Crowned by Fate

Ember POV

King Valtor collected the crown from the MC as the hall erupted into deafening screams. Cheers poured in from every direction, layered over one another until the sound became almost unreal, wild, overwhelming, intoxicating. It felt like madness, like the entire realm had lost itself in this single moment.

King Valtor walked toward me with controlled, deliberate steps, every inch of him radiating authority. He moved as though time itself bent to his pace. I kept my posture straight, my chin lifted, my smile elegant and composed befitting a Queen, even though my heart was pounding violently beneath my ribs.

A mic piece rested against...