Once they were free, the humans would be citizens in our kingdom like any other.
And their numbers were significant. They may not have the powers or strength a Fae possessed, but I’d seen the humans do plenty of damage on the battlefield to the unsuspecting enemy Fae soldiers.
Their rage over their enslavement was a power all its own.
It had to have been simmering under the surface for some time, and now, Asteria had lit the match and sparked the flame within them.
Eryx had gone to bring her a dress she thought would be apt for the coronation. She couldn’t wear her armor for such a momentous occasion, after all. The purple dress he’d brought her had long bell sleeves that turned to shimmering silver, with gold adornments down the front and trimming the sleeves and skirts.
She apparently wore it briefly when she was up North, but she’d had an addition added to it, and I watched as two small dragon wings were affixed to her shoulders. They were silver and purple, much like her own wings, but she lined them in gold. The dress incorporated her own colors and Day’s, making it a perfect fit for the occasion.
Mother was trying to hold back tears as she watched, incredibly emotional over seeing Asteria the way she had always imagined.
“You look beautiful, my darling.” Mother said quietly, sniffing slightly.
“Thank you,” Asteria paused, looking mother over as she bit her lip. “Mother,” she added, looking uncertain.
A strangled sound came from our mother then, and she flung herself at Asteria, hugging her tightly. Asteria hugged her back with wide eyes, looking at me for help. I chuckled, shaking my head at her.
“Are we doing this or what?” Titan asked as he popped his head in. He paused as he took Asteria in, and she shifted on her feet uncertainly, smiling slightly at him.
“What do you think?” she asked, fluffing her skirts slightly.
He walked over, smiling down at her, “You look like the queen Day and Night deserve. Like an Earendel rulershouldbe.”
I was left a bit confused by his emphasis, but it obviously meant something to Asteria, who flung her arms around him, whispering her thanks in his ear.
When she unraveled herself from him, she smiled over at me. “Ready, General?”
“Ready, my Queen,” I told her sincerely, a broad smile on my face as Mother clapped her hands together delightedly.
“It’s finally happening!” She gushed as we made our way out. “After all this time.”
“It is.” I shared her enthusiasm, taking her hand and squeezing it.
As we reached the throne room within Day’s fortress on the Etheralta Mountain, I made my way up to the dais, standing by the side of the throne. Both Day and Night’s fortresses were used for mining, but also for emergency evacuations from the cities. They were meant to hold thousands of people easily, and it provided ample space to fit the combined armies of Day and Night now.
Princes Altan and Zakat were also present, as was Calix’s chain of command. His lords and ladies had all joined us for this, too, and it was amazing to see how supportive they all were. I’d met with each of our lords individually to explain to them Asteria’s plan for the future.
Or lack of one.
She still didn’t have a plan for how to rule two kingdoms, but I didn’t doubt she’d find a way once she told me of Calix’s prophecy.
The power of two will be her crown.
This was always to be her fate. And that alone reassured our lords that there wouldn’t be an issue.
Calix himself was standing in as her guard for the occasion. I’d been shocked that he’d been willing to do such a thing, but Asteria had explained her introduction to Night. While she hadn’t been officially crowned yet, and couldn’t be until they married, he’d had her sit on his throne as he stood by her side.
Most Fae kings would never allow such a thing.
It made it hard to dislike him for defiling my sister. I was forced to admit that I found myself respecting the man. From the way he treated her, I could tell he loved and respected her. And what else could I want for my sister?
Although, they reallyshouldwed. I may have to remind him of that fact. It would help uncomplicate this a bit.
As the herald announced Asteria, I stood up straighter, my hand resting on my sword’s pommel as I stood on the opposite side of the throne from Calix. We were two bookends, ensuring Asteria would be protected.
She made her way down the aisle to the dais, and everyone bowed their heads as she passed them. She truly looked like a queen. Her dress was appropriately dramatic, especially with the dragon wings. And as she stepped up onto the dais, she came to stand before Mother.
