The soft morning light filtered through the tall gothic windows of the royal chambers, brushing against the velvet curtains and casting warm gold across the marble floors. Xavi stood before the mirror, buttoning the last of his black royal suit. The dark fabric fit his frame perfectly—tailored, commanding, with a faint glint of red threading that marked the insignia of Noctyra's reigning King.
Just then, the bathroom door opened, and a gentle mist followed the figure that stepped out. Josephine emerged, wrapped in a white towel, her long damp hair cascading down her shoulders. Droplets of water shimmered on her skin, catching the light. Her gaze lifted—and for a moment, she froze.
Xavi was already dressed.
He looked so effortlessly regal, every inch of him exuding confidence and power. In her mind, Josephine whispered to herself, He looks very, very handsome… No wonder women are after him.
She didn't realize that Xavi had caught her reflection in the mirror—and somehow, even without words, he felt what she was thinking. His lips curved into a small, teasing smile as he turned toward her.
Josephine's cheeks flushed scarlet.
"Good morning, my Queen," Xavi murmured before pressing a soft kiss to her lips, stealing the words she hadn't yet said. Then, with one arm around her waist, he led her gently toward the massive walk-in closet.
Josephine's eyes widened.
Before her stood a dress unlike any other—glistening black fabric layered with faint red silk beneath, embroidered with intricate designs of ravens and roses. The gown looked like it was woven from shadows and moonlight.
She turned to him and made a sign with her hands: Is it for me?
"Yes, my dearest wife," Xavi replied, his voice low and tender. "It's for you." He leaned forward and kissed her cheek lovingly.
Before she could respond, a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," Xavi said.
The door opened to reveal Assia, who bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, I am here to dress her."
"Alright," Xavi said, glancing at Josephine once more. "Make her look very beautiful for me."
"Yes, my Lord," Assia said with a grin.
As Xavi walked out, Josephine looked down shyly. Assia turned to her with bright excitement. "Woahhh, Jojo! This looks very pretty! Let's get you dressed up!"
Josephine laughed softly. She treated Assia like a sister rather than a maid—that was one of the reasons Assia and Lyra adored her so much.
Minutes later, Josephine stood in front of the mirror fully dressed. The gown hugged her gracefully, its fabric whispering as she moved. Her hair was styled into gentle curls pinned with black jewels, and a faint trace of rose perfume lingered in the air.
When she stepped downstairs, she paused at the last step. The hall was filled with guests—faces she recognized and many she did not. Her fingers fidgeted nervously at her sides.
She spotted Xavi at the far end of the hall, speaking with his grandmother and the Blood Reign Syndicate.
Then—
"My days! Jojo baby, look at you!"
Josephine turned just as Anesthesia gasped loudly, rushing over with radiant pride.
"Come on, let's go," Anesthesia said, tugging gently at her sister's hand.
Josephine shook her head, her nerves showing.
"You're shy? Oh, come on, I'm right here," Anesthesia reassured, smiling. "Look, it's Mom! Let's go!"
Together, they walked toward the family.
"Jojo!" Oliver and Noah called out, hugging her tightly. She hugged them back with warmth. Tess kissed her forehead lovingly, wrapping her arms around her daughter.
Callum and Piere approached next.
"Congratulations, Josephine," Raden said suddenly.
The family turned to him sharply—especially Anesthesia, who subtly made a sign for him to shut up.
Josephine blinked, confused.
"I mean—uh, congratulations, you'll soon graduate," Raden corrected quickly.
The family collectively exhaled in relief.
Josephine hugged Sophia next. Sophia patted her head gently with a soft smile.
Meanwhile, Adris was sitting comfortably in Xoni's arms as Josephine took her seat near the grand staircase. Every guest who passed by offered a "Congratulations, Your Highness," and she smiled and bowed politely, still unaware of what was about to happen.
Kara sat beside her, chatting about the research of Zephyria.
Across the room, Velara sat with a friend—her eyes never leaving Xavi.
"You're the one who let him go," her friend said quietly.
"I want him and my son back," Velara hissed.
"Then kill her—or send her away. Just get her out. The throne and the family will be yours," her friend, Jodie, whispered.
Xavi, with his heightened senses, heard every word. His hands clenched, but he restrained his anger, his eyes briefly flicking toward Velara with quiet warning.
Moments later, he walked toward the throne and sat. Caius stepped forward and raised his voice:
"All hail King Xavi!"
"HAIL!!!" everyone roared in unison.
Josephine looked around, startled and confused. Remus and Velara exchanged puzzled glances.
Xavi stood, his voice powerful as it echoed through the hall.
"Today, everyone present here is a witness to a historic moment—for my wife, Princess Josephine's coronation… as the Queen of Noctyra Kingdom."
Velara's eyes widened, disbelief twisting her features.
"Princess Josephine," Elder Mark announced. He was half vampire, half wizard—King Roman's oldest friend. "Please step forward."
Josephine's breath caught in her throat. Her legs trembled as she stood. What if I'm not ready? she thought nervously. Why didn't he tell me anything about this? Is it because of Velara? I guess it is…
Elder Mark smiled kindly as she approached. Tess wiped tears from her eyes.
"I'm so proud," Tess whispered. "Nana, I hope you're watching."
Noah wrapped an arm around her. "She is, love."
"My dearest baby girl…" Callum murmured, holding Nyx's hand tightly.
"She looks so pretty," Piere whispered.
"She really does," Raden added softly, kissing Piere's cheek.
Josephine knelt gracefully before Elder Mark, her black gown spreading like dark petals on the marble floor.
"I now crown you, Queen of Noctyra Kingdom," Mark declared.
He lifted the dark, gothic crown—crafted from black metal with upward curving spikes and blood-red gemstones that shimmered like rubies in candlelight. Carefully, he placed it upon her head.
Xavi's eyes softened with pride as he stepped forward, extending his hand. Josephine placed her trembling hand in his, and he gently raised her to stand beside him. Together, they sat on the twin thrones.
"ALL HAIL QUEEN JOSEPHINE!" Elder Mark proclaimed.
"HAIL!!" the hall erupted.
Josephine bowed slightly, her heart pounding.
Remus's face darkened with jealousy. Velara's eyes burned with quiet hatred.
One by one, the guests came forward to congratulate the new Queen.
"Queen Josephine Xavi Roman," they called her.
That night, Josephine held Adris close in her arms. The little boy had fallen asleep on her chest. She gently changed him into his tiny blue pajamas and laid beside him, brushing her fingers through his hair.
Xavi entered the room quietly, removing his crown. "Is he asleep now?"
Josephine nodded and made a sign with her hands: Why didn't you tell me?
"Because someone was trying to take it from you," Xavi said softly, cupping her face. "It belongs to you, Josephine—no one else. You are the best Queen this kingdom could ever ask for. Noctyra is ours now… and Zephyria is yours."
Her lips curved into a tender smile. She kissed him gently, and he wrapped his arms around her protectively.
Far across the castle halls, Velara met Jodie again.
"Make sure she dies," Jodie whispered.
Velara smirked coldly. "She will."
But what they didn't know was that Xavi—ever watchful, ever aware—heard every word.
The next morning, the castle buzzed with peace. Josephine woke early and prepared breakfast herself. She arranged Xavi's food carefully and carried it up to his room.
When she entered, Xavi was shirtless, sitting by the window. The sunlight painted his skin gold.
She set his tray down silently.
But his eyes weren't on the food—they were on her ass as he lick his lips and became hard for her.
Josephine felt his gaze and turned away quickly, blushing.
He chuckled, low and teasing. "Will I have dessert after, love?"
She rolled her eyes and kissed his cheek playfully.
Elsewhere in the palace, Remus carefully poured a vial of deadly snake poison—his plan to kill Xavi.
Velara, in her chambers, held a vial of shimmering red liquid: a love potion crafted by the Dark Witch herself.
"Xavi is mine," Velara hissed. "And I'll take him back."
But the witch had lied. Spells—especially love spells—did not work on Xavi. Not hers.
In his chamber, Xavi's attention was fixed entirely on Josephine—the Queen who had unknowingly changed everything.
As she fed him lovingly, he smiled faintly, eyes glinting with knowing fire.
He had heard it all.
And he was already planning what would come next.