The sound of trumpets—*BWAAAAH! BWAAAAH!*—echoed through the palace grounds, signaling the arrival of the royal entourage.

  Queen Lana, Duchess Sina, Lumina, and Princess Sixhonia had returned from their trip to the Southern Province, accompanied by a contingent of the army and some members of the Red Lion Guard. The palace buzzed with excitement as servants and guards rushed to greet them.

  I, for the first time in weeks, stepped out of my room. My recovery was complete, and though I had avoided the warrior’s path, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.

  I dressed simply, in a plain tunic and trousers, my long red hair tied back. At 16, I was still growing, but my features had sharpened, and the servants whispered among themselves about how handsome their young king had become.

  The Lion’s Mane children were the first to notice me. "Your Majesty!" Mustard Leo shouted, his voice filled with excitement. "You’re outside!"

  The other children rushed over, their faces beaming. "We missed you!" Ruby said, her eyes wide with joy.

  I smiled, ruffling Mustard’s hair. "I missed you too. But I’m back now."

  As the ladies entered the palace, I stood at the top of the grand staircase, my presence commanding attention. Sixhonia’s eyes met mine, and for a moment, the awkwardness between us was palpable. She looked away, her cheeks flushing.

  Queen Lana, ever observant, raised an eyebrow. "Sun," she said, her voice teasing. "What were you and Sixhonia doing in the same room before we left?"

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  I felt my face heat up, and Sixhonia’s blush deepened. "Mother," I said, my voice firm but flustered. "It’s not what you think."

  Duchess Sina chuckled, her sharp eyes gleaming. "Oh, I’m sure it’s exactly what we think."

  I decided to put an end to the speculation. "Bring me the Horn of the Royal Roar," I commanded, my voice steady.

  A Red Lion Guard hurried forward, holding the ornate horn. I took it, my hands steady despite the weight of the moment. I raised it to my lips and blew—*BWAAAAH!*—the deep, resonant sound echoing through the palace and beyond.

  "People of Waltonia," I announced, my voice carrying across the courtyard. "By my word as your king, I declare Princess Sixhonia Hyen Queen of Waltonia!"

  The crowd erupted in applause and cheers—*"Long live Queen Sixhonia! Long live King Sun!"*—their voices rising in a deafening chorus. The Lion’s Mane children jumped up and down, their excitement infectious. The servants and guards clapped, their faces filled with joy.

  Queen Lana and Duchess Sina exchanged a look, their expressions a mix of shock and amusement. "Well," Duchess Sina said, her voice dry. "That’s one way to make an announcement."

  After the celebrations died down, I asked Sixhonia for a private moment. We walked through the palace gardens, the scent of blooming flowers filling the air. The tension between us slowly eased as we talked.

  "Sun," Sixhonia said, her voice soft. "I’m sorry for everything. I didn’t mean to hurt you."

  I nodded, my eyes fixed on the path ahead. "I know. And I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have let my pride get in the way."

  She smiled, a small, genuine smile. "We’ve both made mistakes. But I think we can move past them, don’t you?"

  I looked at her, really looked at her, and for the first time in weeks, I felt a sense of peace. "I think so too."

  As we walked, we caught up on everything that had happened during our time apart. Sixhonia told me about the Southern Province, the mansion they had visited, and the people they had met. I told her about the palace expansion, the Lion’s Mane children, and the tax collection.

  By the time we returned to the palace, the awkwardness between us had faded, replaced by a sense of understanding and mutual respect. We were both young, thrust into roles we hadn’t asked for, but we were determined to make the best of it.