Crown On My Head

chapter 72

Kingdom of Tareeya Lacey

As I packed the last few items into my travel chest, the reality of the journey ahead began to sink in. The Dark Realm was a place of mystery and danger, and I needed to be fully prepared for whatever lay beyond its shadowed gates. My room, once a place of solace, now felt like a whirlwind of bustling activity and scattered belongings. Bomb was diligently helping me sort through my gear, her usual playful demeanour slightly subdued by the seriousness of our task.

“Alright, Lace,” Bomb said, holding up a neatly folded cloak. “This is going to be your best friend in the Dark Realm. Keep it close, it’s not just for show.”

I took the cloak from her with a grateful smile. “Thanks, Bomb. I’m glad to have you by my side. This would be a lot harder without you.”

Bomb grinned, her red hair glowing warmly in the dim light of my room. “Hey, it’s what friends are for. Besides, who else would keep you from making the worst fashion choices?”

We both laughed, a brief moment of lightness amidst the gravity of our situation. Just then, the door to my chamber creaked open, and Lord Harwin barged in, his usual swagger tempered by a mixture of excitement and reluctance.

“Ah, my queen, I see you’re preparing for your grand adventure!” Harwin said, his voice booming as always. “Now, don’t leave without me. I’ve got a stash of jokes that could lighten even the darkest of realms.”

I raised an eyebrow, half-amused and half-exasperated. “Harwin, I appreciate the offer, but this isn’t exactly a sightseeing trip. We’re venturing into the unknown, and I’m not sure your jokes will be of much help there.”

Harwin puffed out his chest theatrically. “Come now, Lace. You know a good laugh can go a long way in the face of danger. Besides, I’ve got a few dark jokes that might just fit right in with the ambiance of the Dark Realm.”

Bomb chuckled beside me. “If anyone can make a joke in the middle of a blight, it’s Harwin.”

Just then, Oralaith appeared at the door, her presence commanding immediate respect and attention. Her demeanour was calm, but there was an unmistakable strength in her eyes.

“I’m glad to see you’re nearly ready,” Oralaith said, her voice smooth and reassuring. “I will make sure the throne remains secure while you’re away. The kingdom will be in good hands.”

I nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Oralaith. I trust you to protect it while I’m gone.” oralaith had been here and there after the fight. She had found more people we had lost. She let me in with what her ability is. She had control over death. She had been resurrecting those near to death.

Oralaith gave a small, enigmatic smile. “Do not worry, Lacey. The throne and the kingdom will be safe. We have allies who will support us in ways you may not even be aware of.”

As Oralaith took her leave, Harwin clapped his hands together, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Well, now that we’ve got the serious business out of the way, how about a quick laugh before you head off? Why did the scarecrow become a successful leader?”

I sighed, though a small smile tugged at my lips. “Why?”

“Because he was outstanding in his field!” Harwin’s booming laughter echoed through the room, followed by Bomb’s snorts of amusement.

“Harwin, if I get through this and come back, you’re definitely going to owe me a new set of jokes,” I said, shaking my head but smiling.

With our spirits lifted, even if just a little, I continued packing, preparing for the uncertainties of the Dark Realm. The familiar comfort of my friends and their support gave me the strength I needed to face the unknown. As I closed the chest, ready to embark on this perilous journey, I took a deep breath and faced my reflection in the mirror. There was determination in my eyes and a resolve to confront whatever challenges awaited me.

With one final look around my room and a silent promise to return, I stepped out to meet my destiny, knowing that the kingdom was in capable hands and that I had the unwavering support of those I held dear.