Made to be a Queen

Chapter 16

Maeve

The night was long, and sleep was elusive, consumed by the anticipation of the impending day. Thoughts swirled relentlessly in my mind, worrying about what fate had in store for us all – for me, for them, for Luna. The weight of responsibility hung heavily on my shoulders. Could I really rescue everyone, protect them from harm? I couldn't bear the thought of losing anyone else, not after losing my mother. My heart ached with an intensity that kept me wide-awake, lying-in bed next to Luna who was peacefully asleep, while the twins beside me snored softly. It felt like an unbearable weight on my chest, as if I couldn't even breathe.

Gently, I lifted Luna's arm from over me and slipped out of bed, yearning for a breath of fresh air. I rushed outside the ship, desperate to escape the stifling confinement of my thoughts.

There, under the solitary moon's light, I found myself standing alone by the corner of the ship. I gazed at my reflection on the water's surface, searching for some semblance of solace. My trembling hands instinctively reached for the belt I wore, and I retrieved the bag containing my mother's ashes. The moment was bittersweet as I carefully untied the ribbon and opened the bag, inhaling the familiar scent of her ashes one last time before I released her into the sea, just as she had wished. A tear slid down my cheek as my heart ached with loss, and I watched as the bag drifted away on the waves. "Give me strength, mother," I whispered into the night.

"Maeve?" Luna's voice startled me, and I turned to find her standing behind me. "Are you okay?"

I wiped away my tears and extended my hand to her. "Yeah, I just couldn't sleep, and I had to let my mother's ashes go."

"Why didn't you wake me up?"

"It's fine. You needed rest."

Luna hugged me tightly. "We'll get through this, I promise."

"I hope so. I just want some time alone with you, away from the chaos of war and battles."

"Didn't you once dream of becoming a warrior?"

I sighed, "Yes, I did, before I fell in love with you. Now, I have no choice but to survive these battles. I'm a commander, and..."

Luna silenced me with a gentle touch. "Enough. Look at the sunrise. Let's relax for a moment." We stood there together, watching the sun's first rays break over the horizon.

"I have a question," I began.

"Ask me anything."

"How does marriage work in your kingdom?"

Luna smiled, finding the question intriguing. "It's quite simple. The one who wishes to marry must seek approval from the King or Queen, and then a Pope blesses the union. Our kingdom celebrates with festivals, and people come from near and far to share in the love and joy. Why do you ask?"

"Because when all of this is over, I want to marry you."

"What?" Luna's eyes widened in surprise.

"Are you shocked? Do you want us to remain just in a relati—"

Before I could finish, Luna silenced me with a passionate kiss. "I want you as my wife."

"Shut up... I want to marry you too!"

We both exchanged smiles and settled down as the boat continued to sail. Luna and I sat side by side, contemplating our future. Suddenly, another ship appeared on the horizon, veering toward us. I warned Luna, and we readied our swords, waiting as the vessel drew closer, the wind carrying it toward us.

"Be careful," Luna cautioned, her eyes filled with determination.

"You too," I replied, adrenaline coursing through my veins.