When Stars Fall(The Last Star Trilogy #3)

Chapter 32-Lydia Hydra

We paced outside the hospital wing. Anthony smelled of medicine and sickness. He hadn't gotten much sleep since he insisted on helping out day and night.

"Are you ever going to take a rest?"

"Maybe," he said.

"You should take your own advice and get some sleep."

"Is that an order, Your Majesty?" he teased.

"I'm going to have to order you if you don't take a break yourself," I joked.

"I will once things settle down."

"Will you be at the council?" I wondered.

"Yes."

After a pause he spoke, "I'm sorry about your father. And you mother."

"Thank you." I tried to smile, blinking back the tears.

"I'm confused about the crown," I said. "I've always wanted to be queen but now there is Annabelle."

"What would you do if you were queen?" he asked.

"I'd try to bring back the Sun."

He didn't expect me to reply instantly.

"How is that possible?"

"I'm surprised that an intelligent man like you doesn't know."

He lowered his gaze.

"Legend says that the Stars' Celestial Energy-if one can gather enough of it-together mixed up it can bring back the Sun," I told.

"You've done your research," he noted.

"I have been for years," I told. "I'm going to suggest it tomorrow at the council."

"I hope that things work out for you," he said.

"How's your brother?" he added.

"He's. . .alright." I was at a loss for words. "He's moving out in a week. He;s going to live with his. . .mother."

"Don't feel bad," he comforted. "You'll still see him and he is your half-brother."

"Yes, but it is hard to process that he isn't going to be a royal and I never thought I would have to deal with a kingdom on my own," I confessed. "Princesses hardly ever get that much attention. I was never raised to be a ruler."

"That's even better," he said.

"How so?"

"You're the first queen of Stellaregno." He smiled. "First female to rule the kingdom. You should be honored."

"I haven't finalized my decision," I told. "I have to talk to Annabelle and see if she's up for it. If she agrees then I will have to step down and I will gladly do so. My family has had enough time on the throne. It's time for a change."

We talked for hours. I invited him to tea, threatening to have his head off if he refused. I noticed he had a tattoo on the side of his neck.

"I got it to support the cause," he told. It was an Ophiuchus Sign.

"Is it really legal to take another person's Sign without them giving it to you?" I knew the answer was no but I just wanted to tease him.

"No, but I was born on a rebel base ever since I was a child," he explained. "My entire existence is illegal then."

I laughed. "Should I be worried that you'll send me to the dungeons for confessing that?"

"No," I promised. "I'll keep your secret."