by Dyan Chick
With a deep breath, I walked toward the door and stepped outside.
All four of my princes were waiting for me in the hallway. Each of them dressed in a shade of pink. “Did Rose get to all of you?”
“She can be very persuasive,” Dane said.
“She might not be your blood, but she’s got your fire,” Tristan said.
I smiled. Rose was fitting in here just fine.
“Who will escort me to the throne room?” I asked.
All four turned to Cormac. He was the highest ranking of all the princes.
“Tristan should do it,” Cormac said. “It’s a good way to welcome the Winter Court back.”
I blinked at Cormac, surprised that he would do something nice for Tristan.
“It doesn’t mean I like you,” Cormac said. “But I am willing to put my faith in you that you’ll do the right thing.”
Tristan inclined his head to Cormac, then turned to me, offering his elbow.
Holding back tears again, I slid my hand through Tristan’s waiting arm, resting my fingers on his forearm.
The five of us made our way to the throne room. I hesitated outside the doors, the guards lowering themselves to a bow as I approached.
My mother, the queen, was waiting for me at the doors. She lowered her head into a curtsy, and I returned the gesture. My heart raced and nervous flutters filled my chest.
The queen was wearing a white dress covered in pink rose petals. It complimented mine, the pink of the petals matching the color of the skirt of my dress. I was sure Rose dressed all of us for this occasion.
“Shall we?” the queen asked.
Tristan let go of my arm. “We’ll see you in there.”
My mates left me with the queen. The four of them walked up to their places at the front of the room. Each of them would kneel in front of me, officially showing loyalty to the new queen, to serve as my consorts.
Then, each of the rulers of each court would do the same, offering their allegiance to me. Tristan would take the knee twice. Something I never thought I’d see.
“How are you feeling?” the queen asked.
“Nervous,” I said.
She took my hand in hers, squeezing. “I’m so proud of you.”
I squeezed her hand back. “Thank you.”
The queen let go of my hand and took a step through the doors. The crowd quieted almost instantly as if they were collectively holding their breath.
Each of the gathered nobles lowered their heads as she passed, one last salute to the queen before she left her throne.
Once she arrived at the dais where the gold throne sat empty and waiting, she turned to look at me.
My throat bobbed. Unclenching my fists, and lifting my chin high, I began the walk into the throne room.
This time, the crowd lowered themselves to their knees as I passed. It was a symbolic gesture of swearing fealty to the new queen. I kept my gaze forward, trying not to be overwhelmed by the Fae sinking to their knees around me.
Ahead, I saw my princes waiting for me. Each of them wore a proud smile. I smiled back, their confidence giving me the boost I needed to finish my walk to the throne.
The council waited alongside my princes. Jaya moved toward my mother. “Our queen has ended her reign,” Jaya said, lifting the queen’s crown from her head.
She stepped forward and held the crown high, showing the gathered crowd who were now on their feet again. “Tonight, we welcome our new queen. Our victor chosen by the gods.”
Jaya stepped behind me and lowered the crown to my head. I held my breath as she removed her hands, the full weight of the crown resting on my head. It was heavy, yet it still didn’t feel real.
“Long live the queen,” Jaya said.
“Long live the queen,” the crowd cheered.
My mother took my hand and walked me up to the throne. I took the seat carefully and stared out at all the faces looking up at me. Everyone looked happy. Nobody looked like they thought I was an impostor.
“Who will guide our queen as she rules?” Jaya asked.
Jaya, and the other members of the council knelt at my feet. “We will,” they answered in unison.
I smiled at Lilian and Malin.
“I promise loyalty to our queen and to Faerie,” Jaya said.
The others repeated the phrase as they lowered their head.
“Thank you for your wisdom and your loyalty,” I said. “Please rise.”
The council stood and moved aside, and my princes took their places.
“I promise loyalty to our queen and to Faerie,” Cormac said.
Dane and Ethan repeated the phrase one at a time. Then, it was Tristan’s turn.
The whole room seemed to wait on edge to hear what he’d say.
Tristan looked up at me, that sly smile of his was on his lips. “I promise loyalty to my queen and to Faerie.”
The energy of the room shifted, as if everyone took a breath at once.
“Thank you for your loyalty,” I said, repeating the rehearsed words.
The princes rose and Cormac, Ethan, and Dane walked away. Only Tristan remained. The kings of the other courts joined him. Each of them knelt and offered loyalty.
Once they left, Jaya returned.
“Long live the queen,” Jaya repeated.
“Long live the queen,” everyone cheered.
Author’s Note
Thank you for coming along on this journey. I loved spending time in Faerie writing about Cassia and her princes. I hope you did as well.
Also by Dyan Chick
Illaria Series
Legacy of Magic Series
Dragon Mage Series
Hunted
Forever Magnolia
Wolves & Monsters