Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 304

Chapter 304: Astral Maidens IV

Lunara stood at the head of the gathering, her silver hair flowing gently in the breeze, her starry robes shimmering under the light of the rising sun. The Astral Maidens, gathered in a perfect circle around her, watched with quiet anticipation as a figure approached from the misty forest path. It was Princess Lirael.

Clad in her royal attire, the princess exuded an aura of elegance and authority. Her long, flowing gown was a deep midnight blue, embroidered with silver and gold, reflecting the very celestial motifs that adorned the Astral Maidens’ robes. A veil covered half her face, leaving only her sharp, discerning eyes visible. Those eyes, however, radiated a mix of curiosity and calculated interest as she took in the scene before her.

The moment she stepped onto the stone platform where the inauguration was taking place, the members of the Astral Maidens shifted slightly, their attention locked on Lirael. They knew who she was—not just the princess of Moon City, but a woman of great power and potential. Her arrival was no small matter; it marked a significant step in Aiden’s grand plan.

Lunara inclined her head in a slow, graceful gesture of acknowledgment. “Princess Lirael,” she said, her voice smooth and resonant, “welcome to the inauguration of the Astral Maidens. Your presence honors us.”

The princess returned a slight nod, her expression calm but guarded. She scanned the group, taking in the assembly of women, each one bearing an aura of strength and mystery. It was clear that this organization was more than what it seemed, something far more potent than a simple gathering of like-minded individuals.

“I received your invitation,” Lirael said, her voice soft but carrying the weight of her royal status. “And I must say, the timing of such an organization is… interesting.”

Lunara smiled faintly, her eyes glinting with understanding. “Indeed. The Astral Maidens are not bound by time or kingdom, but by purpose. And it is purpose that brings us together today. We seek to master the forces beyond the physical world—to wield the power of the stars and reshape the very fabric of destiny.”

Lirael raised an eyebrow. “And what does this purpose have to do with me?”

“Everything,” Lunara replied smoothly, stepping closer to the princess. “We know you stand at a crossroads, Princess. You are not simply a royal trapped by the expectations of your kingdom. You are far more—your potential rivals even the most powerful of men in this land. But you also know that standing alone comes with its limitations.”

Lirael’s eyes narrowed slightly. She was not one to be easily swayed, but the truth in Lunara’s words struck a chord.

Lunara continued, “The Astral Maidens offer you something different. A sisterhood unlike any other. Here, we are equals, bound by our mastery of celestial power, by our will to defy the constraints of the world. We are not beholden to any king or throne. And we do not seek to control you but to offer you a place where your true strength can thrive.”

The princess looked around at the women gathered, each of them radiating power in their own way. There was a quiet confidence in their stance, a certain elegance that spoke of their mastery over forces unseen. This was not a typical alliance, but something much more profound.

“And what exactly is your aim with this organization?” Lirael asked, her voice sharper now, her royal skepticism creeping in.

Lunara’s gaze met hers evenly. “Our aim is to create a future where women such as you—such as all of us—can thrive without being chained by the ambitions of others. We are creators of our own destiny. And if you join us, Princess, we offer you the opportunity to be a leader among equals, not just a princess tied to the whims of the court.”

There was a pause, the air thick with tension as Lirael considered the proposition. The wind picked up slightly, carrying with it the scent of mountain flowers and mist.

Then, Lirael stepped forward, her eyes fixed on Lunara. “If I am to be part of this,” she said slowly, “it will be on my own terms.”

Lunara nodded, her smile widening ever so slightly. “Of course, Princess. That is the only way it could be.”

With a graceful gesture, Lunara extended her hand, and the circle of Astral Maidens parted to allow Lirael to take her place at the center, beside the celestial statue. The princess stood tall, her presence commanding, and as she joined them, the gathered women bowed their heads in silent acknowledgment of her status.

Lunara raised her arms toward the sky, and as she did, the mist swirled and danced around the statue, glowing faintly in the morning light. The ceremony continued, with Lunara guiding the invocation of the stars, calling upon the celestial forces that empowered their sisterhood. It was a ritual both sacred and powerful, binding Lirael to the Astral Maidens, not as a mere ally, but as one of them.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Lunara turned to the princess. “Welcome to the Astral Maidens, Princess Lirael. Together, we will rise beyond the limits of this world and chart a new course among the stars.”

A faint smile touched Lirael’s lips, hidden beneath her veil, but there was no mistaking the glint of ambition in her eyes.

She had made her choice.

“Guide her to her room” Lunara said as Lirael nodded and followed after the Maiden who is showing her the room.

Princess Lirael stepped into her new room, her movements graceful yet deliberate, as she took in the elegance of the space that had been prepared for her. The room was bathed in soft, celestial light, emanating from intricate crystal orbs that floated along the ceiling, casting a gentle glow over the midnight-blue walls. The theme was distinctly cosmic, with delicate silver patterns resembling constellations etched into the stone. A luxurious bed with silken sheets lay in one corner, while a large, ornate window offered a breathtaking view of the mist-covered mountains beyond.