“He was right,” my grandfather echoes. “More than right.Thisis how the trials should be conducted—by the Strigoi heir finding his or her own mate, then going through a series of tests to prove their devotion to the other.”
“Great. Can I go to her now?” I ask, impatient to leave.
“You’re not hearing us,” Barnes says.
“I hear you just fine,” I argue. “I’m impatient to get to my intended.” I hold out a hand. “Now.” I don’t add a placative word or a plea. It’s a demand. These two elders might have incredible power, but I’m the Strigoi King. And I want my female.
“Just continues to prove us right,” Barnes murmurs, his amusement grating on my nerves.
“Youwere the primary trial,” my grandfather informs me before turning to walk away. “That’s what we’re trying to tell you, Ciprian.”
I stare at his back, irritated by both his words and his physical dismissal. “Are you trying to tell me I failed?”
“Oh, no, you passed,” Barnes informs me. “First, with Marius’s reports. Second, by storming in here and demanding that we reveal where your mate was located. Third, by respecting your elders while patiently awaiting a verdict.”
“And now,” my grandfather says, turning toward me once more with a device in his hand, “by commanding that we let yougo to your future queen. It proves you’re truly enamored with her. Which means you’ll do right by her.”
“Thus, hopefully, preventing the mistakes of your predecessor,” Barnes adds, quieter now.
“Are you telling me all of this has been televised?” I ask, irritated that I’ve probably been on display for the kingdom this whole time.
But both men shake their heads.
“This was a change devised by the elders, one they required us to report back on—just like Marius did with me. Your reactions were private. Only our feedback will be heard.” My grandfather holds out the item in his hand. “Congratulations, Ciprian. I look forward to meeting our new queen.”
Barnes steps between us before I can react, making me sigh with annoyance.
I’m verydonewith this conversation and these trials.
All I want is to reach Viviana.
And maybe… maybe pause for a greeting with my father.
“The inauguration will occur in ten days,” Barnes informs me, all business again. “That should provide you with enough time to… indulge.” With that, he moves again and allows my grandfather to hand me the portal device.
I stare at them both for a beat. “Thank you.” I mean it. Mostly because this madness is done. My queen has been approved.
And now…
Now it’s finally time for me to claim Viviana asmine.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
VIVI
ISLE OF ISOLATION, STRIGOI KINGDOM
“Sorry,I’m not used to, uh,guests,” the former king says as he hands me a towel from the bathroom doorway. “I’ll also try to find you a shirt or something to wear for after your shower.”
“That won’t be needed,” a deep voice says, the sound of it sending a familiar wave of warmth down my spine. “Hello, Father.”
King Negru’s eyes widen a little as he turns. “Ciprian. I… I didn’t hear you…”
“Grandfather gave me a portal key,” he says as I try to look around the mass of wings in the doorway. “It’s quite useful. Want to borrow it for a bit?”
The bat-like wings in front of me seem to tense. “You would allow me to leave?”
“Under one condition, yes,” Ciprian replies. “You attend the inauguration in ten days.”
