Princess Vixen's flustered silence lasted only a moment before her innate Fox Kingdom cunning reasserted itself. Her face smoothed instantly, replaced by a dazzling, false smile.
"A Queen?" Vixen exclaimed, stepping back with a theatrically low curtsy. "My deepest apologies, Your Majesty! I was led to believe Prince Lyraen was not yet... settled. Please forgive my bluntness. We fox shifters, you see, are terribly direct in our compliments." Her eyes, however, were still sharp, assessing Usagi's simple gown and small stature with unconcealed skepticism.
Usagi, despite her shy nature, felt a wave of confidence buoy her—a mix of Lyraen's protective presence beside her and Sterling's recent, powerful defense. She stood a little taller.
"Your apology is accepted, Princess," Usagi replied, her voice soft but steady. "And you are quite right. My Prince is very settled. He is also very particular about how his wife is addressed."
Lyraen squeezed her hand, his eyes gleaming with pride. He looked pointedly at Vixen. "Indeed. Now, if you'll excuse us, Princess, Sterling was just escorting my wife to the gardens for some fresh air."
Lord Fenris, seizing the opportunity, stepped forward to reclaim his charge. "Princess, we truly must depart. The Emperor of the Northern Peaks is waiting."
Vixen shot one final, lingering look at Sterling—a mix of frustration and renewed promise—before allowing Fenris to firmly steer her away
As the sound of the Fox Princess's dramatic exit faded, Lyraen finally turned his full attention to Usagi, releasing a weary sigh.
"I need to know why you left the room, Usagi," he said, his voice low and firm, echoing the tone of his earlier command. "That was not safe. I asked you to stay, and I meant it."
Usagi knew she couldn't simply giggle her way out of this. She sat back down on the bench and looked him directly in the eye. "I know you did, Lyraen, and I'm truly sorry," she began. "But I felt trapped. I haven't been in the woods in days, and the air in those rooms is too heavy. I was restless. And frankly, your command made me feel like a prisoner. I am a rabbit, my love, and we don't do well caged."
Sterling, who had quietly positioned himself a respectful distance away, gave a small, almost imperceptible nod of understanding.
Lyraen's face softened, the sternness in his golden eyes giving way to a deep comprehension. He moved closer, taking both her hands. "I understand the restlessness, Usagi. Believe me, my wolf knows that feeling well. But my intent was not to cage you, it was to protect you. You heard the rumors; you saw how Luna reacted. This castle is not a forest. You have enemies here now simply because you chose me."
"I know," Usagi insisted. "But that is precisely why I need to learn to navigate it, not hide from it. If I am to be your Queen, I need to be brave, not cloistered. I want to stand beside you, not behind a locked door."
"And you were incredibly brave just now," Lyraen conceded, a touch of admiration in his voice. "Defending your position to Vixen like that... I was immensely proud."
Usagi smiled, encouraged. "Thank you. But what about Princess Luna? Do you think she will leave us alone now?"
Lyraen ran a hand through his dark hair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Luna is another matter. She is far more dangerous than Vixen. Vixen wants to play games. Luna wants power, and she sees you as an obstacle to what she believes is rightfully hers: an alliance with my kingdom. Her kingdom is powerful. I can't simply banish her."
"So, what do we do?" Usagi asked, her hand tightening around his.
"We show them our strength," Lyraen replied, his voice firming with resolve. "We show them the strength of our bond. And we need to make sure you have allies." He turned his gaze to Sterling. "Sterling, I may have been angry with Usagi's recklessness, but I owe you my gratitude for being there. I need you to stay close to her. You know the castle better than anyone. Be her shadow when I cannot."
Sterling bowed deeply, his loyalty unwavering despite the conversation they had just shared. "It would be my honor, Your Highness. I am her friend, and I am now her sworn protector."
Usagi looked from her devoted Prince to her faithful childhood friend. Her journey was far from over, but standing between two powerful wolves who were sworn to her protection, she felt an immense sense of security. She had faced down two powerful princesses today. The forest rabbit was starting to learn what it meant to be a Queen.