Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 333

Chapter 333: Uprising
The day of reckoning had arrived. The signal fires had been lit in each of the major cities, sending a coded message to the hidden allies throughout the kingdom. Nobles and commoners alike had been informed, each with their role to play. The kingdom was abuzz with tension, yet blissfully unaware of the tide of change rising within.

In the Moon Castle, Aiden stood alongside Lirael, watching as the royal guard assembled below. The guards had been swayed by her promises, and their loyalty had subtly shifted, now aligning with her claim to the throne. It was only a matter of time before her father, the King, and her uncle, the kingdom’s regent, realized the true extent of their influence.

“Everyone has been informed of the plan,” Lirael said as she glanced at Aiden.

“I hope you’ll keep supporting me,” she added, her tone softer as she looked at him.

Aiden met her gaze. “I’ve already told you, I don’t care about who sits on the throne. I only meant to help you. Be the queen you want to be. I don’t want the crown for myself—I only need the qualifications of a king. Being by your side is enough, and from there, I can still fight to raise this kingdom to even greater heights.”

Lirael looked at him, her gaze unwavering, and nodded.

“Then tomorrow, we begin the uprising,” she declared, her voice steady and determined.

“Yes,” Aiden replied. “Tomorrow, we fight. And the next day, you’ll be queen.”

She took a step closer, her eyes filled with a mixture of resolve and affection. “Then, embrace me tonight,” she murmured, reaching out as she gently guided him down onto the bed.

Aiden raised his eyebrows, momentarily surprised by her boldness, but soon a faint smile played on his lips. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as they both allowed themselves a moment of respite before the trials of the coming day. The night was theirs, a rare pause in their calculated plans, and they embraced each other fully, finding solace in the calm before the storm.

In the dim light of the room, Aiden gently brushed a strand of Lirael’s hair from her face, his hand lingering on her cheek as he looked into her eyes. He studied her expression, searching for something he couldn’t quite put into words.

“Lirael,” he said quietly, his voice barely more than a murmur. “Why are you doing this? Risking everything—the kingdom, your family, even your life. You don’t have to go this far.”

Although, he wanted this but he wonder why Lirael agreed readily without even a shred of protest.

She held his gaze, her fingers tracing a gentle line along his jaw. “Aiden, this kingdom has been trapped in complacency and blind tradition for far too long. My father may be king, but he’s become a symbol of the past. I want a kingdom that doesn’t fear change, that doesn’t shy away from greatness.” She paused, her expression softening. “And with you by my side, I feel like… anything is possible.”

Aiden’s gaze softened as he pulled her closer, their foreheads touching. “I understand,” he whispered. “But you have to know I’m here for you, not for the crown or the power. You’re the reason I’m doing this.”

Lirael’s hands slipped to his shoulders as she moved even closer, her lips brushing his. “Then promise me,” she whispered against his mouth, “that you’ll stay by my side. No matter what happens.”

“I promise,” Aiden replied, sealing his words with a kiss that deepened as they lost themselves in each other’s embrace.

The world outside felt distant as they surrendered to the moment, their shared resolve and unspoken fears melting away in the warmth between them. Aiden’s hands slid over her back as he held her close, feeling her heartbeat sync with his. They found comfort in each other’s touch, the tenderness of the moment underscoring the fierce ambitions and looming challenges ahead.

As the night wore on, the intensity between them grew, shifting from gentle to urgent as if neither wanted to let go. Every touch, every whispered word was a promise, an unbreakable bond sealing their fates together. In that quiet, shared vulnerability, they fortified each other for the battles that lay ahead.

For tonight, they were just Aiden and Lirael, two souls bound together by love and ambition, facing the uncertain dawn with courage, conviction, and each other.

The first light of dawn began to break over the horizon, casting a soft glow across the Moon Castle. Aiden lay beside Lirael, his arm draped around her as they both watched the faint hues of morning fill the room. The silence was comforting, and for a few precious moments, it was as though the weight of the world had lifted, leaving only peace.

Lirael turned her gaze to Aiden, her fingers lightly tracing patterns on his arm. “Today’s the day,” she said, her voice a quiet whisper.

He nodded, feeling the gravity of her words settle over him. “It is. Are you ready?”

A flicker of hesitation crossed her face, but she quickly suppressed it, her expression hardening. “I’ve spent my entire life waiting for this. I was born for this,” she replied. “But… I won’t lie. There’s fear, too. For my father, my uncle. For the lives that may be lost today.”

Aiden brushed his thumb over the back of her hand, grounding her. “Fear is natural, Lirael. It shows you care. And that’s exactly why you’re the right person to lead them. They need a queen who sees them as more than subjects.”

Her lips curved into a soft smile. “And with you beside me, I know we can give them that future. I feel stronger with you here, Aiden.”

They shared a quiet moment, each absorbing the significance of what lay ahead. Aiden could feel the tension in her frame but also sensed her unwavering determination. He wanted to assure her that he’d shoulder whatever burdens came their way, that he’d be her shield and sword, her confidant and companion.