The King’s Declaration

Reya's POV. 

The crowd in the grand hall was filled with eagerness. With a blank stare, I watched as Xander approached the dais. His presence was imposing, every move imperceptible, each action commanding. All eyes were on him as the crowd ceased to move. 

Xander began, "I am not your monarch, but a guardian of righteousness and truth."

Murmurs rippled through the assembly. Holding my fists, I sensed the storm was approaching. 

"Rules and whispers have been circulating that are intended to diminish Luna Reya's honor," Xander stated....". Any criticism of her character is a challenge to the crown's legitimacy."

Gasps echoed. My heart pounded. The argument was not solely defensive, but also a declaration of loyalty. 

My gaze remained fixed on the ground as I advanced. We shook off each other before reaching Xander's eyes. We were a strong community, one formed through fire and hardship.' 

As Tristan rose from the darkness, his voice whispered: "What do all of you know?". People who exhibited the mark of her spouse? "

All eyes turned to him. My face hardened, there was a flicker of pain across my chest. 

With a determined determination, Xander looked back at Tristan. "Tristan, I have forgotten about you.". When you left her, you lost all your possessions.”

The phrase resonated with a sharp sound. Stepping closer to Tristan, with defiance running in his veins. ‘I loved her always. 

With a firm voice, I interjected: 'Did you mean love?'". It's actions. Choices." 

The hall held its breath. There was an electric tension, a powder keg waiting for..

Xander offered me his hand. "Come with me, and we'll create a future that is free from the past."

I was hesitant, uncertain about whether to follow one path or follow the other. 

"Reya, please remember who we were," Tristan remarked. What we had."

I was in tears. I remember everything."

But I turned away from either of them and firmly said: ‘But I choose myself’. 

The hall erupted in murmurs. With a grimace in his eye, Xander gazed at Tristan with both grief and praise. 

"I stood tall, a source of strength. I'll struggle to protect myself."

Walking away, I felt a heavy weight of my decision. 

The world is stunned by what I say. With a desire to win my affection, Xander defends his twin children and pledges revenge against those who have wronged me. Tristan, yearning for redemption, requests a second chance. I am unable to express my emotions as both men are trying to win me over and reject each other. I pledge to establish my personal path and initiate a fresh phase of empowerment and self-discovery."

Standing in the grand hall, I felt the weight of the crown's expectations on my shoulders, with the sound of yesterday' s declaration still echoing in my mind. The tides had been turned around by Xander's public defense, but the storm inside me still persisted. 

"With a fierce yet mesmerizing look to his right, Xander went straight for. I stand with you. Let me be your protector and safeguard your twins." 

His words were a source of comfort and repulsion. At what price did protection come with its own slyness? 

Tristan stood up before I could answer, his eyes begging. "I admit that I have made mistakes, but my love for you remains unwavering." 

The rivalry between them was intense, a battle of titans for my affection. I was shattered, each time offering a different escape, every occasion filled with danger. 

"Enough, " I muttered. "This is not about choosing between you two."

It's about choosing myself." 

Both men looked stunned. 

"I'm open to your suggestions, but I must also create my own path instead of being a pawn."

I spoke, and the hall just shook with indifference.