After Amara's conversation with her mother, she went to Queen Ravenna's chambers to inform the older woman of her decision. 

The Queen was delighted and handed her a small gift.

It was a plain gold ring suspended by the delicate chain. There were neat engravings on the surface of the ring but she couldn't read them.

'What is this for?' She asked, examining the gift closely.

'Wear it, Amara,' the Queen ordered instead of answering the question. 

Furrowing her brows, the younger woman repeated her question to which the Queen exhaled loudly before she explained, 'We need to put you on the throne. No one should be able to question it so long as you wear that ring.'

'Why? What's so special about it?' 

'It will signify that you are Damien's betrothed. By law, as long as you are alive, you are the only one who can ascend the throne.'

Amara took some time to process the information. It was, without a doubt, too much for her. How could she fool so many people? How could she cheat the other candidates? 

Shouldn't Damien be the one giving it to her?

It didn't even matter much because of it. 

It was wrong. 

'I know what you're thinking, Amara,' the Queen broke her train of thoughts. The older woman's eyes were downcast. 'But I don't want anyone else in line to the throne. I fear that they might bring no honour to my son's legacy.' 

The young Octavian was shocked to see a lone tear roll down the Queen's cheek as she continued, 'He may have his secrets but he loves us with all his heart.' 

When she turned away, Amara's heart broke a little more. Tears filled her eyes as she tried to hold against the tide of emotions that threatened to break her composure. 

'And I trust no one else with this responsibility.'

'But-' Amara couldn't form words.

'If something were to happen to Damien-'

'NO!' She exclaimed, taking the Queen by surprise.

'Nothing will happen to Damien,' Amara voiced out confidently, 'If I am sure of anything, it is that he will fight with everything he has.'

'Some times what you have isn't enough.'

'It has to be!' She whispered strongly.  'Because I refuse to give up! I will find him and bring him back.  I promise.'

All she received from the Queen was a sad smile. 

She looked down at the gift and realized how badly she had to protect Damien's throne. If she had to go through twisted ways to achieve her goal, so be it. She was not being fair to the others but it had to be done. Everything would go downhill from there. 

No matter the cost. 

'Fine, I'll be his betrothed.' She clasped the chain around her neck, accepting the gift. 

After that, the Queen explained that her crowning would be a short one- because of the circumstances. There would be no speeches, no rituals, nothing. Amara was fine with that. She  had no need of any of the extravagance.

 After the Queen explained all that was expected of her, she was dismissed. 

The following day, after breakfast, she received yet another gift from the King and Queen- a neat navy blue gown. Amara fell in love with it the moment she unfolded it. Despite the fact that the gown was plain, it excluded an air of magnificence. It had full sleeves and a turtleneck that was so comfortable that she could probably sleep in it. 

She wore the gown and instructed her maid to gather her hair into a low bun. The golden ring around her neck gleamed in delight as she smiled at herself in the mirror. She could hardly believe it was her. 

She looked regal.

It did wonders to her confidence. 

Her footsteps echoed in the hallway she made her way toward the Throne Hall where she would come face to face with the other candidates who wanted to be the Chosen Heir.

'Lady Amara, a word!' 

She stilled and turned to see Prince Damien walking toward her. Her heart skipped a before she realized that it was Wilshire still donning her love's face. At such times, Amara cursed magic. 

She was surprised when she did not feel resentful toward him. The talk with her mother had certainly left an impression, 'Yes, Prince Damien?'

He extended his arm and smiled at her, 'You look absolutely stunning, Lady Amara.' 

'I thought you wanted to say something?' She arched a brow as she looped her arm around his, putting a show for the warriors and the maids that were unaware of the Crown Prince's abduction.

'Ah, yes. I just want to apologize for my behaviour the other night. I am sorry. I was very inconsiderate and selfish,' he whispered as he looked around cautiously. 

She nodded, keeping her gaze ahead, 'You are forgiven.'

'We did not start off well, Lady Amara but I wish we can put all of that behind us.'

'We can.'

'Excellent.' 

The double doors opened all of a sudden and a crowd exited the Throne Hall. They seemed upset and glared in Amara's direction which unsettled her because she could not recognize anyone. It took her only a few moments to put two and two together. Those strangers were the candidates. 

'What's happening?' Wilshire asked her. 

She feigned innocence. 'I don't know.' 

The crowd was manoeuvred away from her by a couple of warriors. 

Upon entering the Hall, Amara received more glares but this time from the Ministers. A chill ran down her spine when she saw dull and lifeless eyes connect with hers. 

She almost lost her footing. 

Wilshire sensed it and moved accordingly to save her from embaraseement as a result the motion went unnoticed. She had not expected such kindness from him and gave him a grateful smile. 

'I wish you luck, Lady Amara.'

 I won't be 'Lady Amara' anymore.

'Thank you.'

Once the doors shut behind them, Wilshire and Amara parted. He went out to stand near the round table while she headed toward the King and Queen. She took her usual place behind the Queen. 

Their gazes unsettled her. Other times, they barely acknowledged her presence but tnow, they were going as far as giving her hateful looks. 

Oh, I have gained their affections, alright, she thought to herself. 

The King gave her a welcoming smile which she returned. 

'If you don't mind me asking, Your Highness,' one of the Ministers spoke, 'but didn't you say that Prince Damien was only courting Lady Amara?'

'No, I did not say that,' the Queen waved her hand dismissively. 'She's engaged to my son.'

They didn't stand even a chance. 

If only her Prince had given the ring to her... 

Not wanting to go there, she paid attention to the court. 

'But Your Highness...'

'If you don't mind me asking, are you calling the Queen a liar?'

All eyes in the hall landed on her. It was only then that she realized that they were her words. What was strange was that she didn't even want to take them back. She had just mocked a Minister and she was going to get away with it. It felt nice to put them in their place. 

She registered the outrage on his face before it was taken over my chilling fear.

The Hall was drenched in pin-drop silence. It was a dangerous atmosphere but Amara did not miss the slight smile on the Shalore's face. 

'Yes, Matthias,' the King sat up straight, 'Tell me, are you calling your Queen a liar?'

The Minister blanched. His frail body landed on the floor as he pressed his forehead on the white marble floor. 'No, my King.' He raised his head. He was clearly alarmed. Visibly quivering like a leaf, he lowered his head again, 'My deepest apologies, my Queen.'

Queen Revanna arched her brow, accepting his plea. 'Does anyone else want to voice against the decision?'

No one else dared to. 

Amara was grateful for the trust the older woman had put in her. 

In a foul manner, they had somehow placed the young Octavian next in line. Amara was well aware that she was inexperienced. One mistake and the Ministers would pick her apart like vultures. That didn't hurt her as much as the thought of losing the monarchs' trust. 

The only string of hope holding her together from freaking out was that she would be a Chieftess in the Octavian clan... of course, if they hadn't been slaughtered by the Demon Prince. 

That counts for something, doesn't it?

'No?' The Queen's voice interrupted her train of thoughts. 'Very well then.'

The monarchs got to their feet as the King motioned Phoebe to walk forth. 

Amara's legs were shivering. She was glad that they were hidden under the soft fabric of her gown. 

This is it, she told herself. Her heart raced and her palms became damp. This is my cue.

The Supreme Sorceress motioned Amara to step forth and the Octavian complied. Her steps were slow but sure. 

This is it.

I'll find you, Damien. 

'Lady Amara, do you swear to uphold the Dithraiyan law and serve the Dithrai people?'

Amara wanted to shut her eyes and scream her anxiety out- but that wasn't an option. So she did the second-best thing. She knelt down in front of the King and Queen and bowed her head as she was instructed. 

'I do,' she breathed out.

 'Do you, Lady Amara, swear by your life that you will be a just Princess to your people?'

Princess.

'I do.'

'Do you, Lady Amara, swear by your life that you will be a kind and generous Princess to your people?'

'I do.'

'Do you, Lady Amara, swear that you will protect and preserve the Dithrai Kingdom and its honor with your life?'

Amara shut her eyes as she remembered her mother's words. 

No matter the cost.

'I do.'

She felt something heavy on her head before Phoebe spoke again, 'Then rise, Chosen Heir, Crown Princess Amara, the Protector of the Dithrai Kingdom. By this sacred oath you have bound yourself to the Dithrai throne, for now and forever.'

Amara did not use her hands to rise. Her body rose on its own accord. As she faced the hall and all the envious looks that tried to burn her, she felt something warm budding inside of her that was guarding her from them.  

It was hope. 

'May your power bring us glory.' 

Hope. 

'All hail Crown Princess Amara.'