Rebecca's POV The applause started quietly at first. A few hesitant claps from the back of the hall. Then more joined in, growing steadily until the sound filled the entire space. I stood there, hands clasped in front of me, trying not to let my relief show too obviously. When the applause finally died down, I stepped off the platform. Gideon was there immediately, his hand finding the small of my back. "Well done," he said quietly. "I didn't trip," I said. "That too." The rest of the evening passed in a blur of faces and conversations and more wine than I actually drank. By the time the last guests filtered out, exhaustion had settled deep into my bones. Maddie found me near the end, her own face tired but pleased. "You survived," she said. "Barely." "That counts." Maddie squeezed my hand. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be even worse." "Worse?" "You're Queen now," Maddie said. "The work doesn't stop." She was right. The next morning started before dawn. An attend
Last Updated : 2026-02-07
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