Lilith remained on guard from the start of the coronation to the end of it. She kept waiting for the moment someone would rise to spoil the occasion, or for Virgil to make an appearance, speaking of what he claimed was God’s will.

However, once the crown had been placed upon her head and she had taken the oath to the kingdom, Lilith’s guard dropped just a little as she allowed herself a moment to savour achieving one of her oldest goals

A lost smile reached her lips before vanishing to go unnoticed.

Lilith paid no attention to any of the Mortimers or to the guests in attendance. Her mind was fixed on the journey out of town to meet the townspeople, knowing it would be the most dangerous part of the day.

"Cassian."

Lilith snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of Diana’s voice. She acknowledged Diana’s presence, though her own had not been acknowledged, and looked away, noticing where Mary stood.

"My boy, a king," Diana said, touching Cassian’s face with trembling fingers. "Every mother likes to think her son is a little prince, but mine has become a king. It is an exciting new start for you. The people already saw you as their saviour and hero; now you are their king."

Diana’s gaze flickered to Lilith, who seemed occupied elsewhere. "Your Majesty, Queen Lilith Mortimer," she said, greeting Lilith with a curtsy.

Lilith turned to Diana, certain what she faced now was all an act, but she could play along. "Lady Mortimer," she replied, bowing her head slightly.

"In time, I hope that we shall grow so close that you call me mother," Diana requested as she rose to straighten herself. "I mean no harm in trying to replace your mother, but to be a new addition."

Lilith responded with a smile, though she had no desire for any more mothers.

"You have not answered me, Your Majesty," Diana pointed out.

"That was my way of being kind," Lilith replied. "But I do recognise your intentions."

Diana forced a smile, deciding to end the matter here so there could be peace. "Cassian," she turned to her son. "Since Lilith did not eat with us in the morning, the family wants you to have a bit of drink and food now before the parade through the town. I did send a maid to inform you both about the feast."

"I have not forgotten. I look forward to what our guests and family have to say. Even meeting my new family," Lilith said, her tone surprisingly sweet.

Cassian peered down at Lilith, certain there was a plot at play. "No, we haven’t forgotten."

"Then you should take your seats. I must warn you that your uncle has had a bit to drink, and that might have been my fault. I hope you both won’t take what he says to heart," Diana said, worried her earlier rejection had started something.

"Before there are too many preparations for this feast and toasts, I think we should do the parade first. Taking men and women throughout the town after they have not long finished drinking is not a wise idea, is it?" Lilith asked, looking to Cassian for support.

"It was the idea of several other Mortimers and me," Diana said, feeling slightly offended.

"There are good intentions behind this plan, but I think it is better to greet the townspeople before we drink. We could also take some barrels of rum so the townsfolk can have their own celebrations," Lilith suggested.

"We’ve already had the cooks and maids prepare to serve the food," said Diana.

Lilith looked around at the servants hustling around. "Then you must hurry to stop the cooks from finishing. We can take the food that is already prepared and share it with the townfolk. It will be a nice gesture to show that we think of them."

"It’s a good idea, mother. Offering the rum and some food will calm their minds. You know how some of the family gets when they drink, so it is best to save the celebration for the night," Cassian said, agreeing with Lilith. "I must inform the soldiers to get in place. Will you be fine alone?"

"I will. After all, I am safe in your mother’s presence," Lilith replied.

Diana watched Lilith, trying to place what she was plotting, but she could not figure it out.

Diana smiled as Cassian walked off, giving her a second chance to talk to Lilith. "I hope you can forgive me, Your Majesty. We didn’t think of how it would be wrong to place the feast before the parade."

"You are forgiven," Lilith said, reaching for Diana’s hand to hold. "Next time, you should come to me with your plans. We had a celebration yesterday for our wedding with a great deal of food, and now today, you have planned another."

"The servants have been working hard these last two days. They worked tirelessly to put together the coronation. I assume you have given a long list of food to be prepared and drinks to be brought out of storage. Wasn’t that a bit rash?" Lilith questioned.

"I don’t see how it could be rash, Your Majesty. I thought it would make you happy to see us celebrating you," Diana answered. "Forgive me, but you sound a bit ungrateful. I did this as a way to mend the conflict between us."

"Oh, I don’t mind the celebration, but a lot of food has been prepared in two days. A lot of food will be wasted because the guests are more interested in getting drunk and creating a mess. Throwing away food that could have fed someone," Lilith said as she looked over the crowd.

"Earlier in the year, there were concerns about a famine, which then brought on conflict about how much food is collected for armies. For the castle to prepare so much food in so little time shows that we don’t care about what happens around us. Wouldn’t you agree?" Lilith asked, followed by a smile.

Diana bit her tongue before responding. "I sent news of the feast to you hours ago. You could have stopped me then."

Lilith squeezed Diana’s hand before letting go. "Sometimes, to let people learn, we have to let them fail. See now, you won’t act without speaking to your queen first."