OLEG'S POV

　　"The ceremony must take place tomorrow," I instructed, my voice sharp and commanding. "We cannot afford any delay. We need the nobles and the people to see Fiona as their legitimate princess."

　　My aides nodded, scurrying off to make the necessary preparations. I watched them go, satisfaction curling in my chest. Lydia was in no state to challenge me now, not with her heart shattered by her mother's betrayal and her mind clouded with doubt. She was vulnerable, and I would use that to my advantage.

　　I found Fiona in her temporary chambers, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on her face. She looked nervous, but I knew how to play my part.

　　"Fiona," I said, my voice softening as I approached her. "Tomorrow, you will be crowned princess. This is your moment."

　　She looked up at me, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and excitement. "Do you think they'll accept me?"

　　I forced a reassuring smile. "They already do. Today was proof of that. Tomorrow, you will solidify your place. Just trust me."

　　She nodded, her apprehension fading slightly. "Thank you, Oleg. I wouldn't have been able to do this without you."

　　I patted her shoulder, my smile never wavering. "That's what I'm here for. To ensure you get what you deserve."

　　As I left her chambers, my thoughts turned to Lydia. She was a formidable opponent, but now she was a broken one. She had trusted me, and I had played my part perfectly. Her allies were gone, her power diminished. She might try to retaliate, but without support, she was essentially powerless.

　　I met with Alpha Cameron later that evening. The moonlight filtered through the windows of my study, casting a cold, silver light over everything. Cameron, the wolf who had brought Fiona into the fold, stood before me with a smug expression.

　　"Oleg, you truly are a master of manipulation," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You've played them all perfectly."

　　I allowed myself a satisfied smile. "It was necessary. Lydia's reign was always precarious. Now, with Fiona in place, we can secure our positions."

　　Cameron nodded, but his expression turned serious. "And Lydia? You remember our deal don't you?"

　　I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers. "Lydia will be dealt with accordingly. She will not be killed—at least, not yet. She has power, power that can be harnessed. As long as she is alive, she is a threat, but a manageable one."

　　"If she ceases to be a princess, she will become your mistress. I will strip her of her titles, her power, and her dignity. She will be yours to control and to abuse as you see fit, you can take her wherever you want."

　　Cameron's lips curled into a cruel smile. "A fitting end for a usurper."

　　"Indeed," I replied, my tone matching his. "But we must ensure that she has no support left. Spread the word among the nobles. Make it clear that anyone who stands with Lydia stands against the kingdom."

　　Cameron nodded. "Consider it done."

　　As he left, I summoned my most loyal henchman, a shadowy figure named Roland. He slipped into the room silently, his eyes gleaming with dark intent.

　　"Roland," I said, "we need to secure Fiona's position and eliminate any remaining support for Lydia. Start with the nobles who are wavering. Make them see reason."

　　Roland nodded, his expression unreadable. "And Lydia herself?"

　　"Watch her," I instructed. "Ensure she does nothing to disrupt our plans. If she steps out of line, deal with her accordingly. But do not kill her. Not yet."

　　Roland bowed and slipped back into the shadows, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The next day would see Fiona crowned, and with that, my position would be cemented. Lydia's downfall was almost complete.

　　The next morning dawned bright and clear, the perfect day for a coronation. The palace buzzed with activity as final preparations were made. I oversaw everything, ensuring that no detail was overlooked. This had to be perfect.

　　As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the palace courtyard filled with nobles, dignitaries, and commoners, all eager to witness the coronation of the new princess. Fiona stood beside me, dressed in a resplendent gown that shimmered in the sunlight.

　　The ceremony began with a grand procession, the sound of trumpets echoing through the courtyard. Fiona walked down the aisle, her head held high. She looked every bit the princess she was about to become.