Chapter 106: Eyes on the Queen

Ariana’s lips parted open. This note... it was very familiar to her, and the moment she heard it, the shock that hit her wasn’t just normal—it was like a wave crashing into her. She hadn’t expected it at all. It was the kind of feeling where your body shivers lightly, and your ears catch a nostalgic ring that tugs at something deep within you. But... her mother had told her she made that song. So how was it being played now? Ariana had heard her mother sing the song before, sometimes humming it softly. That was why she recognized it so quickly. Her heart swelled, and she could already feel her mother beside her. For the first time in a long time, she felt her mother’s presence deep within her with no doubt. Was it because of the song? "Ariana." Her body stilled the moment she heard the voice. She turned, looking around. Zavren, who had been observing her, then spoke calmly. "My wife, is something the matter?" he asked as he locked eyes with her. His hand moved gently, slowly tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear. A soft gasp escaped through the crowd—they had definitely seen the romantic gesture the King had just done with the Queen. Ariana’s face warmed. Her skin tingled slightly. He had done that in front of so many people she didn’t even know. Right now, she wanted to cry—not from pain, but because her heart felt full. She couldn’t believe what had just happened the note... She felt like she could finally let go, be free of everything that had been weighing on her. She didn’t even know how to explain what she was feeling. Strangely, she was even more surprised than anyone else. Even though she was aware that Lady Stephanie would be playing an instrument, she had no idea she would be playing for her. And not to mention—it was one of the songs she had loved hearing from her mother. Her mother used to hum this same song in the kitchen, in the garden, and even during bedtime. It was the last thing she expected—actually, she hadn’t expected it at all. That’s why it hit her even harder. She turned her gaze to Zavren when she noticed some ladies whispering and staring at him admiringly from the crowd. To her surprise, he was staring only at her. Ariana’s eyes widened. She stared at him. "Stop staring," she pleaded silently with her eyes. But it seemed she had made a sinful mistake because Zavren leaned in toward her, making yet another soft gasp echo through the crowd. Ariana had no idea that every little thing this man did could earn such gasps. It shocked her. She stared at him, but it seemed he didn’t care about those. His focus was solely on her. His lips brushed her ear, and Ariana’s heart pounded loudly. Knowing that people’s eyes were on them made her face burn even more. Was this man using this as a form of punishment? Because if he was, it was definitely working. She just wanted him to stop—even though her body didn’t want that, her mind did. She was too aware of the gazes around them. "Are you saying I can’t admire my beautiful wife anymore, hmm?" he asked. Ariana could barely believe him. Was he seriously teasing her here—of all times? She couldn’t believe it. He was truly using this opportunity to tease her hard. She pressed her lips together, trying to hold back a smile, but in the end, she couldn’t help it. She nodded slightly. "Go ahead and admire me, sweetheart," she spoke through the mind link. "Because I’ll do the same to you... when I want." Zavren’s body stilled—he hadn’t expected that. His lips curled up with amusement. Ariana turned to watch Lady Stephanie play with joy, and slowly, the melody began to slow down, fading until it stopped. Silence fell over the hall. Lady Stephanie bowed. A particular person began to clap, as eyes stared at her. Still, Ariana clapped, and Zavren clapped too. Eventually, the crowd followed, clapping lightly as a graceful smile stretched across Lady Stephanie’s lips. She raised her head, her eyes meeting Ariana’s for the first time. Ariana smiled, and Lady Stephanie returned the gesture warmly. Ariana then turned, feeling a suffocating presence bedide her. She realized it was Zavren. His eyes were filled with displeasure. She blinked in disbelief. Was she not even allowed to smile at her friend? "Just wait till tonight," he muttered with dark excitement in his call eyes. Ariana’s eyes stretched wide at the mischievous look in his grey eyes. Now she was curious. What was he planning? She didn’t want to admit it, but a part of her wanted to know what this proud husband of hers was up to. She squinted at him, giving him a suspicious look as Zavren chuckled. To Ariana’s surprise, his chuckle echoed through the quiet hallway—it was because the music had not yet resumed. Then he said it, and Ariana’s heart leapt even more. "Oh, sweetheart... You are so gorgeous." Ariana’s lips parted as a loud gasp echoed across the room once again. Zavren’s voice had echoed loud and clear. She turned to look at him, watching the way his lips curled—the kind of curl that said, I won’t hesitate to do that again. Ariana’s lips opened and closed softly, stunned. Then Zavren stood for his announcement—a short one. And one thing about announcements, everyone must be silent. No whispering. Not at a time like this, when even a misplaced sound could lead to death. All eyes and ears were on the King and Queen. A man arrived, dressed in a royal garment, holding a royal red pillow-like cloth with a crown atop. He walked slowly toward Zavren and Ariana. "From this day onward, my wife, Queen Ariana, will finally be crowned the Luna of Eltones," Zavren declared. Ariana stood. The man climbed the stairs and lifted the pillow gently. Zavren moved forward and took the crown, gently placing it atop Ariana’s head. It balanced perfectly due to the hairclip she had used. And just like that, the crowd echoed in unison, "Long live our Luna! Long live the King!" Ariana was finally crowned Luna of Eltones. Her lips curled into a warm smile as Zavren sat. The man bowed and began to leave, and the violin and piano began again—swiftly—marking the beginning of the general dance. Kings and queens began dancing as the music played. Others stood chatting among themselves. Ariana noticed a king and queen walking toward them—she recognized the little badge on their royal robes. What she didn’t know was that the reason Zavren hadn’t touched his wine... was because of her. He didn’t know if she would be comfortable with him drinking as she was pregnant. The older couple reached them. The man looked to be in his late forties, while the lady beside him seemed to be in her late thirties. Both had black hair with a touch of white, and they wore creamy-colored matching outfits. A pair of glasses rested on the lower part of the man’s face, hinting at his weak eyesight. "Luna Ariana, congratulations," the man said warmly. "It is an honor to meet you and Alpha Z..Zavren," the lady added with a smile. Ariana nodded gently in response even do Zavren ignored them. "Your husband was very right earlier about you being gorgeous. You’re even more exquisite up close," she added. Ariana smiled in return, but Zavren looked utterly bored. His face alone made it clear—he didn’t want them there. All he wanted was to see his wife and have all her attention. "You may take your leave now. Remember, you both are old. Falling could mean early death." Zavren’s cold voice startled not only the couple, but also Ariana. The man gave a tight smile despite the horror and fear in his eyes at Zavren’s emotionless words, and the woman did the same. They bowed gently and began to leave, walking with extra care. Ariana turned to Zavren, her glare sharp. Zavren only shrugged and smirked as he lightly pinched her cheek. "All I said was the truth. The truth is bitter. Besides, I did them a favor. At least they won’t be dying now." Ariana could hardly believe what he had just said. The fact that he didn’t even care that he said it shocked her. But what shocked her more... was the dark excitement that had flashed through his eyes at the mention of dying. As if that wasn’t enough, the music came to a slow stop. The dance ended, and everyone moved apart. Everything happened so naturally, so perfectly—that she was in awe. Ariana was sure she couldn’t keep up with their level of etiquette and lifestyle. Then a red-covered rolling platform was brought in. Ariana watched in wonder as it was moved to the center of the hall. All eyes turned toward it, curious. Then, they gently pulled the cover away. Ariana’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. It was her p..painting—just as Zavren had said he would bring it here. There it stood, in the middle of the hall, as every single eye rested on it.