“But Izzy—” I smiled at her, “—and all of you, showed me another way. A self-control that doesn’t require violence or demands on others. Control which comes from knowing yourself and accepting yourself. Power that comes fromfreeingothers and lifting them up. Thank you all.”
Everyone crowded around me with handshakes and back slaps and bro-hugs. Izzy shifted her form to grow, so she could give me a peck on the cheek and a proud smile over the tops of the heads of everyone else.
All of this felt… strange.
Having a loving family was not something I was used to. These men, who I would have considered my enemy not that long ago, were now my brothers, and Izzy would soon be my wife.
Wensuria had loved me, but I’d thought it a weaknessfor so long and hadn’t acknowledged it. Now I had her, and a whole new family. As great as it felt, it was still going to take some getting used to.
Malineth knocked then entered. “The tailors are here,” she said. Rook’s mother now had a team of women working with her as Izzy’s ladies in waiting. One of whom was Izzy’s friend Tala. They escorted in a small army of tailors and seamstresses. Izzy and I had already been measured for our outfits for the wedding, which was scheduled for a week after the coronation. So, the two of us slipped out and I was grateful for the time alone with her.
We sat in the large sitting room at the front of the residence, overlooking the lawns and the ocean beyond.
“You ready for tomorrow?” I asked. “How’s your speech coming?”
Izzy grimaced. “Public speaking was never my thing. It’s done, and Lhorine says it sounds great, but it still feels awkward to me.” She sighed. “Though maybe it’s being queen which feels awkward.”
I nodded, thinking it more likely the latter option. I may have been born a prince and raised to rule, but Izzy wasn’t used to this sort of thing.
“How’syourspeech coming?” she asked.
“Short and sweet, modest but rousing, perfectly eloquent,” I said with a grin. “At least, that’s how it is in my head. I haven’t written a word yet.”
“Plan on winging it?” she asked.
I shrugged. “I might. In truth it matters little what I have to say. Yours is the important one.” The only reason I had a speech at all was because I was being recognized as the Lord General of the armies of Seial as part of the coronation. The powers that be had decided the titans rejoining society wasa rather momentous occasion and had wanted to commemorate it. My new position was part of that effort.
“Yeah,” Izzy groaned. “No pressure.”
I slipped off my chair and knelt before hers, taking both of her hands in mine. I always found it miraculous that hands so small — at least compared to mine — were so damn strong.
“Don’t try to be a queen, just be yourself. You have so much to give this world, so much to change. Be the woman I’ve heard so many stories about from the other guys. The one who got here on day one and fought the power, wanting to end oppression and bring justice and equality. You’re doing that now, be proud of it, maybe even enjoy it.”
She cocked her head in thought. “I guess I am doing that, aren’t I?” She gave a little laugh, which still held a note of tension and anxiety. “There’s just a big difference between talking about doing something and actually doing it.”
“Always remember, you’re doing what this world needs, and you’ll never be alone. So many of us are here to help you.”
She sighed. “You’re right. Still, the theatrics of the coronation are a bit much for me.”
I smiled. “The theatrics are for those who need theatrics. But your speech is to show everyone who you really are. Be yourself, however untheatrical that may be.”
She laughed. “That might make Lhorine’s and my grandmother’s heads explode.”
“I’ll be sad to see them go,” I said with mock sadness.
She laughed, a light and pure sound, before pulling one of her hands out from mine to slap my shoulder.
“I can’t figure out whether you’re a bad influence or a good one,” she said, still laughing.
“The best… and the worst,” I said as a very naughty idea came to me. We were alone, and it might be the last time in a while.
I looked around, but all was quiet. A lady in waiting could wander by any time, or those tailors might finish their work and leave soon, but I didn’t care.
I leaned forward to press my lips to hers and as I did, I released her hands so mine could go exploring. One roamed up over her blouse to cup a breast, the other slid up under her long skirt to push open her legs. I ran my thumb over her panties, feeling her core, so pliable and soft beneath. She whispered a moan into my mouth and I drank it down, thirsty for more.
But it wasn’t until I hooked a finger around her panties to draw them down that she gasped and drew back.
“Not here!” she hissed.
