Bastian moved from his place at the edge of the platform, carrying the crown of Rivenholt.
For a reverent moment, Lord Brennan studied that crown—an elegant circlet of dark metal intertwined with silver—before he lifted it from its velvet cushion.
The room grew unnaturally still as he spoke his next words in the common tongue that transcended realms: “Do you accept the burden of this crown, and all that comes with it? Do you pledge to protect this realm and its people, to guide them through darkness and into dawn?”
“I do.” Nova’s voice rang out clear and strong.
I held my breath as the circlet was placed upon her head, watching the deep red stones in its center catch the light and shimmer like captured flames.
The room erupted in applause and cheers. Relief swept through me in a dizzying wave. We’d made it through the ceremony without incident, at least. No assassins leaping from the rafters. No poison in the ceremonial wine. No blades flying through the air.
Nova’s eyes found mine, and the smile she gave me was small but genuine, meant only for me. The tension eased slightly in my chest, even as I continued to scan for threats all around us.
The musicians struck up a waltz. Nova descended from the platform and moved into the adjoining ballroom alongside her brother, with whom she shared a quick dance. When it ended to warm applause, she turned and made her way toward me, parting the crowd as she came.
“I’ve been told the people expect plenty of dancing at these festivities,” she said, extending her hand. “If you’d do me the honors.”
I took her hand, bowing slightly. “Your Majesty.”
She rolled her eyes but smiled at the formal address. I felt her pulse quicken beneath my fingers as I led her toward the middle of the room, spinning her beneath the grandest of the chandeliers, watching her shine under the lights and being briefly, utterly struck dumb by the very sight of her.
As we began to dance, the crowd formed a curious circle around us, watching. Whispering. I wondered what they thought of the two of us together—what new, creative rumors about me and my magic were flying as of late. We certainly didn’t draw the same warm reception that she and her brother had.
But I didn’t care.
I’d promised to keep her safe, and I preferred to do it while keeping her within reaching distance. I would have danced with her all damn night if I could have gotten away with it.
“Still managing to breathe in this thing?” I asked, trailing a hand along the back of her dress.
“Barely.” She leaned slightly closer, lowering her voice. “Any signs of trouble?”
“Nothing yet. But the night is young.” I tried to keep my voice light.
As we swayed and spun to the music, I caught another glimpse of Zayn as he repositioned himself to maintain a clear line of sight. Captain Voss stood near the main entrance of the ballroom, alertly scanning the crowd. Soldiers were stationed at every exit, every window, every possible point of entry.
And still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we’d missed something.
“You’re tense,” Nova observed, her fingers tightening on my shoulder.
“So are you.”
“Well, I’d likely move with more grace if I wasn’t wearing a dress that weighs approximately fifty pounds, and heels that are slowly but surely killing me.”
I grinned. “My beautiful, formidable queen, finally vanquished by a pair of shoes, of all things.”
“Not how I thought I’d ultimately go, but here we are.”
“I have the utmost faith that you’ll pull through. Because you are an undeniable force of nature and majestic willpower.”
“Remind me of that when I collapse into an undignified heap later.”
The song was ending, and I knew other nobles would be clamoring for their chance to dance with the new queen. To curry favor, to make their petitions, to assess whether she was truly as powerful as the rumors claimed.
I spun her again before drawing her close—scandalously close, judging by the gasps and whispers that rippled through the crowd—and subtly lifting her toward me to take some of the pressure off her feet.
“Remember what I promised you earlier?” I murmured, ignoring the crowd and their continued whispers.
Color bloomed across her cheeks. “I’m counting on it.”
