I gasped, my hands flying to my cheeks. “Melaena! That is wonderful! Of course, I figured you would get it, but I’m so happy for you. And for Aquinon. You will do amazing things on the Council.”
Pride shone in her eyes. “Thank you. It’s such an honor to be chosen. To carry on the People’s Council as my parents hoped for, that I’ve fought for. It’s a dream come true, Kiera.”
I threw my arms around her, dresses be damned. “It truly is. For all of us. Do you know the other councilors?”
We pulled apart, and she dabbed her eyes. “Yes. Helene was chosen as the other Aquinon councilor.”
“That’s wonderful!”
Helene and Isabel had arrived back in Aquinon over a month ago. Helene had been hard at work since, helping me and Aiden reform the People’s Council, using Garyth’s connections to find allies and root out any potential threats.
We’d also helped her rebuild her home, which she turned into an orphanage and rehabilitation center for former prisoners.
Melaena named the two councilors for Winspere and Pravara as well. “They all seem like lovely people. I’m excited for our first meeting next week. We have much to discuss.”
“And we will be happy to hear it before our trip,” I assured her with a smile.
Aiden had suggested a royal tour through the kingdom after we married. That way, we could meet with as many Rellmiransas possible to promise we’d wash away the decades of my father’s influence.
We also planned a few destinations that had nothing to do with our royal duties. Such as stealing away to see where Aiden grew up in Twaryn. Perhaps climbing some trees and eating a few moonbloods as well. Going for another naked swim, but this time off the southern coast where the water wouldn’t turn me blue, as Dagriel’s had.
It sounded perfect.
Just as I was about to start pacing again, my door burst open.
“I’m here! I’m here!” Delysia cried as she bustled inside.
“Finally!” I leaped to my feet and embraced my little sister.
She returned the hug, then yanked away. “Your dress, Kiera!”
Melaena chuckled. “Don’t bother. It’ll be a miracle from the Four if she makes it to the Temple intact.”
Delysia shook her head with a smile. “Some things never change. Now let’s tidy up so we can get you married!”
I called my new maid—a young girl named Tessa—back into the room. She helped Delysia change into her wedding finery, a rose-colored silk dress. Then all three of them circled me, tucking, pinning, and smoothing until they declared me ready.
Tessa brought in a tall mirror so I could see myself.
The vision was stunning. My long brown hair was brushed to a shine, a few golden strands sparkling in the sunlight. I liked to think they were little gifts from Mother.
Melaena had accented my dark eyebrows and red lips in a way that still looked like me.
Gold earrings shaped like suns hung from my ears, and a simple gold necklace looped around my neck. All of which had been Mother’s.
My dress was a work of art. Sweeping lines of gold silk overlaid satin skirts of deep orange and crimson. The fabricshimmered with gold flecks whenever I shifted. I was a gilded flame, glowing with happiness.
My scarf—the one Aiden had made for me—was cinched around my waist, the dressmaker having incorporated it into her design.
I looked like every version of myself that I cherished.
The beautiful, hopeful princess, but with the scars from years of fighting and surviving.
Melaena had offered to further cover the scar on my cheek, but I’d refused. Nikella had never hid from her scars. She’d worn them as proof of how strong she was.
I wanted to do the same. I didn’t want to hide anymore.
I was to be a queen, and I would live in the light.
