Arach sighed.
“Swear it!” I pointed at his face.
“Very well. I did notice that he held her rather tightly. Because he assisted you, I will leave him be.”
“Thank you.”
“We're here.” Arach waved out the window. “Prepare yourself to defend your Kelpie again.”
“He is not my Kelpie!”
Arach grunted.
The carriage came to a stop and one of our Red Cap attendants opened the door for us. The Trolls guarding the main doors of Castle Crith-Fuinn opened those much larger doors as Arach and I approached. They even bowed to us. I wasn't sure if it was just for Arach or in acknowledgment of what we'd done to help their kingdom, but I liked to think it was the latter.
No one waited to escort us, but an escort wasn't needed. As soon as we were within the plant-riddled tunnel, the sound of merriment flowed down to us. Arach and I followed it to the dining hall. There we found the Earth Court deep in their cups, including its king. There were literally faeries hanging from the ceiling.
At the high table, there appeared to be two Rorys, but it was just Cahal, sitting to Rivella's left. Cahal. I'd forgotten about him. At least Aalish wasn't there. That would have put a damper on the party for me. But Cahal, who looked as jubilant as his brother, I could handle.
King Rory swayed in his seat, singing along to a lively fey tune and casting Rivella, who sat to his left, adoring looks. Rivella was just as intoxicated, sprawled in her seat with a bemused expression on her face, one lax hand barely holding her cup. But then they saw us.
“My friends!” King Rory launched to his feet. “Look, everyone! The Royals of Fire have arrived to join our celebration!”
The Earth Court cheered.
Arach smirked as he escorted me around the trestle tables laden with overflowing platters of food. Carafes of wine spotted the tops as well, and the Earth Fey reached for them more often than the more solid offerings.
“I'm so glad you've joined us,” Rory said as he came around the table to greet Arach and me.
Rivella just waved limply.
“Congratulations on winning your first war, King Rory,” I said and hugged him. “And without shedding a drop of blood. That is quite a feat.”
“Thank you, Queen Vervain.” He let me go and held a hand out to Arach. “And thank you for offering me friendship and guidance when I needed it most. The Earth Kingdom and the Fire Kingdom will be allies for as long as I rule.”
“Indeed, we shall.” Arach shook Rory's hand. “United, no one will dare come against us.”
The Earth Court gave another cheer.
“Come. Come.” Rory slapped Arach's shoulder and waved us toward the high table. “Let's get you both some wine.”
We took the seats beside Rory, on his right, and I was grateful for that since it left Cahal two seats away from me. The Earth King filled our glasses as we sat.
Once we had some wine, Rory, who hadn't yet sat down, lifted his glass and called for silence. When the room quieted, he said, “This has been a historic day for our kingdom. We have triumphed over our enemies and I have found my queen!” Rory inclined his head at Rivella and motioned at her with his glass.
I exchanged a brow-lifted look with Arach, shocked on many counts. First, an engagement was pretty fast considering they had just met a little over a week ago. Second, the court cheered at their king's statement. They werehappyhe was marrying a Fire-Sidhe. But then again, we were now their allies and a marriage would only cement that. It seemed as if everything had aligned to bring Rory and Rivella together. And isn't that a true faerie tale?
“Thank you all for your valiant efforts today and for enduring what led up to today with the strength of an ancient oak. You have made me proud, Earth Fey!”
The room roared with approval—hands clapping, voices cheering, and feet stamping.
“There is one more matter I should like to get settled on such an auspicious night,” Rory went on. “Since the woman I've chosen to marry will not be able to produce an heir, I must name one.”
The room went quiet again.
“I think you will all approve of my choice since he came in second in the Crown Tourney and he is my blood relation.” King Rory waved a hand toward Cahal. “I name my brother, Cahal, heir to the Throne of Fire.”
The court cheered, prompting Cahal to stand and bow to them. I watched it all with a feeling of destiny falling on my shoulders. So, this was how Cahal became king. And it sounded as if he deserved it, not just inherited it.
