Chapter 153. Announcement

DOVE

I was nervous, in part because I would never get used to standing in front of so many people, speaking loudly, and waiting for a reaction from the crowd. I was afraid of being booed; this fear had always been ingrained in me despite my strong character.

I had to walk up the stairs and face what people thought, even if it contradicted what I had said. That was the essence and what scared me, because sometimes I felt that I was not a good ruler. I knew that Jacob would be present; I watched him with narrowed eyes on his throne, hoping that what he said contained even a hint of prudence. Lion accompanied me; he had gently joined me after waking from his forcibly induced sleep.

I went and stood on my throne, waiting for the people to gather and for silence to reign so that I could speak what I so feared would come out of my mouth. The king looked at me sternly, with those murderous eyes that seemed to cut like a dagger. I shuddered; I loved him, but that did not