satin dress and a black robe. She had regained her proper posture, but her grin was wavering and forced.

I spread my arms wide and addressed the crowd.

"My sister and I have returned from L'manberg unharmed and victorious!" I declared. As far from the truth as it was, it brought hope and pride to the people. I could not possibly offer them anything less.

"As her brother and general, I had taken temporary responsibility for the throne. But now that Her Majesty is back with us, the crown falls to her once again." I gestured to a servant waiting in the shadows, the crown in her hands.

I took it from her, my fingers running over the intricate gold carvings and the deep-set jewels. As much as I hated the idea of giving it up so quickly, I turned to (Y/n) and placed it carefully on her head. My pettiness left the crown slightly lopsided, and I prayed to the gods above no one saw the way she flinched away from my touch.

A gloved hand shot up to fix the crown on her head, used to the weight and the proper feeling of it. An unprecedented surge of jealousy caused my smile to fall, but I focused again on the crowds below.

"You have all borne witness to this day," I said, my voice booming. "Her Majesty Queen (Y/n) has returned to us, and she will continue her rule. I step down and return to my position as general, second to the throne."

I spread my arms before the people. "For the good of the SMP!" I shouted.

"For the good of all!"

We retreated indoors, down the cool corridors, and into (Y/n)'s chambers. I paused at the door, and she waited for me to leave.

"Will I see you for dinner tonight?" I asked, my body rigid.

She looked back at me in surprise, almost fear. "What?" she stammered, the first word I had heard from her all day.

"We have a few things we must discuss. I will arrive with our dinners and we can talk then," I recited the words I had practiced the entire way here.

"We can't do it now?"

I scowled. "I have other things I must attend to. Forgive me if they are of higher priority."

After a moment's contemplation, (Y/n) nodded and slipped inside her rooms. I spun on my heel and walked briskly away, my hands clenched at my sides.

I burst into my old war room, relieved to find it deserted. I braced myself against the table and took a shaky breath, trying to calm down. I want to hit something. Of course, now, when I finally managed to grasp the one thing I've always wanted, (Y/n) just had to return and take it all away.