Soar (The Immortal Chronicles Book 3)

by Sloane Murphy

“I’ve turned into such a weeper since I arrived here,” I laugh, trying not to ruin the work Stefano did with my face.

  “I didn’t mean to make you cry,” he chuckles with me. “Now then, I suppose we should do this. Can I accompany you down to the ballroom?”

  “I would like nothing more,” I say with a big grin.

  We might have got off to a rocky start, but now Iunderstand Kellan a lot more, and I can’t help but love him. He takes my hand and tucks it into his elbow tenderly before escorting me down to the ballroom.

  From outside, I can already hear the excited murmur of voices and the sound of music.

  “Are you ready?” Kellan asks.

  “As ever I’m going to be,” I say with a nervous smile.

  He steps back and turns to the Vampyr guarding the door, who has a large locked box by his feet. Kellan instructs the Vampyr to open the box, and when he does, it is to reveal two crowns and an empty space for a third. The Queen has already collected hers. Kellan pulls out the smaller of the two and places it firmly on my head. He then does the same with his.

  “Well then, let’s get this show on the road,” he says.

  He takes my hand again, and the guard opens the door. When we step on to the top of the staircase silence descends across the ballroom. I look out on the sea of faces below and thankfully, spot some friendlies.

  Michael is talking to Rose and Benny, who are with Queen and King Frostheart. Celeste and Ali are both here but that seems like the only Elite who have been able to make it; I understand why; the life of being Elite is busy and doesn’t have much time for the silliness of balls.

  I take a deep breath and look back to Kellan, giving him a nervous smile. Kellan leads me down onto the dance floor and sweeps me towards him, taking my other hand in preparation to dance. The band starts to play and I look at him, surprised.

  “You don’t mind if this old man steals the first dance with the most beautiful girl in the room, do you?” he asks.

  I giggle and shake my head. Then he whisks me away. For an old guy, he’s pretty swift on his feet. I follow his lead as he twirls me around the room. The dance floor begins to fill but Kellan is determined to still make as much use of the free space as possible I’m laughing at his outrageous moves and I’m grateful for this moment of joy. When the music draws to a close, we applaud the musicians and then I am led away to join my mother on the throne platform.

  The idea that I have a throne still baffles me; I’m not sure I’ll ever adjust to it. I take my seat to Kellan’s right, my mother sits to his left. I watch over my friends who are enjoying the music and merriment. I wonder if they will ever really understand how much I have dreaded this evening – still do. My eyes settle on my four suitors who are each dealing with their own nerves in their own way; that is except for Dante, who is looking as cool, calm and collected as ever.

  Kellan invites my mother to the dance and I think I see my mother smile. It’s probably an illusion, but I’d like to hope she’s happy sometimes. No one approaches me, and even my friends settle to cast me the occasional wave and smile from the dance floor. I guess that is the way of the Proposal ball. I’m not meant to give anything away until it’s time. I sit and wait, smiling, and laughing at the people I love. I feel a little lonely, but heavy is the head that wears the crown.

  When Kellan and my mother return, he raises his hand to quiet the room. The reaction is almost instant and I feel proud of the King he is.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us on such a significant night,” Kellan booms. “Tonight, the Princess will choose her husband. He will become Prince of Valoire, and eventually, the next King in the Valoire line. I’m sure, like me, you will respect her choice, and wish her and her suitor all the good luck in the world,” he says.

  His speech is met with great applause and I can’t help but think the whole situation is still ridiculous. Do they even know what it is exactly they are applauding for? This whole evening is about locking me into a contract of misery and false love. I wonder how many of them would be this happy if it was them that had to choose a husband from four men they don’t love?

  The crowd parts and my suitors take their places in front of the thrones, each of them down on one knee with their heads bent and their fists closed over their chests.

  “Earl Dante DeVaux, Duke Aleksandr Daarkgarden, Sir Ambrose Frostheart and Prince Naoki Goldenwind. You are each a valiant suitor for my daughter. Each of you represent different qualities, but each of you are fine young men. Whomever Adelaide chooses, will be given my blessing.”

  He turns to me and holds out his hand. I place my hand in his, wondering if he can feel it trembling, and walking to his side.

  “Thank you,” I whisper. I take a deep breath, trying to steady the nerves that are threatening to take over. “My father is right,” I say, trying to fix my attention on the four kneeling men in front of me. “Each of you are unique individuals, which is why this has been such a hard decision. It has been a privilege to spend time with all of you.” I inwardly smile at what I’d actually like to say about spending time with Ambrose but keep my composure. Now isn’t the time to act like a brat. “I only hope we can continue to grow the friendship we have built over these last few weeks; the responsibility of a crown is heavy, and it is in everybody’s best interest to bond our worlds together through friendship and community.”

  A gentle applause breaks up my speech, and I smile. Yes, I am beginning to sound like a true princess. I clear my throat and silence settles back on the room.

  “The husband I am choosing has become a dear friend, he has demonstrated a great capacity for compassion, proven to be a trusted confidant; he knows my secrets, and he does not shy away from any piece of me.”

  I stop for a moment, waiting for my words to hit home amongst those at Court who have been less than kind about me behind my back.

  “He has proven that friendship is a solid foundation to build a marriage on; he will be a rock to hold me steady when I might wobble…” I take a deep breath and centre myself, looking out across the crowd I see Sophie with her nanny towards the back of the room. She’s playing with her dolls again and seeing her cements my decision. I’m building this life for her as much as for me.

  “The man I choose to spend the rest of my life with is, Dante DeVaux.” Cheers erupt around me and Dante strides towards me, lifting me up in his arms.

  “Thank you, Addie. You have no idea how happy you’ve made me.” He whispers into my ear, placing me back on the ground. I turn back to the crowd and the three other suitors in front on me.

  “Please know that this was not an easy decision, and I have no ill will towards any of you,” I speak directly to the three. “I wish you each all of the happiness in the world, and earnestly hope we can continue our friendship.” I finish. Turning towards Kellan and my mother, I see a mixed response. While the rest of the room celebrates with us and apparently Kellan, my mother looks like she sucked a lemon.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, please, if you will quiet, we can begin the joining ceremony,” Kellan announces as he stands, summoning the Master of Ceremonies. The room quiets as Dante and I are pulled forward by Kellan, facing the thrones when the Master of Ceremonies joins us. He gestures for Kellan to sit before he begins.

  “On this blessed day, we not only rejoice in the finding of our beloved Princess, we rejoice at the fact that she is starting a new journey, expanding her family. Our family.

  Adelaide, Dante. Today you celebrate one of life's greatest moments and give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, as you bind your union. May the promises you make to one another be lived out to the end of your lives in an atmosphere of profoundest joy.” I feel my hands start to shake, this all got very real, very quickly. I’m getting married! Holy shit! I take a deep breath and look towards Dante, who looks happy and relaxed, like always. I find peace in that and calm myself. He is a good man; I am lucky to have found someone like him from the selection I was given.
This may not have been the path I chose for myself, but it is the path I need to follow for my people. I realise I’ve missed half of his speech, and Dante is talking.

  “… forever, until death should separate us. I vow to protect her with my life, to love her with my entire heart. I promise to love, honour, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her.” As he finishes, the Master of Ceremonies, ties our hands with a green ribbon.

  “A sign on his bond to her.” He announces once he is done.

  “Adelaide Valoire, please speak after me. I offer myself up to the witnesses around me, and I give myself to Dante forever, until death should separate us. I promise to love, honour, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him.” I repeat his words and he ties our hands with a blood red ribbon.

  “Adelaide. Dante. In so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in harmony and love. You have promised your love for each other by these vows, by the authority bestowed unto me by His Royal Highness, I now declare you to be Husband and Wife.” Dante pulls me close, using our tied hands and kisses me deeply. I don’t feel the earth shattering tingles I used to when I kissed Xander, but there’s something, it’s not fireworks, but more like happy shivers down my spine. Comfort and safety, and that it what matters. I kiss him back with all I have as the whoops surround us.

  Kellan and my mother stand, joining us at the front of the platform. “Tonight we celebrate!” Kellan booms before untying our hands.

  The doors at the top of the stairs burst open and I see Kaden, followed by Dimitri. My heart lurches. The whole room has turn and watch them rush towards me. I look back at Kellan for reassurance. Surely the seven haven’t found me? Not today. Not when I’m finally ready to move on with my life. Not when I’m dressed in a stupid dress and can’t fight back.

  I seek out Kaden’s eyes, and then Dimitri, but neither of them look at me; their focus is all on Kellan. He rushes forward to meet them and huddles in close as Kaden talks with him. I can’t stand that I can’t hear what is going on but just as I’m about to head down and take my rightful place in the huddle, Kellan heads back towards me and leads me back into position before beckoning Kaden to take a stand.

  “I apologise for the interruption everyone,” Kaden says. “We came as soon as we could and we didn’t realise we would be interrupting such a significant moment. I come in the capacity as Head of House Bane, and I bring important news.”

  Murmurs erupt and my own head starts to chatter. ‘Head of House Bane’? – I sure as hell didn’t expect that. Apparently, a lot has happened since I saw him last. Kaden holds out his hands and motions for calm.

  “Be calm, the news I bring is happy news. We have finally signed a treaty with The Seven, meaning you and the generations who follow are all safe.”

  A huge cheer breaks out. I had no idea that the fear of The Seven had caused such a heavy force over everybody.

  “It has not been an easy road,” Kaden continues, “but with help from unexpected sources we have succeeded.”

  My knees wobble. I’m finally safe and the threat is eliminated. I really can breathe again. My life can begin again. Kaden, finally, turns to me, but I can’t read the look on his face; it’s a mixture of pain and regret and I’m as confused as hell.

  “Princess Valoire, this means your security can finally go down to normal levels and Michael can return to Bane Manor with me.”

  “Thank you, Kaden,” I say hugging him tightly. “Thank you for giving me my life back.”

  I kiss him on the cheek and he goes rigid, stepping back from me and flashing me a stern look. The hurt is evident in my eyes. We’d been so close before; he was like the brother I always wanted. We shared our grief over Xander, bonded in our pain and darkness. I thought maybe, one day, we might be more – but then, all this craziness happened. He hasn’t even congratulated me, not even for appearances sake.

  “This means you will be in need of a new personal guard, as is standard,” he says seriously. This Kaden is not my friend and I don’t like what I see.

  He nods towards the entrance and my eyes follow. My head and heart are reeling. I’ve got no idea what is happening. Why any of these politics needed to be announced in this moment – in my moment. Yes, it’s amazing news, but I was just about to make the biggest choice of my life and now…

  “Your new personal guard,” he says.

  I can’t see anyone and I look back at him expectantly. He’s not looking at me. The sound of gasps turns my attention back to the entrance.

  Oh my God! “Xander?” I whisper.

  I’m rooted to the spot. My mind is crashing. I must be hallucinating or dreaming. The stress of this night has finally got to me. I blink and see him walking towards me; that brooding, serious, unmistakable Xander. He walks straight up to me and stops mere inches from me. I can’t believe he is here. I reach out my unsteady hand and touch his face, desperate for him to be warm and solid. A sob erupts from me. He’s really here. He wraps me up in his arms and holds me tight. I breath him in.

  “How is this even possible?” I ask, uncaring of the audience we have.

  “We have such a lot to talk about, Addie, but I’m here, and I’m never leaving again,” he says, and I can’t help the smile that threatens to break my face

  He pulls back and grants me a small smirk, but my face and joy has dropped. The knowledge of exactly why I’m here hits me. The people watching us are my world; and Xander’s arrival doesn’t change the decision I’m now married – right now. I turn to Kellan, desperate for guidance. His face reflects mine.

  “I’m sorry, Addie. It is done, it cannot be undone.”

  “What do you mean?” Xander interrupts.

  “I’m married, Xander,” I whisper, holding back a sob. Dante comes forward and rubs my back.

  “Is this him?” Dante asks and I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

  “Married?” Xander says, stricken, looking between me, Kellan and Dante.

  “Well isn’t this just a pleasant surprise, Xander, darling. It’s so nice to see you alive and well.” My mother chirps up, she looks so smug and happy. Surely she didn’t know?

  “There has to be something we can do?” Dante says to Kellan. He deserves more than this, he’s so good. Trying to find an out for me even, sacrificing himself.

  “There is nothing you can do. You vowed to be together until death. The promise was made. It is unbreakable.” My mother practically sings and my knees give out underneath me. Xander darts forward to catch me, but is beaten to it by Kellan.

  “I think we need to take this away from prying eyes.” Kellan tells us all, half carrying me as he ushers us out of the room.

  What have I done?

  Coming July 2017

  The Immortal Chronicles #4

  The Final Instalment

  I never wanted to lie to her, but I knew I couldn’t keep her safe if she knew. I hurt her, more than I ever wanted to and I have to live with that each day that I’m away from her. But one day she’ll know, that every day spent away from her was hell.

  Watching her move on.

  Watching her change.

  But it will all be worth it once she’s safe.

  Even if she doesn’t know it, she is my Rapture.

  .

  I have so many people to thank for helping me with this book that I just know I’m going to miss someone, so I’ll start with a big thank you to everyone!

  Thank you to Katie John, for taking up battle with me, laying down the law, and helping these characters be all they can be.

  Thank you to Danielle Swainston for handling my crazy, and keeping up with everything when I’m deep in the writing cave.

  Thank you to Anisah Bari & Mila Wolfe for loving these guys as much as I do, even if you never cry you mofo’s.

  Thank you to all of the bloggers who shared this and a big thank you to the ladies over at Bare Naked Words for all of your hard work!

 
A huge super-duper thank you to Jade Jez, for creating not just one, but two covers for this book. I couldn’t decide which way to go, and you created both images as if you could see inside my head! They’re so beautiful thank you.

  Finally, thank you to you the reader for investing in Addie, Xander & Co. Originally this was going to be a trilogy – but when Xander demanded he wasn’t dead, I knew Addie couldn’t know yet, so Rapture will give you a lot more Xander, a lot more Kaden and everything that you missed that they went through behind the scenes of Soar.

  None of this would be possible without you, and I appreciate the love you show every single day!

  Much Love

  Sloane

  xoxo

  Keep reading for a sneak peek of

  Cupids Essence

  By

  J Thompson

  Chapter One

  “AhChoo!”

  Belinda couldn’t stop the sneeze that rose from within her sinuses and erupted out of her nose like an F1 car at the start of a race. The force of the sneeze made her stumble forward and she almost ended up face down in a box of old football programmes, the dust and cobwebs very nearly sent her into a fit of sneezing and only her quick movements to get herself back upright stopped it.

  “Sorry,” she mumbled sheepishly when she realised everyone in the building had turned and looked at her after the eruption. She kept her head down and avoided eye contact. Bloody hell, anyone would think Vesuvius had just erupted the way they were looking at her. Belinda quickly reached into her handbag and grabbed the small pack of tissues that she always carried around. Turning her head, she spotted a small alcove made from bookshelves and stepped into the small space, now hidden amongst the old books, magazines and other bric a brac people liked to sell. She was certain that her cheeks were bright red and it wasn’t from the cold either, embarrassment flooded her. Belinda had never been one to want or try to attract attention. She hated having people’s eyes on her, watching, so when something like this happened it hit every cell in her body and she had to fight against an anxiety attack. Her only saving grace was the many alcoves, like the one she was stood in.