My Beloved Hybrid Queen

Chapter 17

Caspian’s POV

As we were stepping down from the stairs. Her hand in mine, she walked steadily, though I could feel the subtle tremors beneath her fingers. I adjusted my stride slightly to shield her, our combined aura radiating authority. The crowd sensed it. The air shifted. Even the humans stepped back instinctively, though they didn’t know why.

I leaned toward her, voice low, only for her ears. “This is your first moment among them. Stand tall. I’ve got you.”

Her breath caught, then she lifted her chin. She was learning quickly. Good.

As we reached the end of the stairs, I stopped, letting the world absorb the sight of us. My gaze swept across every faction, silently warning, disrespect her, and you disrespect me.

She exhaled softly, a tiny shiver running through her. I pressed my hand to hers. “You’re home now, Astrid. This is the first step.”

The tarmac stretched wide and open, the engines of the jet cooling behind us. Reporters taking pictures of us, many were in awe of how beautiful my mate looked with her strawberry blonde hair, some were looking at her with envy and jealousy, My mate was the prettiest and lovely soul I have ever set my eyes on and I’m sure she would be the only prettiest girl I would ever set my eyes on, except our daughters we would have in the future. With her by my side, nothing, neither Lycans, vampires, nor any threat would touch her.

Because I had claimed her.

Because I was her king. And she was my queen.

And today, that claim would be undeniable.

Some women lingered with gazes that flared with rivalry, while others whispered among themselves, clearly measuring her worth. Men stared openly, respect and intrigue clashing in their expressions. I didn’t flinch. This was expected. The world had always watched kings and queens. Now it was her turn.

I whispered to her, just above the hum of conversation, “Ignore them. They don’t matter. Only you and I matter here.”

Her hand tightened on mine, and I could feel the shift in her confidence, even if small. Good. She would learn quickly.

Abel and Nolan moved ahead, signaling the convoy to form around us. The black armored SUVs gleamed under the sun, engines rumbling low. Lycans and palace guards flanked the path, creating a human and supernatural corridor that ensured nothing could reach us.

“Stay close,” I said, guiding her toward the car. She obeyed, her steps careful but steady.

As we reached the vehicle, she glanced back at the crowd, eyes wide. I squeezed her hand. “It’s okay. They’re just watching. Let them. You don’t need their approval.”

She nodded, sliding into the passenger seat, and I followed, closing the door behind us. The window tinted automatically, shielding us from prying eyes.

The convoy moved smoothly onto the road, engines low, the road flanked by palace guards on motorcycles and Lycans in formation. I watched Astrid out of the corner of my eye, her gaze shifting from the passing trees to the distant spires of the palace.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” I asked softly.

She nodded, eyes wide. “I’ve never seen anything like this… all these people… the palace… everything.”

I gave a faint smile. “It’s been my home my entire life. But I’ve never walked it with anyone like you beside me. That changes everything.”

She glanced at me, slightly flushed. “Do you… do you think I’ll ever feel like I belong there?”

I took a deep breath. “You will. And you already do. My family… my people… they’ll accept you once they see you for what you are, not for what you were.”

I leaned back slightly, letting the hum of the engine and the rhythm of the road carry my words. “My mother… she was strong, uncompromising. She raised me to be a king, and she taught me that loyalty is everything. My father… well, he was a different kind of strength. Quiet, calculating, protective in ways most people don’t understand. And then there’s my siblings, my sisters and brothers… each one has their own fire. Some are like me, outwardly calm, inwardly fierce. Others… temperamental, passionate, unpredictable.”

Astrid listened quietly, fingers intertwined with mine, and I could see the curiosity and apprehension in her eyes.

“They’ll test you,” I continued. “Not out of malice, but to see if you belong. I don’t need you to fight anyone for my approval, they only need to see that you are mine, that you stand beside me. That will be enough.”

Her gaze softened, and she leaned slightly toward me. “I… I want to be worthy of that, of you.”

“You already are,” I said, thumb brushing across the back of her hand. “That’s why you’re here. That’s why we’re leaving the Red Mist behind. No one, nothing, will diminish that.”

The palace spires grew taller in the distance, the banners fluttering in the wind. Guards formed perfect lines along the driveway, Lycans flanking them, humans standing quietly but respectfully. Cameras flashed from a distance, reporters snapping photographs, but inside the car, it felt like the world had narrowed to just Astrid and me.

I could feel her heartbeat next to mine, steadying as the palace grew nearer. I leaned slightly closer.

“Soon,” I said softly. “Soon we’ll be inside, and you’ll see everything. Your life… our life… starts here.”

She nodded, eyes wide and glimmering with emotion. “I… I can’t wait. But I’m nervous.”

“Good,” I said, smiling. “A little nerves mean you care. But I’m with you. Always.”

The palace gates came into view, wide and grand, welcoming us. I felt a surge of satisfaction. Today, the world would see us together. Astrid by my side. My queen in waiting.

And I would ensure that every eye on the tarmac, every whisper, every gaze, admiration, envy, jealousy, knew one truth, she belonged with me.