With a heavy heart, Yume complied with her mother's request, allowing fear to cloud her mind as she made her way to her mother's private chamber. Thoughts raced through Yume's mind, each one filled with apprehension and worry. "Does she know? How could she possibly know? No, she mustn't know. But what if she does? What will happen to me?" The weight of uncertainty pressed upon her as she anticipated the impending verbal reprimand from her mother. Though Queen Stella would never raise a hand against her daughter, her words possessed a cutting edge as sharp as her magic.
Finally arriving at her mother's room after what felt like an eternity, Yume found herself marveling at the beauty that surrounded her.
Entranced by the celestial scenery that patterned the walls outside the room, Yume's apprehension momentarily eased as the doors seemingly opened of their own accord.
The room was unlike any other in the palace, resembling a private slice of the night sky. Stars adorned every surface, casting a soft, ethereal glow. There was no furniture to speak of, only the vast expanse of twinkling stars. Yume found herself awestruck by the beauty of it all, her fears momentarily forgotten.
Queen Stella manifested before her, resplendent in her finest robes, her shoulder-length purple hair adorned with stars that shimmered and sparkled like those Yume herself wore. She exuded a regal aura that commanded respect, and Yume found herself no longer filled with fear, but with a quiet admiration for the queen standing before her. But it was not one of Familial love.
"There simply is no room as beautiful as this one." Stella's voice rang out with serene grace as she gestured to the celestial splendor surrounding them. She approached Yume, laying a comforting hand on her shoulder before conjuring a luxurious bed made of pure starlight and taking a seat. "Sit with me, child," she commanded in an imposing yet motherly tone.
Yume complied, though she maintained a cautious distance. Their relationship had grown strained of late, their interactions few and far between. Though Yume still held deep affection for her mother, she couldn't remember the last time Stella had addressed her by name. It was always "child" or "princess" now, leaving Yume feeling distant and disconnected.
And lately, Solarie and Lunarette had felt more like family to her..
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As they sat together in silence, gazing at the endless expanse of stars, Stella finally spoke. "Child, I know you yearn to explore the outside world, and truth be told, so do I. There are days when I long for the freedom I had before bearing this crown." She chuckled softly, a rare moment of vulnerability slipping through her regal facade.
Yume listened intently as Stella opened up about her regrets and the weight of responsibility that burdened her, and of how they will one day be carried by Yume. For the first time in years, Yume sensed genuine emotion in her mother's voice, a flicker of the person she once knew beneath the queenly exterior.
“My heart aches every time I think about how lonely you must feel. But know that this is a burden we both share.
But as your mother, I have nothing but regrets for forcing this upon you this early.
This burden should only be carried by the one who bears the crown. It is not right to force it upon you as well. But you must understand..It is all for the cosmic order. Our bloodline is of utmost importance to the galaxy. And if anything were to happen to you..i..i..”
Tears glistened in Stella's eyes as she confessed her fears and vulnerabilities, and Yume felt her own heartache mirrored in her mother's sorrow. "It's okay, Mother," she said softly, offering a comforting touch. In that moment, they were not queen and princess, but mother and daughter, bound together by love and understanding.
Stella regained her composure, her regal demeanor returning as she spoke of duty and destiny. Yume pledged her unwavering support, determined to stand by her mother's side no matter the cost. Yume pulled her mother in for a hug, and they sat like that for a while.
But their brief moment of connection was broken as Stella rose to her feet, businesslike once more. "Now then..You are probably wondering why I called you over.”
And in that instant, Yume knew. Yume knew that their bond as family was to be torn at once more.
“Today, you shall accompany me to the throne room," she announced. "From now on, you shall be present at all council meetings, whether with seekers or fellow celestials. Come, let us depart."
As they left the chamber, Yume felt that all-too-familiar loneliness creep back up to tear at her mind. Despite their shared blood, she couldn't shake the sense that they were now back to being mere strangers, bound together by shared duty..