“…Sweetheart? What are you doing out here so late?”
“I should be asking you the same. Isn’t our Moon expecting you?”
“They can wait.”
“You know how impatient they get.”
“I know. But I’m concerned. Truly. You’ve been acting fairly distant today. If you need to talk, I’m here.”
“…”
“…I know all of this was thrust upon you suddenly. We can call this off if you don’t want to-”
“N-no, no, I do want this. It’s just hard to take all this in, you know? I was just some singer, and then all of the sudden, I’m engaged to a beautiful queen.”
“S-star…!”
“Aawww! Your face matches your hair, Nebby!”
“STAR-”
“Hahaha! I’m just teasing~”
“Starlight. You cannot abandon your new responsibilities.”
Star stood before their Moon, keeping his eyes lowered to the ground. Though he tried not to show it, he was trembling. But they knew. They always knew. “Starlight,” they spoke again, “Look at me when I am speaking to you.”
…Slowly, his tired brown eyes met Io’s. They were red and puffy, yet any emotion that had once lived in them had been sapped. His tone is flat, almost monotone, “My apologies, my Moon.”
Io’s arms cross. “I know neither of us wanted you to be ruling, but you cannot just lock yourself in your palace while Soluminor struggles to heal. Our kingdom needs a ruler, not a weeping toddler.”
The prince jolts, taking a shaky step back. He quickly regains his composure, however, and he grits his teeth. “They died three days ago. H-how do you expect me to act like nothing is wrong when the love of my life was taken from me?”
Io huffs. “Don’t be ridiculous. They were just one of thousands of winged spirits at my command. But unlike you, they were competent. I would not be having this discussion, if they were in your position. All you’re doing is crying over the loss of someone that’s easily replaced.”
Star snaps, “I’ve been doing all I can with reconstruction! I personally stepped in to ensure that innocent demons were not punished! I’ve been working closely with everyone to form a plan moving forward. And yet, that isn’t enough for you?”
“You’re showing too much emotion in front of them.”
“I’m grieving!”
“You’re weak!”
Io slammed their hand into the wall. A loud bang rumbles through the room, causing Star to yelp and jump back. His previous anger vanished, and he stared ahead at Io, shaking uncontrollably. His Moon takes a deep breath. “Wonderful. You believe I’m the bad guy because I want to give the people of Soluminor a beacon of hope. Someone who acts like a ruler when they’re needed.”
“I..” Star’s words become jumbled, “I-I swear, I’ve been d-doing all I could-”
“It isn’t enough.” Io steps closer to Star, towering over him. “You are the acting ruler of Soluminor. You are to oversee the reconstruction of this kingdom. You are to be the perfect model of a ruler. Show no weakness. Be there for your subjects. Do not let your emotions get in the way of anything.”
Star opens his mouth to object, but before he can, Io grabs his wrist. Star tenses. Io continues, their grip tightening. “You are the last person I ever wanted to rule. But you are all I have now.” They pull Star closer to them. “Perform your duties and competently as you can manage. And once Soluminor recovers, abdicate. I will be searching for a replacement for you in the meantime. You will end your reign as the respected savior of Soluminor. Only you and I will know that you were a false ruler. And as long as you do as I say, this will remain our secret.” They release him, stepping back. “And perhaps, when you return here, you will have a new, respected position waiting for you.”
…
“…Yes, my Moon. I will do what I can.”