My Beloved Hybrid Queen

Chapter 19

Astrid’s POV

My breath stilled.

There they were. His family, The royal family.

Caspian’s hand rested lightly against the small of my back, warm and firm, guiding me forward but giving me space to breathe.

Easy,” he murmured, his thumb stroking my back. “They’re excited to meet you.”

Excited.

That was hard to believe… until I saw them.

Standing at the center of the hall were the king and queen, Caspian’s parents. Not cold. Not rigid. But warm. Soft-eyed. Almost glowing with anticipation. Her hair was silver, falling like liquid moonlight over her shoulders.

She didn’t wait for us to reach her.

The moment she saw me, really saw me, her eyes filled with something I hadn’t expected.

Relief, Joy and something like love.

Her lips parted in a soft gasp, one hand lifting to her chest as though she’d been waiting a lifetime for this moment.

“Oh,” she whispered, taking slow, graceful steps toward us. “You must be Astrid.”

Her voice wasn’t sharp or assessing, it was warm, gentle, like sunlight after a storm.

I froze, unsure how to greet a queen. But she smiled as if she understood my uncertainty. Instead of offering a stiff handshake, she reached out and pulled me into a soft, motherly embrace.

An actual embrace.

My breath caught.

“You have no idea,” she whispered near my ear, “how long we’ve prayed for someone who would love our son the way he deserves.”

Tears pricked my eyes. I didn’t expect this. Didn’t expect to be held. To feel wanted.

When she pulled back, she cupped my cheeks with both hands, studying my face with tender eyes, the way a mother would look at a daughter she already loved.

“You’re beautiful,” she said softly. “But even more, your spirit is kind. I can feel it. Thank you for bringing peace into his life.”

My lip trembled. I didn’t know what to say.

Caspian stepped closer, placing a hand on my lower back. His voice was quiet, emotional.

“Mother, you’re going to make her cry.”

Seraphina laughed, brushing my cheek with her thumb.

“Let her. It means her heart is open.”

When I looked toward Caspian’s father, King Aldric, fear crept back into my chest… but only for a moment.

The instant our eyes met, his expression softened, it was not with dominance, not with scrutiny, but with warmth. Real warmth. His stern posture melted, replaced by something gentle. Proud. Emotional.

He approached us slowly, but there was nothing intimidating in his steps. His aura, though powerful, wrapped around me like a comforting blanket rather than a threat.

“Astrid,” he said, his deep voice surprisingly tender. “Welcome home.”

Home.

The word hit me like a wave.

I lowered my head in respect, but before I could speak, he lifted my chin with two fingers carefully, gently, like I might break if he used too much strength.

“No,” he murmured. “Do not bow to me. Not you.”

He glanced at Caspian. “If you are to stand beside my son, you will look me in the eyes always.”

My throat tightened, and I forced myself to meet his gaze.

What I saw there stunned me.

There was Acceptance, respect and affection already blooming.

He placed a broad, warm hand on my shoulder, enveloping me in a comforting heat.

“I can feel your bond,” he said quietly. “Strong. Pure. Meant.”

His eyes glistened with emotion, real emotion.

“You are the best thing the Moon Goddess could have gifted our son.”

Before I could react, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead.

A father’s welcome.

A blessing.

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed.

After Caspian’s parents embraced me with a love I hadn’t expected, I barely had time to wipe my tears before a burst of excited energy swept through the hall.

Five figures stood just behind the king and queen, they were his siblings.

Two princes.

Three princesses.

All younger than Caspian.

All radiating different versions of the same royal confidence.

But instead of judgment or cold curiosity instead their faces lit up the moment our eyes met.

Lyria the girl I assumed to be the youngest was the first to move.

A small gasp left her lips before she ran straight toward me, her dark curls bouncing, her eyes shining with excitement.

“You’re real!” she squealed, stopping inches from me. “Oh my goddess, you’re really real!”

I blinked. “Um—yes?”

She giggled, cheeks flushed.

“I’ve had dreams about you. Caspian didn’t believe me when I told him you’d have soft aura and warm eyes, see? I was right!”

Before I could react, she grabbed my hands, squeezing them.

“I’ve always wanted another older sister.”

The warmth of her touch and her genuine joy nearly knocked the air from my lungs.

I smiled shyly, I didn’t know how to respond.

“Then I guess you have one now.”

Lyria squealed again and hugged me tightly.

Caspian chuckled under his breath.

“She’s been talking about you for months, even before I found you, but I never took her serious because I didn’t want to get my hopes high,” he whispered.

Elara who I assumed was the middle daughter stepped forward next, she was tall, poised, with long platinum hair braided neatly down her back. She looked calm, mature, elegant, but her smile was radiant.

“Welcome, Astrid,” she said warmly. “I can already feel how well your energy blends with Caspian’s.”

She didn’t hesitate to hug me as well, her hug was gentle but firm.

“You’ll be safe with us,” she whispered. “I promise.”

When she pulled back, she held my shoulders and looked directly into my eyes.

“You don’t have to try to be perfect,” she said. “Just be yourself. That’s more than enough.”

My throat tightened again. I finally belonged somewhere, I had people who would always be there for me, a place I can call home and people I can gladly call my family.