“Even if someone wishes someone else to die, even if the stars disappear, I will light a candle by your side. If there aren’t enough, I’ll burn torches all over the country. That way, you can be at peace without minding about the number of stars in the sky. I will create a world that suits to be by your side.” The man shrugged, his smile telling her ‘you can entrust that to me.’

“You are such a radiant, unchanging person. Yet you work for me, it must be hard.”

“Why? It makes sense to live for you. I was born to be your vassal.”

“No, you should cherish others. Priscilla, not me.”

Perhaps surprised by Alana’s words, Callisto’s cheeks became stiff.

“Your father came to report it. ‘Tomorrow, I want you to bless my son’s engagement.’”

“Engagement? Damn, that man. What does he mean by blessing?! I was never engaged and have no intention of getting married for the rest of my life.” He frowned and crumpled his jet-black hair. “There’s no way of changing fate. Who would have known that your father and brother would die in an accident.”

The king and prince of the country had died in a landslide. As a result, only the surviving princess Alana, had succeeded the throne. Tomorrow, Alana will be crowned Queen of Armenia.

“The regent’s spouse is determined to be from the royal family only. Your husband must be in the country’s interest. My father told me “You are not qualified for it”. It’s really frustrating that I’m not” The pain in his eyes was evident. Without looking away, Alana looked back at him. “Tomorrow you’ll be queen. I won’t be able to hold you again. You’ll be out of reach. So please forgive me? I want to hug you.”

Though he mustn’t want it, he did. That was the look that appeared on his face, pleading to her to be naive in that moment. For a long time, he had made continuous efforts to make Alana his wife. Knowing that, Alana took the offered hand. Gently, she is pulled closer towards him and immediately wrapped in a strong hug.

“I don’t know what you think of me, but I’ve always loved you without missing a day. I believed I could have been your husband. If God is here, I wish he would kill me. “If one saw him, they’d see hot drips sliding down his cheeks. His blue eyes, visible in the gaps between his black hair, were damp and wet.

“Callisto, please. Don’t cry.”

“I don’t want to cry. No, I want to cry. I can’t hold back. It’s ugly, but this is my heart. I have to give up on the people I don’t want to give up. My heart dies.”

“I want you to be happy”

“Well … then please give me happiness. Please, Alana.” Suddenly, her lips felt warmth. A soft touch. Although she could have shaken it off, Alana did not resist the kiss.

What was reflected in the mirror was a girl, still innocent, caught in the intermediate between a child and an adult. The ring indicating the power of the king was too big. Her earrings floated lightly, and her necklace hung loosely. She knew it didn’t suit her even when others told her that it “looked good.” For the fourteen-year-old girl, the dignified people grovelling before her seemed unreal. A white cloak rested on a delicate body. A crown adorned with diamonds and emeralds was laid on her head, heavy enough to be nauseous. However, it shined in in her platinum hair, making it radiate even more gloriously. The light from the chandelier danced across the room and the yellow stained glass dyed the interior a brilliant golden sheen. Along with the aristocrats in line, famous musicians played music, and men in formal wear sang in high praise for the new queen. The chorus continued reaching the queen, the sounds entangling and echoing through the hall.

In a quiet space, Alana listened to the ceremony without changing her facial expression. In her mind, was the night of the new moon two years ago, with stars overflowing into the sky. An unforgettable nasal voice had said, ‘every time someone wishes for someone else’s death, the stars would disappear one by one.’ It had belonged to a person who had laughed a lot. Alana closed her eyes slowly, stopping the tears that had been on the verge of spilling. Her heart should have been killed, but it may not have been killed. Not yet, it hadn’t been killed yet. How many stars had disappeared from the world? How many stars would be erased in the future? She would never forget the night sky that she had looked up to that day.

“Wherever you may be, you are in me.”