by Kiera Cass
A holy man went over to him and placed a hand beneath his nose, feeling for a breath. When nothing happened, he rose.
“The king is dead,” he called out. “Long live the queen.”
And I stood in silence as an entire room of nobles looked to me.
Thirty-Four
BESIDE ME, ETAN WENT TO a knee. Kissing my hand and then touching it to his temple, he whispered, “Your Majesty.”
A tremble rose from my toes and went all the way to the ends of my hair.
In an instant the holy men were beside me as the guards carefully escorted the courtiers from the Great Hall. Many were shielding their faces from the sight of a dead body, and many more were speaking furtively, trying to understand how so much had happened in such a few moments.
“Your Majesty, you must come with us. There is much to discuss,” a holy man said.
They meant me. I was Your Majesty. I drew in a ragged breath. I was, in the most bureaucratic sense, Jameson’s wife. And, as his wife on paper, I was queen. And, as he had no heirs, that meant the crown went to me. But of all the ways I’d imagined this day ending, none had led me to this, and I couldn’t wrap my mind around being in possession of a kingdom.
Numbly, I nodded. I turned to Etan, expecting him to follow.
He smiled kindly. “I’m sorry, Hollis. I don’t think these gentlemen want a foreign king here as they discuss matters of state with their very new queen. Besides . . . I have a kingdom of my own awaiting my return.”
“But . . .” No. There was no but. He was right.
Etan pulled my hand to his lips again. “When things have settled, we will talk. But know that you will always have an ally in Isolte.”
How was I supposed to let him go? After everything we’d been through, after everything we’d finally said, how was I supposed to go even a minute without him?
“Etan . . . I can’t . . .”
“Yes, you can. Look at everything you’ve already done,” he assured me. “Go. Do what you must. Even if I’m gone, you are not alone in this. You have my support, Isolte’s support. I will tell everyone at home of your new reign, and I will write you as soon as I can.”
My hand was still in his. He was waiting.
I had to be the one to let go.
I squeezed it tight one last time and put my hands by my side. It took everything I had not to cry in front of him. I sank into a curtsy, and he bowed in return.
And then he dashed from the room, from the castle, from my world.
“Your Majesty,” the same holy man said urgently. “Please come with me. There is much I need to tell you. Alone.”
“I hope one day you might forgive me for my part in this,” the holy man—Langston—said. “We all owe you the deepest of apologies.”
I picked up the paper again, looking it over in disbelief. In Jameson’s handwriting, the letter detailed when and where my wedding was to take place and spelled out the mission of the men he’d hired. I’d been wrong about the men killing my family possibly being in the Great Hall. He’d specifically gone for nobility who still had names but no fortunes, people who would be his allies based on status but in desperate need of money based on their circumstances. The sums he paid each of them—also detailed in the letter—would be enough to redeem an entire family.
“I never ought to have served these papers. But I felt duty bound to obey my king. I suspected what was in them, but I wasn’t sure. I saved this one, just in case. Once I heard what happened to your husband, I broke the seal and read it myself. Then I knew one day this letter would be imperative to making a case against the king. I hid it away, praying it was never found unless someone who could make the whole matter right came forward. So now, please let me be a part in finding justice, even if that costs me my own life.”
It took me a moment to realize he was waiting for me to speak. I cleared my throat, trying to think.
“Based on my sister Scarlet’s account, some of these men died and were burned in the fire. That is enough punishment on their families. We will need to collect the others for questioning. Except the last one, the one you kept this letter from.”
He nodded.
“As for you, I know firsthand how compelling Jameson could be. And you were, as you said, trying to do your duty. I want the men capable of murdering their countrymen brought to justice, but otherwise, I’d like to set the whole matter to rest.”
He bowed his head. “That is very generous, Your Majesty.”
I shook my head. “Must you call me that? I wasn’t born royal; this doesn’t feel right at all.”
He pulled out the law books and the tidy little contract my parents had signed one more time. “His Majesty was the last of his line. He has no relatives to speak of, no one who has a legitimate claim to the throne. Except for you.
“Perhaps not in practice or deed, but on paper, you were his wife. I cannot force you to take the crown—no one can—but I must beg you to consider the outcome if you do not. We could risk civil war as usurpers try to take the throne. And if there isn’t a clear, singular leader, neighboring countries might invade, attempt to take the land and claim it as their own. We could lose Coroa.”
I stood, walking to the window as I considered this. My mother used to say to wait for daylight when there was a decision to be made. There was none of that to help me now. The moon was peeking up from behind the horizon. She would have to do.
How had Etan described the moon? Reflecting light back? A guide for those who didn’t know they were in the dark?
Whatever he’d said, it was beautiful.
Could I really be like that? Could I be a guide? Could I be a light?
Could I lead Coroa?
I’d loved so many things in my life. I’d loved my freedom. I’d loved my family. I’d loved dancing and showing off my gowns. I’d loved gaining a sister. I’d loved Silas. I’d loved Etan.
Some of those loves were much shallower than others, but the thought of making every love I could ever have for all my life come in second place to Coroa . . . it was frightening.
If I said yes, it meant closing the door on so many things, on a thousand possibilities for my future. It meant service and humility and a lifetime of correcting wrongs.
And if I said no, it meant risking Coroa.
I had been scared to come back here, but I realized now that so much of that fear was tied to Jameson. And he was gone. Without him, all I could think of was that someone had to protect this land, the land that Queen Honovi made the boundaries of with her kisses, the one Queen Albrade protected on horseback.
I couldn’t leave Coroa by the wayside, risking her falling into the hands of someone who might break her or suppress her. No. I would never let that happen.
When I turned around, the holy man was standing there, the Crown of Estus in his hands.
And I took a knee.
Three Months Later
Thirty-Five
I WALKED AROUND THE TABLE a second time. “No, no.” I pointed to the flowers in the middle. “In Isolte, these are used in mourning. Replace them. I think that’s everything.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the page said eagerly. “And the menu?”
“It’s all been approved. If you have any further questions, they may be directed to my principal lady.”
The butlers and pages bowed and moved, finishing up all the final details. There was only one thing left to take care of, and it should be done by the end of the day. If everyone was on task, that is.
I walked from the chamber we’d been using for planning and into the central corridor of the castle. Unlike the kings before me, I preferred to work where I might see my people. There were bows and curtsies as I made my way out toward the courtyard. As expected, all the young girls were working on one big dance together, with Nora choreographing. I’d never seen anything quite so large, and I was sure it would impress.
Nora caught me watching and asked with her eyes what I thought. I gave her a warm smile and a satisf
ied nod. It really looked beautiful.
It had been her idea to have the young girls do something together, and I appreciated it. How much happier would my early years at court have been if we’d tried to build something as a group instead of feeling like we had to compete all the time?
As I watched, lulled into a stupor by the twirling gowns, a page approached. “Morning post, Majesty.”
“Thank you . . . It was Andrews, was it not?”
He smiled. “Yes, Your Majesty.” He moved on quickly, and I scanned the names on the letters to see what had come. The first several were from lords, and I’d need to see my council before responding to any of them. At the very back were three meant not for the queen, but for Hollis . . . well, maybe one of them was meant for the queen. I tucked inside the low wall of the palace and bent over, reading away.
Your Majesty,
You will be pleased to know that the last teaching position was filled this morning. We now have suitable instructors for all subjects. As of last week, all the rooms in Varinger Hall have students assigned to them, so in the next week or so, we will begin the courses you laid out. The staff has been preparing around the clock, and while it’s not the work any of us signed up for, everyone is delighted to be useful again and to see the manor full of life.
The first girl arrived this week. We have three orphans coming, and she is one. She was so timid, but the maids have taken her in like a little kitten, and I feel certain once she’s able to meet her classmates, she will blossom.
The manor is in good hands. I am seeing to all the grounds and house, and the headmistress you chose is an agreeable woman who is very organized. I feel certain that if you get to visit, which we all very much hope you do, that you will be pleased with this school. We will keep you informed of any issues we have as things begin, but I’m very hopeful for the future of this project.
It is a brilliant idea, Your Majesty. One day, Coroa will be filled with schools like these, and the future citizens will have you to thank for it.
We pray for your health and reign. Visit soon.
Your humble servant,
Hester
Finally, that giant old house was serving some kind of purpose. I wasn’t sure if a live-in school for country children would work, but we wouldn’t know if we didn’t try. I had no illusions of myself being someone who walked into war or saved countless sick . . . but I could do little bits of good a little bit at a time, and I hoped that when the end of my reign came, that would be what people remembered.
I moved on to the second letter.
Your Majesty,
Hollis,
I am finding Great Perine much to my liking. The air is not so soft as it is back in Coroa, but there is something in it that smells of spices, and the beauty and mystery of it all fills me with curiosity each day. It has been good to go away, to be an unknown in a new place. I’ve made many new acquaintances and have told the great story of you becoming queen to each of them. I daresay you may be the most famous royal of our lifetime.
Speaking of being a famous royal, how are things at home? I remember you mentioning a dozen little ideas before I left. Have any of them come to fruition yet? I remember Hagan being nudged toward you as a suitor. Is he your betrothed now? Did you happen to find someone more to your liking?
It sounds like your reign is off to a very good start, Hollis. Of all people, I know you want to prove yourself. I think you will leave your mark on our country, but only give it time. I think that’s what you’re doing. I hope so.
All that to say, I have enjoyed studying here in Great Perine, learning about literature, philosophy, and art. I have thought many times that I should make this place my home. I’m not sure I could bear the pitiful or judging eyes of the court in Keresken Castle again. And yet, the thought of staying away forever makes my chest tighten. Did you feel that way when you went to Isolte? What is it about a home that pulls us back, even when things weren’t always good?
Perhaps in the next month or so, I might come back to visit, to see you and your great plans. Maybe then, once I walk through the resplendent halls of Keresken again, I’ll know where I’m supposed to be.
I know you are far busier than anyone else on the continent, but once you find time, please do write and tell me of your many adventures. After all this time, you’re the one I want to know about the most. I send you my love and my devotion.
Your subject abroad,
Delia Grace
Reading that letter was akin to taking a deep breath. While we had talked through many things before she’d decided to leave, I felt like my life at the castle would never feel quite settled until she was here beside me. By now there was no way that she was the most scandalous one between the two of us, so she wouldn’t have to worry about drawing eyes in every room she walked into. But I wondered if there was a part of her that still wished for those eyes to be on her, so long as they didn’t find her wanting.
Maybe I’d never know. But I hoped.
I took a deep breath and broke the seal of the last letter.
Your Majesty,
We write to tell you we shall be arriving around nine tomorrow, Thursday the seventeenth. We promise not to make a scene or tease you. Well, we may tease you, but not too harshly. Not this time.
Etan Rex
I smiled. Rex. How fancy. As a fellow sovereign, maybe I would adopt that. But not the royal we, which I intended to taunt him mercilessly about once he arrived. I held the letter up to my nose. I could smell Isolte on the paper, and if I focused, him, too.
He was on his way, and he was still joking with me, and no matter what else was happening, at least there was that.
Never a dull moment, my principal lady came bounding up the pathway.
“Valentina, what is it?”
She was beaming. “It’s done, Your Majesty.”
I let out a blissful sigh. “Perfect.”
Thirty-Six
I SAT AT THE VANITY in the king’s—well, queen’s—chambers as Valentina gave me one last look over. My crown was speckled with sapphires, my ring from Mother shone with its ruby, and my wedding rings? Well, they sat in a safe place so I could see them when I wanted. Jameson and Silas both had their hands on how I’d made it to this place, but the steps I took forward from here all belonged to me. So, I wanted to be perfect today.
Given her past, Valentina was more eagle-eyed than even Delia Grace and was a natural at my side. What’s more, we had one another’s perfect trust, a thing that had been found and lost and found so many times between Delia Grace and me.
“Valentina, I feel silly for not asking this sooner, but are you uncomfortable being out there today? Not being queen anymore?”
She made a playful face. “Not at all. I’m much happier being your subject than their queen.”
“So you don’t miss it? Not even being away from Isolte?”
She squinted a moment, thinking. “No. Home is what we make it. And I’ve made mine here.”
“You have been too good to me,” I said. “I’ll have to find a way to thank you for it someday.”
She shook her head, her tone peaceful and resolute. “You rescued me. King Etan rescued me. This is me thanking you.” She stepped back, surveying her handiwork. “There now. Beautiful.”
“I wouldn’t admit this to anyone else, but I am very nervous.”
“With how close you two have been, there’s no way this meeting could go poorly.”
I swallowed my words, thinking that, with how close we’d been, this could be the hardest meeting of my reign.
Valentina knocked on the door, and the guards opened it for me. I walked through with her tailing my skirt as I serenely acknowledged the crowd. Just beside the dais, Hagan was waiting for me, his arm outstretched.
Hagan was what Valentina had referred to as a “perfect specimen.” He was tall with a sharp nose and dark brown hair. His broad shoulders made everything he wore fall impeccably, and, most importantly, he was from one of the o
ldest families in Coroa. In the days when my mother was trying to parlay what she thought would be a brief relationship with Jameson into a proposal from another high-ranking family, Hagan hadn’t even been on her list. He’d been too good for me.
“Good day, Your Majesty,” he greeted me, an easy smile on his face. “What an interesting choice. You look lovely.”
“Thank you.” I practiced breathing steadily as he escorted me in front of the crowd.
My throne was there, as was one for Etan. Hagan had a seat to my right, and on Etan’s left, there was another chair for Ayanna. I’d heard he’d been encouraged to find a mate rather quickly. He and I were in similar situations with our family lines: we were the end of them.
I glanced at Valentina, asking her with my eyes if I still looked all right. As if something had changed in the last three minutes. She nodded reassuringly, and I clasped my hands in front of me, hoping to settle my stomach, but instead I felt my ring. I looked down quickly at the gift from Mother, the heirloom from Jedreck. In our many correspondences, Etan had never asked for it, but as I was now a Coroan queen and forbidden from being an Isolten citizen, I wondered if it should go back to him. Just one detail of many to settle over this trip.
The trumpets sounded, announcing their arrival, and I could feel my heart leaping from my chest. Etan was here. We were breathing the same air. I watched expectantly down the path made up the middle of the Great Hall, probably giving away how desperate I was to see his face again.
I saw his shoe first. All it took was a shoe, and I was lost. His hair was shorter, but there was still one rogue piece trying to fall in his eye. He’d grown a very short beard, and it looked absolutely charming around the shape of that smile growing on his face.
I shook my head. I shouldn’t have been surprised that we’d had the same thought.
While his entourage was dressed in dozens of cool shades of blue, Etan’s coat was red. He was a flash of fire in the night. And I? I’d chosen the bluest gown I had, bedecked my hair in silver. For him.