35.

The sound of drums echoed through the kingdom, their rhythmic pounding sending waves of anticipation through the air. The ground beneath the castle trembled with each booming strike, and the citizens of the kingdom gathered in the square, murmuring with excitement. It had been years since they had heard such a resounding signal—the kind reserved for only the most glorious of returns.

At the center of it all, in the grand hall, Alex stood tall, his gaze fixed on the main doors. He had been informed of his cousin’s return, and although his mind was still consumed with thoughts of Aeryn and the troubling warnings from the astrologer, the news of Arin’s arrival filled him with a sense of pride and relief. She had been away for what felt like an eternity, leading campaigns across distant galaxies, fighting wars that most could only dream of.

Arin was no ordinary warrior. She was a force to be reckoned with, a fierce leader, and a figure of inspiration for the kingdom. She had a presence that commanded respect, and her victories had solidified her status as more than just royalty—she was a queen in her own right.

The drums grew louder, closer, and the doors to the hall swung open with a grand flourish. A figure appeared, cloaked in armor that gleamed under the bright lights of the chamber, her cape billowing behind her as she strode in with confidence. It was Arin, her face adorned with a wide, victorious grin.

The crowd of nobles and courtiers gasped collectively, their admiration palpable. Arin had returned from her journey of wars, triumphant as ever, and she looked every bit the queen they had heard tales of in their absence.

Alex smiled as she approached, stepping down from his throne to meet her halfway. As he stood before her, Arin removed her helmet, shaking loose her long hair. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked him over, and without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him in a fierce hug.

"Alex!" she exclaimed, her voice full of warmth and familiarity. "It’s good to see you, cousin. I’ve missed this place."

Alex chuckled softly, returning her embrace. "You’ve been gone too long, Arin. We’ve all missed you."

Arin pulled back slightly, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving him a playful shove. "Well, I’m back now, and I’m here to reclaim my place."

There was a playful sparkle in her eyes, and she turned to face the gathered crowd. She lifted her arms in a grand gesture, her voice loud and filled with pride. "People of the kingdom! Your queen has returned!"

The room erupted into cheers, the crowd awed by her confidence and might. Arin had always had a way with people, her charisma as powerful as her sword arm. She turned back to Alex with a grin, clearly enjoying the attention.

"I hope you’ve been keeping everything in order while I was off saving the universe," she teased, her tone light but with an undertone of seriousness.

Alex smiled, but before he could respond, Arin stepped closer, her voice dropping to a more intimate tone as she whispered, "I’ve heard about some of the trouble brewing here, Alex. I’m back just in time to help, aren’t I?"

Alex’s smile faded slightly, and he nodded. "There’s been… some complications, yes. But nothing I can’t handle."

Arin gave him a curious look but didn’t press further. Instead, she stepped back, raising her chin with the same commanding presence that had won her so many victories. "Good. Because I’m not just here to watch from the sidelines, cousin. I’m ready to reclaim my rightful place beside you. As your queen."

Alex blinked, caught off guard by her words. For a moment, he didn’t quite understand what she was implying, but then it hit him. Arin had always been fiercely independent, but she had also held a deep bond with Alex, both as family and as comrades. The idea of her wanting to rule alongside him wasn’t entirely unexpected—except for one glaring fact.

He had already chosen his queen.

"Arin," Alex began, his voice soft but firm, "you’ve always been a queen in your own right, and this kingdom owes you a great debt for all you’ve done. But… I’ve already chosen my queen."

Arin’s brow furrowed, and she tilted her head in confusion. "Chosen? But I haven’t even returned until now. How could you—"

"It’s not you, Arin," Alex interrupted gently. "It’s someone else."

The crowd, sensing the shift in conversation, grew quieter, their attention now fully on the exchange between Alex and Arin.

Arin’s eyes narrowed slightly as realization dawned on her. "Someone else?" she repeated, her voice carefully controlled. "Who could possibly take my place?"

Alex hesitated for a moment, knowing that what he was about to say would not be easy for her to accept. "Her name is Aeryn. She’s human." Alex held her gaze, his expression unwavering. "I’ve chosen Aeryn as my queen. She’s more than capable, and I care for her deeply. She is my future."

Arin took a step back, clearly taken aback by his declaration. "Alex," she said slowly, "you can’t be serious. A human? Do you know what kind of danger that puts the kingdom in? Our people won’t accept her."

"They already have," Alex replied with quiet intensity. "Because they must. Without a human queen, this kingdom is doomed. It’s not just about tradition anymore—it's about survival. Without her, our world will fall."

The crowd, whispering in shock moments earlier, grew utterly silent. The gravity of Alex's words weighed heavily on everyone present.After what felt like an eternity, Arin finally sighed, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. "You’ve changed, Alex," she said, almost wistfully. "But… I suppose I should have expected that."

She turned away from him, her gaze sweeping over the crowd before she faced him again. "I won’t pretend to understand your choice," she said quietly, "but I respect it. I just hope you know what you’re doing."

Alex gave her a small nod. "I do."

Arin smiled then, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Well, I guess that means I’ll have to meet this human queen of yours."

The crowd watched in stunned silence as Arin, the warrior queen of galaxies, accepted her cousin’s decision. And though there were whispers of doubt and uncertainty, there was also a sense of admiration for the strength it took to make such a choice.

As the drums faded into the background, Alex knew that the real challenge had only just begun. But with Aeryn by his side, he was ready to face whatever came next—together