THE FORGOTTEN LUNA novel Chapter 85

ADESSA.

“This is your room from now on, Adessa.” The King’s voice came from behind me.

I slowly turned around to curtsy before him.

“Good morning, Father.” I almost said, “My King,” and I was glad I was able to catch myself as I wanted to make a good impression.

He nodded but remained in his spot while I continued to smile warmly at him.

“This room is for me?” I asked.

“Yes.” He replied before he motioned with one hand. “Come here.”

One man approached him and handed him a beautiful crown encrusted with clusters of small gemstones. It was sparkling, and just looking at it made my heart thud loudly.

“This is a ceremony that should be witnessed by our people, but allow me to be selfish and have this moment alone with you. I will give you a grand coronation the moment you settle with a mate.”

I bit my bottom lip. I almost got teary-eyed with his words, but the last part made me worry again.

“Kneel down, Princess Adessa. Remember that the only time you will kneel before me is whenever I put a crown on your head or bless you for whatever reason that may arise.”

My heart kept thudding loudly.

I have two options: either refuse the crown and run away or accept my royal fate.

I chose the latter.

I lowered onto my knees, but I kept my head straight, not blinking as the King placed the crown onto my head. I thought it was heavy, but I didn’t feel any pressure at all. Instead, it clung to my hair and head as if it belonged there.

“By the power vested in me by the Kingdom of Absalom, I declare and confirm you, Princess Adessa, as the youngest Royal of our Kingdom. You are given an irrevocable absolution for all the crimes you committed as long as you remain part of the Royal family.”

My eyes closed as I kept the tears at bay.

He knew.

He knew I didn’t want this life, and he was using my crimes to bond me to his throne.

“You may stand now.”

“Thank you, Father,” I mumbled as I opened my eyes and rose to my feet.

Our eyes locked, and I could see his eyes shining, but his expression remained stoic. “This Kingdom is also yours, Adessa. You have nothing to fear.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I simply nodded my head and smiled.

“Did you have a good sleep?” He diverted to a different topic.

“I did. The room I was in last night was more than enough. But this bedroom might be over the top, Father.”

He shook his head, and his expression remained poker. “This was already 20 years late. So maybe this is not enough for all the things we missed.”

“We missed a lot, and yet you’re giving me away…” I didn’t hide the pain in my voice.