“We need to get the reception over with. But soon, I plan on acting out every fantasy I have ever had about you. It’ll take a while to get through all of them.” Heat fills me as he licks his lips, eyes traveling down to my mouth. “But we will definitely start tonight.”
Looking up at him through my lashes, I have to clear my throat. “Fantasies. Tonight,” I manage in a rough grumble.
“Yes, Lila, fantasies.” He tilts my head and leans down, running his tongue along my lower lip.
My lips open, and he eagerly accepts the invitation, slipping his tongue inside. He kisses me in a way that leaves my body reeling, waiting on the promise he’s just made.
The coronation celebration can’t be over soon enough.
Chapter
Thirty
NISSA
As the servants pull the doors wide open, nerves fill my belly. I never thought I would make it to this point. I imagined myself alone, on the run. Instead, I’m standing in front of the same large oak doors as I was the day after Nova’s death. And while I feel like my life has just been turned upside down again, at least this time it’s in the best possible way. With Cillian by my side. With hope for Castara.
The music from the room surrounds us as the servants get the large doors open, and the same Fae attendant presents us for the first time as the new king and queen. Silence ripples across the room as all eyes turn on us. No one skipped a beat when I was announced as their princess, but it seems that the wisps haven’t had time to spread the news that Cillian is king.
Confusion fills the faces of the Elite as Cillian takes my hand, leading us into the ballroom. The former king and queen are a step behind us. The sea of Fae part, allowing us access to the raised platform. Perplexed whispers surround us as we take the stage, but all I feel is the confidence radiating off of the male at my side.
Dropping my hand, Cillian faces the Elite and gives them a smile that I know well. One that makes the sunflowers turn inits direction, makes you feel capable and calm just by seeing it across a room. As a youngling, I would watch him at events, just hoping he would find me in the crowd and give me one of those smiles. Once we lost touch, I missed it every day.
I step into him, unconsciously staking a claim in front of all of the females that look up atmymate.
The fire-and-earth decorations no longer fit, but that won’t bother Cillian. He couldn’t care less about something so trivial. He cares about the Fae that are looking up at us now.
He clears his throat and addresses the room, the wisps amplifying his voice and spreading his words to all of Castara. “Thank you all for coming to celebrate with my family tonight.” He gently places a hand over mine wrapped around his bicep. “We’re unsure if there was a misinterpretation of the texts at our birth or if the death of Princess Nova changed things, but as you can see Caspien is not the one standing before you.
“During the ceremony, Gaia made it known that I was to be the next king. My queen and I have come to learn that it is best to trust the Goddess. And now we ask you to do the same.” He glances over his shoulder at me.
Thank the Goddess we didn’t run.
Looking back at the crowd, he says, “You may be unsure of me, but know that since my birth, while you have expected my brother to be crowned as the next king, I was trained right next to him. I also have been researching the storms that have been destroying our power. Queen Nissa and I are already developing a plan. We will do everything in our power to bring Castara back to its original strength and splendor.”
The murmurs start then. His parents, who are standing to the side of the dais, rarely ever mention the storms or the fact that the synthetic power sources are not sufficient. Some Fae have their eyebrows turned down, muttering under their breath,while others faces are lit up, speaking animatedly about Cillian’s announcement.
It’s clear he was born for this. And they may not realize it yet, but he’s already bringing the Fae to his side.
For the first time, I’m excited at the idea of being queen and the power it will give me to help the Fae. At Cillian’s side I know my position will be so much more than the picture Isolde laid out for me as queen. There are still unanswered questions about Nova. But there is also hope—for my future with my mate and about repairing the elemental lands now that the storms should stop.
I decline when Cillian asks if I’d like to add anything, and we make our way towards the crowd of curious faces. This part makes me feel like a bug-infested tree, but having him beside me makes it a little easier.
As soon as we hit the floor, we’re surrounded. I plaster on a smile but stay as close to Cillian’s side as possible. After a few minutes, I hear a squeal, and I’m all but tackled by a tiny redhead.
Cillian startles but doesn’t react when he sees the smile bloom across my face. Ophe’s arms are wrapped tightly around me. Her head tucked under my chin, we turn towards him.
“Cillian, this is my best friend, Ophe.”
His eyes are bright as he grips both of his forearms and nods at her.
“Oh, we’ve already met.” Ophe laughs.
I pull back, narrowing my eyes to look between the two of them. Ophe gives me a little squeeze before letting me go.
“You’ve met? When?” I ask her as Cillian turns his focus to a male asking about his plans on reviving the natural energy sources.
“Well, being queen suits you.” She looks me up and down, smiling broadly, ignoring my question. “I’m glad you stayed,” she adds in my ear.
