Stolen by the Beastly Lycan King

Chapter 193: A Colorful Life

With this first decree, Lorelai's reign as the Queen of Erelith had officially begun. Of course, there were still many matters to address, but she felt that this particular task deserved to be at the top of her list.

Besides, once her son was born, Lorelai would need to go to the Beast Kingdom, leaving the delicate matter of managing the court in the hands of her most trusted companions.

"Marianna," she said, her voice calm yet serious, "in my absence, I would like to create a small group of Vice Sovereigns to act on my behalf until I can return to oversee matters personally."

Marianna straightened, feeling the weight of the responsibility about to be placed upon her. "Of course, Your Majesty. Who would you like to appoint? I can prepare the list of suitable candidates right away."

"I already have a list, and I want to appoint them immediately."

"Oh?" Marianna raised an eyebrow in surprise. "May I ask who they are?"

Lorelai smiled. "Of course. Vice Sovereign Elion Draven, Vice Sovereign Frederick Galeran, and… Vice Sovereign Marianna Torrie."

Marianna gasped, her mouth falling open in shock. A veil of tears blurred her vision, and her hands trembled so much that she nearly dropped the official decree.

"Goodness... Your Majesty... but how can I—"

"Marianna," Lorelai rose to her feet and walked around her desk, pausing right in front of her aide. She placed a hand on the woman's trembling shoulder and offered her an encouraging smile. "Over the years, my life in this place was nothing short of hell. However… thanks to the three of you, I was able to persevere, to hold on and do my best. Because of you, I had a chance to learn what it means to have friends and trust others. It's only natural that I chose you as my second-in-command."

Bursting into tears, Marianna forgot all the rules and embraced her queen in a tight hug, her tears soaking Lorelai's shoulder.