Chapter 143: Rules Written for All to See
Chapter 142: Rules Written for All to See
Lyria’s POV
Even from this distance, her presence was unmistakable.
She inclined her head slightly, her posture flawless, her expression composed beyond reproach.
"My husband has spoken," she said, her voice clear and measured as it carried through the veil, "and I believe he has addressed the concerns that have arisen."
There was a quiet authority in her tone.
One that did not waver.
"As such," she continued, "it now falls to me to present the rules by which this selection shall proceed."
"I trust," she said, "that all candidates involved will pay the utmost attention."
The Queen did not allow the silence that followed her last words to linger for long.
"The first rule," she began, her voice carrying with calm authority, "is that all candidates are to remain within the palace grounds for the duration of the selection."
I stilled, my attention sharpening despite the steady weight in my chest.
"They may, of course, receive correspondence from their respective territories," she continued, "but their movements are to be confined within the palace unless a particular aspect of the competition requires otherwise."
My fingers rested lightly against the window frame as I listened.
Without thinking, I turned my head just slightly toward the duke. I had seen him outside the palace grounds the first night, after all.
He met my gaze and, with the faintest hint of mischief still lingering despite everything, gave a small, knowing wink, a smirk touching his lips as though the rule itself amused him.
I quickly looked away, though I could feel the warmth rise faintly to my face.
The Queen continued, unbothered.
"Any candidate found outside the palace walls without proper cause," she said, "will have points deducted accordingly."
"Secondly, every candidate," she said with emphasis, "is expected to be present at all official gatherings."
There was a deliberate pause.
"This includes balls, assemblies, and all competitive proceedings."
Her gaze did not waver.
"Regardless of personal inconvenience."
Something in her tone sharpened then—not visibly, not enough for most to notice, but it was there.
"Even in the case of minor ailments," she added, "a candidate is expected to make an appearance."
A faint pause followed before she continued, almost as though providing an example.
"A stomach indisposition, for instance, is not sufficient cause for absence."
Baron Redwick’s brows drew together slightly at that.
Duke Thorncrest let out the faintest breath beside me, though he did not speak.
"Attendance," the Queen concluded, "is not optional."
My gaze lowered slightly.
I understood what she meant.
More than that—I understood what she intended.
"Third," she continued, "every candidate is expected to apply themselves fully to each and every competition."
Her voice carried evenly, though there was a firmness beneath it that left no room for misinterpretation.
"This selection is not a trivial matter," she said. "The Sun of the kingdom will be chosen through this process, and such a position demands effort, discipline, and sincerity."
Her eyes seemed to sharpen ever so slightly.
"No candidate is to treat any aspect of the competition lightly."
The words settled into the air with quiet finality.
"Following the conclusion of each week’s events," she went on, "the top three candidates will be announced."
That was already known, but perhaps since the competition was beginning again, she had to announce it... again.
"These individuals," she continued, "will be granted the opportunity to spend time with the Moon candidates in a more... personal setting."
There was a careful choice in her phrasing.
"Within a period of two days," she added, "the remaining candidates will be expected to make their own efforts to demonstrate their suitability, leading up to the elimination ball, where one candidate will be let go."
Duke Thorncrest shifted slightly beside me, though his gaze remained fixed on the veil.
Baron Redwick’s expression remained composed, though thoughtful.
"It will be expected," the Queen said, "that each candidate presents themselves in a manner befitting their station, their ambition, and their understanding of what is required of them."
"Furthermore," she continued, "no Sun candidate is to be seen in the company of a Moon candidate without the presence of a chaperone."
Her tone remained even.
"Such meetings are to be conducted with propriety at all times."
There was no hesitation in her next words.
"And under no circumstances," she said, "are physical relations between Sun and Moon candidates permitted."
My breath stilled faintly.
"Any violation of this rule," she continued, "will result in immediate disqualification."
Silence followed that.
My fingers tightened slightly against the wood of the window.
I wondered if the Queen knew that that rule had already been broken—and by her daughter... the legitimate daughter, no less.
The Queen continued as though nothing had changed.
"One final matter," she said.
Her voice remained composed, measured, perfectly controlled.
"This selection," she continued, "is not one that exists solely within the confines of the palace."
"It is a matter of the entire kingdom," she said. "Hence why we use the scrying veils to broadcast all that will be happening for you all to see."
I blinked faintly.
"Each week," she went on, "the progress of the candidates will be observed and recorded."
Her gaze remained steady.
"The names of those who distinguish themselves... as well as those who draw the attention of the people... will be made known. Everyone will get a chance to vote, because the selection for a Sun does not rest solely on the shoulders of the Moon of the kingdom. It is a task that concerns everyone in the kingdom."
A pause followed.
"There will be a public poll," she said.
"The most favored candidates," she continued, "will be presented for all to see. And also the least favored. And everyone gets a choice in the matter."
The Queen inclined her head slightly, her composure unbroken.
"And this process shall remain transparent, throughout," she said. "But that being said, it should also be noted that, as you have been doing, you may continue to send in your requests from all across the kingdom, and each will be deliberated upon."
