“And do you promise to strive to strengthen the relationship between Gods and mortals so that their faith in us may stay steadfast?”
That was the easiest promise for me. I would do everything in my power to keep the relationship between the world as cordial as I could. I only hoped that with Hunter gone that we could start towards building faith again in a less aggressive way.
“I will do so,” I told him firmly.
Gray smiled softly, and I bowed my head. The weight of the crown was heavy as he rested it gently in place.
“Residents of Elysia,” Gray announced, turning back to the crowd. “Your Queen has made these vows to you all.”
The look of pride was overwhelming, and I felt tears prick my eyes.
Without warning, Gray sank down to his knees and bowed his head. The movement caused a ripple effect as the rest of the Gods in their finery offered me their respect.
Gray lifted his head and thunderous applause echoed around the chambers, making my heart bang against my ribcage. Shrill whistles and coarse shouts filled the air as the title and position had been officially handed over to me.
The feel of Gray’s hand on my waist broke me from my trance and he turned me away from everyone.
“You need to take your throne, my love,” he said.
I sat down, happy to be off my feet. As I took in the rest of my council members, a sense of contentment settled over with me. I was happy with my choices. Today was a day to celebrate before the work would begin.
“We should probably talk about your choice of design,” Gray muttered, gaze flicking to my head.
I shrugged. “I think the design is perfect.”
When I looked back at Gray, his brow was furrowed. “Quen,” he said, leaning in close.
“What’s wrong?” I asked him.
“Why are you so chaotic?”
I shot him a confused look. I didn’t feel chaotic. Most of my nerves had melted away, and I felt better than I had all day.
“Residual nerves,” I told him, scrunching up my nose. “You have nothing to worry about. Let’s enjoy the celebrations.”
For a brief moment, Gray looked like he would argue with me, but instead, he nodded. “Here’s to a new era. And here’s to you, golden girl.
The celebrations had been something I could never have imagined. Decadent food and dresses. Music playing long into the night. The pure love and lightness that spread throughout Elysia.
That had been two weeks ago and was a distant memory. Work had begun almost immediately the morning after. The heavens had been swept for oleander before any remaining sprigs were destroyed. After some discussion, Hunter’s home had been demolished, although we were yet to agree what should be put in its place. Mabel and Tobias had been questioned thoroughly, and an agreement was in place that, while they would not be punished, they would be monitored closely and any transgressions would land them in the cells.
Today’s council session was one that had filled me with dread, but I should have known there was only so long it could be avoided.
“The last matter at hand today is what to do about the research trial on Earth,” I said.
Archer cocked his head to the side. “You mean whether we should continue?”
“Exactly.”
Most of the things we’d tackled so far were straightforward, but this was less so.
“Is there any need for it to continue?” Valen asked. “It was Hunter’s idea. It should die with him.”
Tact was still something the council struggled with. And I doubted it would ever get better, but at least they weren’t hiding what they thought, so far.
“The whole point of the idea was to help us reconnect with mortals,” Malachi pointed out. “We wanted to show them we could live amongst them. Prove that they should continue to have faith in us.”
Bexley pressed her lips together before she spoke. The words were gentle, as if she knew they would be a blow. “Is there a need when one of their own is also one of ours? Quentin showed who she was and if that was not enough proof for them, will anything ever be? I don’t know about all of you, but I am answering a lot more prayers these days.”
