It was not until the day of the coronation that I saw Ian again. He wore a golden crown with jewels and diamonds and held a scepter of authority in one hand. He sat impassively on his throne, his purple eyes cold as ever.
Below him stood two rows of elegantly dressed nobles, all staring at Lydia and me with anticipation and envy. My gaze was fixed on the road ahead. I had to walk slowly to maintain a dignified posture while Lydia, next to me, deliberately walked in front of me.
She was wearing a bright red dress, and her veil with a crown swayed from side to side as she walked faster. She seemed not used to carrying heavy loads on her head. This reminded me of what Katheran had once said to me. She said I would be a ruler like her in the future. Now I could feel the unspeakable. Every step I took brought me closer to the abyss.