Princess of the Underworld

Chapter 16 - Making My Own Choice

As they walked through the underworld back to the castle, everyone in the city had parted to the sides, creating a clear path for them. They all bowed their heads in respect as Livana and Zadimus passed. Livana glanced at the crowd before looking at her father. "Everyone has a lot of respect for my dad; I wonder if I could one day live up to the expectations," Livana thought to herself. Livana then heard some whispers from the citizens. She glanced in their direction but kept walking behind her father with her head held high as they made their way back to the palace.

As soon as they arrived, the front door guards opened the doors in a flash. They knew that once the king, Zadimus, walked through any of the doors, he would do it in one swift motion, almost too fast for any human eye to catch. However, in the underworld, the citizens can see everything crystal clear. That is why the citizens must be aware and careful if they do not want to be seen or get caught.

Once inside the palace, Livana and her father, Zadimus, were greeted by the Queen, Livana's mother, Kamra, and the prince, Livana's brother Diamon, who were both standing near the grand stairway at the palace entrance. Livana could tell her brother was searching for someone as he darted his eyes around and behind them. Livana took her place beside her brother and whispered, "I took care of him, so no need to be searching or look for him as he is no longer here," in a low voice for only him to hear. He looked at his sister slightly and replied in a low voice, "Good, because I was about to give him a piece of my mind if he ever showed his face here again."

Livana could tell that her brother never really liked Vernon and was furious at her 'arranged marriage' to him. However, Diamon also knew that Livana did not need overprotection anymore, as she was not a child but a grown woman.

Livana turned to smile at her brother before holding his hand in hers and saying, "Thank you for always watching out for me through the years. I know you will always be my overly protective twin." Livana then heard her brother chuckle before gently but firmly squeezing her hand, with a slight smirk on his face. "Well, I may be the youngest twin and we are different, but we have similarities. For example, if anyone messes with our family or the ones we hold dear to us, then we will stop at nothing to make sure people know where they stand."

Livana gave off a little giggle before placing her head onto his shoulder. "You are the best brother that anyone could ask for," she said. The twins then turned to look at their parents who were hugging each other and discussing things before turning to look at their messenger, who was waiting upstairs. "Your majesties, the citizens of the underworld await your announcements," he said. With that, everyone made their way up the stairs to the main outside balcony. Livana turned and smiled at Ellerosé and Ràinà, indicating for them to follow, which they did not hesitate to do.

Once they reached the entrance to the balcony, the King, Queen and their two children made sure they looked presentable before stepping out to introduce themselves to the underworld residents. King Zadimus and Queen Kamra went through the doors first, followed by Livana and her brother Daimon, as they walked two steps behind them.

Ellerosé and Ràinà remained indoors to watch. Once the royals took their places, Livana's father addressed the citizens, "Citizens of the underworld," he began, "over the years, it has been a privilege to be your king. I am proud to call myself your king and I am proud of all of you amazing people. As you know, my daughter, your princess, was meant to be married, but I am sorry to inform you that this is no longer the case. We want what is best for the underworld and all of you, and what is best for her. Therefore, we will allow her to choose her own destiny and find love on her own. Additionally, my wife and I have decided that in two months, we will step down as your rulers and have our daughter Livana take over. We will also guide her to be the best ruler for the underworld and for all of you."

Livana's father reached out his hand to her, and she took it while taking a deep breath and smiling. Livana stood in his place, holding her head high, looking down at the citizens of the underworld and at the person recording for the TV broadcast.

Livana then greeted them all in a firm yet kind, calming voice: "Citizens of the underworld, I am delighted to one day be your queen. Over the years, I had longed to travel outside beyond the palace walls to see what goes on in your daily lives. I have seen some of you thrive and some of you struggle. I want to step up and help achieve my goal to make all of the underworld a better place for you all; my father has been and is a great leader and ruler, and I have seen how you all look up to him and idolise him. I hope that I can, too, live up to not only his expectations but to your expectations as well. I promise I will do my absolute best to be a great leader and ruler like my father and mother have been to you; I will also make sure to make you all proud and not let any of you down."

After Livana's speech, she held her breath as it became quiet. Before Livana could take a step back, she heard one clap followed by another, until the silence was suddenly broken by applause from all the citizens of the underworld. Livana smiled, bowing her head, and then stood tall, looking down at them all. Livana turned to see her family also clapping and smiling at her.

Livana returned the warm smile, knowing that she had made them proud and wanting to show them that all their teachings over the years had paid off.

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Livana: "I hope to continue making them proud and to make all the citizens of the underworld proud. I am Livana, princess of the underworld. I am prepared for the next chapter in my life, and I hope I can also make you proud."

END