Alex nodded and said, 'Yes, actually. I've known him ever since I was a child. My father was in charge of defense and security back then.
I remember him always being busy with the king, constantly discussing the important matters of the kingdom, while I was left to play with Rayan. Honestly, my first impression of him wasn't very good. To me, he was just an arrogant rich boy who wouldn't even let me touch his toys. He rarely spoke to me and often ignored me completely. He treated the servants the same way too.
But as the years passed, I began to understand him better. In fact, I can proudly say that I spent more time with him than anyone else, because all the people around him were always occupied.
After some months, I realized that his silence and indifference weren't born out of pride or arrogance—it was nervousness and the weight of expectations that made him appear that way. Slowly, our bond grew stronger, and we became good friends as time went on.
But then came that day . Some servants in the palace plotted something dreadful. I think we must have been around eleven years old when it happened. A servant slipped quietly into our room, and before we even realized, he had grabbed hold of Rayan, covering his mouth tightly.
I froze at first, shocked, but then I screamed and tried to fight him off. Before I could even react properly, he struck me and everything went dark.
When I regained consciousness, I found myself in a filthy hut, surrounded by the very servants who had betrayed the palace. Rayan was there too, bound and silent.
They demanded a huge ransom in exchange for our lives, threatening that they would only return us once they had safely reached the enemy kingdom. Their plan was to seek refuge there, offering not just us but also the secrets of our kingdom in exchange for protection.
During those terrifying hours, I couldn't stop blaming myself. I felt so weak, so powerless. I thought to myself—if my father had been there instead of me, he would have finished them all in a matter of minutes.
But, fortunately, their plan never succeeded. My father and the king caught them before they could escape.
That day, I made a promise to myself: I would grow stronger. I would be like my father—someone capable of protecting not just the nation, but also my dearest friend, with all the strength I had.
And here I am now, standing in front of you, keeping that promise.'
He turned to me and asked, "How about you? When did you first meet the queen?"
I smiled. "Well, we can say she's practically my sister. We grew up together for many years. Later, she left our house and started living on her own in the neighborhood, but even then, she was still my sister. And even now, despite being a queen, she will always remain my little sister to me."
Alex's lips curved into a smile.
Being a bit frank, he said, "It's quite surprising though—the girl I once saw with the king in the marketplace is now the queen."
I chuckled softly. "Yes, I suppose it must feel strange for you. But I think it will take some time for her—and for everyone else—to truly adjust to her new role."
Alex shook his head gently, still smiling. "Not for me. From the very moment the king told me that she was the girl he loved, she became someone deeply respectable in my eyes. To me, it didn't take even a second to accept her. Of course, there are others who don't share the same view, but I'm certain they will change in time."
Mira then fell silent, and I too was left speechless after hearing all this.
I thought to myself, I was so wrong about him.
A wave of guilt washed over me.
Yet, despite the guilt, a smile appeared on my face. For the first time, I felt assured of one thing—that I had a true supporter in this palace, apart from Rayan.
I said, "Alright, now I'm certain of one thing—go and talk to him. I want him as my brother-in-law. You like him, don't you?"
A shy, blushing smile appeared on Mira's face.
"That's it—now go, and do your best."
We both clenched our fists with determination, silently wishing for the best.
And then, she left.
After that, I went to my room.
An hour or two later, I heard the door open. When I looked up, I saw Rayan. A smile immediately appeared on my face—yet I noticed his expression was nothing like mine. He looked troubled, weighed down by something.
I asked gently, "What happened to you? Is everything alright?"
Rayan sighed deeply before answering. "I was out on my rounds. I know everything in this kingdom is not fine, but I cannot pinpoint the problems. Nor do I know how to correct them. I feel helpless. I don't know a thing, and I'm worried… what will I even do?"
I looked at him calmly and said, "Well, you don't need to know everything, nor do you need to solve it all at once. Just take one problem at a time, and you'll discover the others along the way. You have many ministers, don't you? Ask them about the issues and the possible solutions. Or better yet—ask the locals. People like me, from before, could easily give you a list of what's needed."
Rayan gave a faint smile. "Then why don't you tell me? Just give me a sense of what to do."
I thought for a moment, then said, "The biggest flaw I've seen is the lack of work. Do you remember? The reason I once stole was because I couldn't find work anywhere. If everyone is given some kind of employment, most problems would solve themselves. People who can earn will be able to feed themselves and their families—they won't need to steal. And with proper work, the kingdom itself will grow stronger by using the potential of its people. Over time, new talents will rise."
Rayan looked at me in wonder, then smiled. "I can't tell whether I am the king, or you are."
His eyes held mine as he continued, "Is this the kind of kingdom you dream of? One where everyone prospers, and each person's prosperity benefits another? That's… actually a wonderful vision."
I nodded. "Yes. That is the kingdom I truly wish for—a happy kingdom."
Rayan gently held my hand. His voice was steady as he said, "If this is what you wish for, my queen, then I promise I will build such a kingdom. A kingdom worthy of you. A kingdom both of us can be proud of."