POV: Lyra
The next morning, I walked into the dining hall with Juan and Hale for the morning consumption period. The moment I stepped through the entrance, every Lyrokan and Kaelari in the room bent their knees slightly and lowered their heads in our direction.
What the void?
Juan, Hale, and I stopped in our tracks, turning around. We looked at each other in confusion—Orion was nowhere to be seen. He was the only person who could make the whole room bow like that, but he wasn't here yet. So why was everyone bowing?
"Uhh... I think it's for you, Lyra," Juan whispered.
I flinched internally. Some beings were already looking my way from the corner of their eyes, probably wondering if I was ever going to let them stand.
Oh stars. They're bowing to me. The mining colony girl.
I bowed at the crowd in return before resuming my standing position. That powerful voice from last night came out again, surprising even me: "Please, stand when I stand, to signify that we stand through every prosperity and hardship together."
Everyone lifted their heads and stood upright. Surprised murmurs rippled through the hall—admiration at my words that somehow managed to sound both humble and regal. No one they'd bowed to had ever offered a bow in return. I was the first.
What am I doing? Making up protocols now?
"Wow!" Christian's voice came from behind me. "If my cousin weren't bonded to you, I would've been the first to suggest he abdicated the throne for you to take it."
I turned to see him approaching with that trademark cheeky smile. With an arm stretched diagonally across his chest, he tilted his head slightly. "My Empress."
I smirked. "Good morning to you too, Christian."
He's enjoying this way too much.
I returned to talking with the Kaelari, relieved they still spoke normally—as allies and friends. Zeke, Tate, and Juan asked if there were updates on the rogue Lyrokan being held in containment. They relaxed when I mentioned he'd remain unconscious until later this afternoon.
Suddenly, everyone bowed a second time. I turned to see Orion taking large strides toward me, his pathways glowing purple with happiness, lips visibly curved upward. He slid his hand into mine—neural sparks immediately flowing between us—before facing the room and... bowing in return?
He's copying me?
When he stood, his voice carried through the hall. "As our Empress has said, stand when we stand because we all stand together, through everything."
There'd been admiration when I said those words. But now? Only shock and confusion when Orion replicated them. Still, they obliged while throwing each other doubtful glances. Did the Emperor really just say that?
He gazed at me lovingly. "Good morning, beautiful."
"In a good mood this morning, I see," I teased.
"Mm." He pressed his lips to my forehead, neural sparks cascading from the contact. "It got better when I heard about the new formality you've started. Another first."
Clearly talking about my idea of bowing back. I narrowed my eyes. "Christian told you, didn't he?"
"Yes, my Empress. I definitely did." Christian joined us. "As much as I love and respect you, my Empress, I didn't trust you to tell the Emperor. Knowing your level of humility, you would downplay what really happened. And uh, cuz..." he looked at Orion, "I meant it when I said you should consider abdicating your throne to her."
"Christian," I started, "why do I get the feeling you've exaggerated what really happened?"
Before his cousin could respond, Orion chuckled. "I don't think so, babe. After I said what you did earlier, I could've sworn I heard at least twenty different voices asking each other whether I just copied my Empress."
Babe? In public again?
I asked uncomfortably, "Orion, is it even appropriate to ask everyone to address me as that? I'm technically not an Empress."
Christian told Orion, "I can have her coronation arranged by tomorrow, cuz. Just say the word."
"No! That's not what I meant!" I exclaimed frantically.
Christian chuckled. "Relax, my Empress. I was only joking. There really is no hurry."
Orion took my hands, his purple eyes looking affectionately into my black ones. "Lyra, the title doesn't indicate we have to rush into anything. We're taking this slow. Before wanting to refuse being called our Empress, at least consider the fact that you've already spoken and commanded like an Empress last night and this morning. So backing out is going to disappoint a lot of beings, not just me and Christian."
I narrowed my eyes as realization hit. "You two set me up. That was the plan. You two are devious! You put me in a position where I couldn't refuse."
They planned this whole thing. The speech, the public declaration, everything.
Orion kissed my forehead, apparently finding my look of realization adorable. "You could have refused. You could have run away or broken down in fear. But you didn't. You spoke like a true leader, commanded like a noble ruler."
"First of all," I retorted, "you know me well enough to know I wouldn't run or cry in front of everyone. And if I wanted to run, your tight grip on my hand last night would've destroyed my plans. Two, we got lucky I was able to speak like that. For a whole minute, I couldn't move or speak. I was petrified."
Christian muttered to himself, "Hm... didn't seem like that though."
Orion continued smiling. "Come on, sweetheart. You were great! You did it this morning, too. I'm sorry I missed it but I'm sure it was equally, if not more, phenomenal."
Before I could speak, Christian butted in. "It was definitely more phenomenal. And it was better than any speech you gave in the last eighteen cycles, cuz."
"See! Christian thinks so!" Orion exclaimed. I was about to retort again but he pouted. "Baby, it's not that bad. Just think of it as someone calling your name."
"Right," I said sarcastically, "why didn't I think of it? The title of an Empress sounds just like my name."
Christian deliberately ignored my sarcasm. "Exactly! That's the spirit, my Empress!"
I threw him a frustrated glare but Orion brought my attention back. "Lyra, you are more than worthy to be our Empress. Didn't you see how many beings you inspired last night? How many spirits lit up when you spoke? Forget about the Lyrokans if you want for now, but didn't you feel the renewed sense of hope from the Kaelari?"
I silently recalled the audience the previous night. The Kaelari definitely looked thrilled when I spoke, their cheers deafening after I finished. As I remembered their happy, excited faces, a smile subconsciously graced my features.
They did look hopeful. For the first time in... maybe ever.
Orion said softly, sincerely, "You're giving us hope, Lyra. More importantly, you're giving them hope—the Kaelari. You don't need me to tell you that your kind has been overlooked for far too long, so much so that many gave up hoping for help from us. But you're changing that. Don't think of being called an Empress as being addressed by a royal title. Think of it as being a beacon of hope and symbol of change for all of us, but more so for them. How about that?"
I took a moment to look at the Kaelari in the room—their faces watching me with something I hadn't seen before. Hope. Real hope.
"Okay," I finally said.
Orion smiled radiantly and pecked my lips. "You'll do great, Lyra. You'll see."
Despite being moved by his encouragement, I looked at the cousins in mock sternness. "But this doesn't mean I'm letting you two off the hook for what you did to me last night."
Christian raised his hands defensively. "It was all Orion's idea, my Empress. I had no choice but to oblige."
Orion put on a mock hurt expression. "Really? We get caught and you throw me under the transport? Where's your sense of loyalty to your best friend, cousin?"
Christian responded without hesitation. "Did you even hear her last night? She will not stop until every last threat is neutralized. I don't want to be on the receiving end of her wrath with you, cuz. You're on your own."
I couldn't help but chuckle at their harmless bickering. The atmosphere between us eased considerably.
Suddenly, my eyes glazed over as I received a mind-touch from Juan. 'Lyra, could you ask the Emperor and the Duke to spare five minutes with us? It's about the rogue Lyrokan from Jewel Station.'
Finally. Time to deal with real threats instead of titles.