Love's Cost to a Queen

The cathedral's incense clung to my skin as I stood alone before the altar, my fingers trembling slightly against the cold stone. Eighty-one blessed omens. Eighty-one days of draining my system points to manufacture divine signs of Wilson's legitimacy. My vision blurred from exhaustion, but I couldn't stop now.

"Just a few more points," I whispered, pressing my palm against the ancient prayer book. The system interface in my mind flickered, acknowledging the exchange.

*Point deduction confirmed. Eagle's Triumph omen manifested.*

The cathedral bells tolled once more, echoing through the vaulted ceiling. I sagged against the altar, my legs threatening to give way. One year of marriage, one year of sacrifice, all to help Wilson reclaim his father's kingdom. And now, with Sapphire's whispers in his ear, he was ready to discard me like yesterday's bread crumbs.

I turned toward the prayer room where Wilson had retreated with his advisors, intending to join them. But their voices carried through the partially open door, freezing me in place.

"The people believe in her power," Marcus Aldridge was saying, his voice low but clear. "They see her as the kingdom's guardian angel."

Wilson's laugh was hollow. "That's precisely why she's too dangerous to remain Queen."

My breath caught in my throat.

"Your Majesty?" Another voice—Commander Rafael Stone, I recognized. "She's been nothing but loyal."

"Loyalty isn't the issue," Wilson replied. "It's what happens when her loyalties change. Did you see how easily she manipulated the cathedral signs? What if she turns that power against us?"

"She wouldn't—"

"Sapphire's gentleness needs my protection more than Eden's power deserves my gratitude," Wilson interrupted, his voice hardening. "The kingdom needs a Queen who understands her place, not one who commands divine forces."

I pressed my hand against my mouth, stifling the sob that threatened to escape. So this was how he saw me—not as his partner, not as the woman who loved him through exile and restoration, but as a threat to be managed.

---

The great hall fell silent as Wilson strode to the center, his crown gleaming in the afternoon light streaming through stained glass windows. I stood to the side, already feeling like a ghost in my own life.

"Today marks a new chapter for Astoria," Wilson announced, his voice carrying to every corner of the room. The courtiers shifted uncomfortably, their eyes darting between us.

I lifted my chin, refusing to show weakness. Inside, my system interface blinked steadily, counting down the precious points I had left.

"It has come to my attention that certain... influences have brought misfortune to our kingdom." Wilson's eyes met mine briefly before sliding away. "To ensure Astoria's prosperity, I have made a difficult decision."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Marcus Aldridge stepped forward, his face grave. "Your Majesty, perhaps we should reconsider—"

"The decision is final," Wilson cut him off. "I hereby dissolve my marriage to Eden, effective immediately."

The words hit me like physical blows. I watched, numb, as he turned to where Sapphire stood, her eyes downcast in a perfect performance of reluctance.

"Sapphire Richardson has shown nothing but devotion to this kingdom and its king," Wilson continued. "Today, I elevate her to the position of Queen."

Sapphire stepped forward, her silk dress whispering against the marble floor. She accepted the crown that had once rested on my head, her fingers caressing the jewels that had been mine.

"Long live Queen Sapphire," Wilson proclaimed, kissing her hand.

The court echoed his words mechanically, their voices hollow in my ears. I stood motionless as Sapphire's triumphant gaze met mine over Wilson's shoulder.

---

The tower room was cold and bare, a far cry from the royal chambers I'd once called home. I paced the worn stone floor, my system interface glowing faintly in my mind.

*Points remaining: 237/1000*

"Not enough," I muttered, running my fingers through my tangled hair. "Not nearly enough to get home."

The system's mechanical voice responded: *Long-term mission available: Assist Prince Hector Castillo in claiming the throne. Reward: 800 points plus return passage to original world.*

"Hector?" I laughed bitterly. "Wilson's pious little brother who's been eyeing Sapphire since before she became Wilson's mistress?"

*Affirmative. Hector Castillo possesses the necessary qualifications for a successful ruler. Your assistance is required for his campaign.*

I sank onto the narrow bed, staring at the single barred window. Outside, I could see the castle grounds where I'd once walked as Queen. Now I was just another prisoner, waiting for Wilson's next move.

"Why should I help Hector?" I asked aloud. "After what his brother did to me?"

*Because you want to go home,* the system replied simply. *And because Hector needs your help to succeed.*

I touched the pendant at my throat, feeling its familiar weight. Wilson had taken my crown, but he couldn't take my determination.

"Fine," I whispered. "Let's talk terms."