After I Torched Alive, My Alpha Went crazy novel Chapter 188

I laughed softly. His optimism was infectious, and it helped ease a bit of my own anxiety. "Yes, it is. And I'm proud of you, Cyrus."

His grin widened, and for a moment, I felt my own spirits lift.

We set off for the meeting later that evening, accompanied by a few palace maids. The carriage ride was smooth, the soft clatter of wheels on stone filling the air.

Cyrus was unusually quiet, his earlier excitement tempered by what I assumed was nervous anticipation. "Are you ready?" I asked him, glancing at his reflection in the carriage window.

"I think so," he said after a pause. "What if they ask me something, and I don't know the answer?"

"Then you stay calm and do your best," I said. "No one expects perfection, Cyrus. Just be yourself."

He nodded, his expression turning more confident.

As we stepped out of the carriage, however, we were greeted by an unexpected presence. Nova.

She was leaning against one of the pillars near the entrance, her arms crossed and a smirk playing on her lips.

"Well, well," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Look who's here. The future prodigy and his loyal escort."

"Nova," I said evenly, stepping protectively in front of Cyrus.

Her eyes flicked toward him, narrowing slightly. "You must be so proud, Cyrus. Attending such an important meeting. I'm sure they'll be fascinated to hear your… insights."

Cyrus stiffened beside me, but his expression remained neutral.

Nova's smirk deepened as she leaned closer, lowering her voice. "I can't wait to see how you handle the reporters. They can be quite… relentless."

I tried hard to resist the urge to respond. Cyrus, however, surprised me by stepping forward, his chin held high.

"Thank you for your concern," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I'll make sure to answer their questions honestly. After all, isn't that what they expect from leaders?"

Nova's smirk faltered for a split second before she recovered, shrugging nonchalantly. "We'll see," she said, pushing off the pillar and walking away.

I turned to Cyrus, a proud smile spreading across my face. "That was impressive," I said.

He shrugged, but I could see the faint flush of pride in his cheeks. "She doesn't scare me," he said simply.

"Good," I replied, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Because you're stronger than she thinks."

Cyrus shifted uncomfortably, clearly unsure how to respond. "I didn't mean it like that," he muttered, looking to me for help.

Before I could step in, a calm but commanding voice came out. "Nova, that's enough."

We turned to see Queen Luna approaching from the other end of the garden, her regal presence instantly silencing the argument. She stopped in front of Nova, her sharp gaze making the older woman flinch.

"Picking on young children again, Nova?" the Queen asked, her voice as smooth as silk but laced with unmistakable authority. "Have you no sense of propriety?"

Nova's face flushed a deep red. "Your Majesty, I wasn't—"

"I don't want to hear it," Queen Luna interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "You should know better."

Nova looked as if she might cry, her lips trembling as she bowed her head and muttered, "Yes, Your Majesty." She turned and hurried away without another word.

I felt a pang of sympathy for Nova, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of relief when Queen Luna turned to us. Her gaze softened as she looked at Cyrus, who stood there staring at her with wide, curious eyes.

"Grace," Queen Luna said, her tone kind but firm. "Come with me."