Merrick lifted his arm, and like someone cast a spell, the room went silent. “Show my queen her due.”
As one, everyone bowed, even Erisandra and her ladies.
Cheers erupted in the room again, and the smiles warmed my heart.
Only when the clamber had died down did Merrick speak again. “May Queen Reyla’s reign bring wisdom, strength, and a new beginning to our beloved kingdom. Today, we celebrate a momentous occasion. We embark on a bright future together.”
More cheers rang out.
He turned to me and squeezed my hand. “Welcome again to Evergorne Court, my beloved queen.” Leaning forward, he gave me a kiss that was chaste yet full of promise.
We took our seats on our thrones, and the herald announced the upcoming dinner. Only the “select few” wouldeat with us, while the rest would take seats and enjoy a fine meal in the other dining rooms.
Once everyone had left, the elder collected the crown again, gently placing it inside the box. One of the other elders lifted a smaller tiara, securing it on my head with a smile.
“Your hair . . .” I gulped when the revered elder turned her seeing-but-not-seeing eyes my way. “It's gorgeous.”
“Yes, it is, isn't it?” She reached up to stroke it, and her smile turned enigmatic as her unseeing eyes pierced through me. “A long and prosperous life awaits you, Queen Reyla,” she said in her sing-song voice. “And the child you will soon carry.”
Merrick's eyes widened.
Stunned, I could barely think. We hadn't . . . My thoughts raced, flitting from one to another, but landing on one fact. I wasn't pregnant.
“What child?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
“A son to take his place like all others or a daughter of change.” The elder smiled again, her expression as cryptic as her words. “You must remain strong, Queen Reyla.” Her voice wove a spell around the room, empty except for me, Merrick, and our staff. “Seek within to find the parts that are missing. Fuse them to heal the wound that has long gaped wide.” Her words hung in the air, each a mountain pressing down on my throat.
She turned and strode through the door behind the thrones, the box holding the crown cradled in her arms, the other two elders following.
Her words stirred all sorts of feelings inside me. If only I held a blade in my hand, though I didn't feel threatened by theelder. There was just something about her, a creepiness that clawed across my skin. I felt the need to protect myself from it—or whatever she’d hinted at that was roaring my way.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my furious pulse.
Merrick squeezed my hand, and the twinkle in his gaze drew me in, holding me tight. “Well. Maybe we should get on with that soon.”
My laughter burst out. Leave it to him to lighten my mood with a tease. “Maybe we should.”
He stilled, and a swallow worked its way down his throat. “You say the word, Wildfire, and I'm yours,” he rasped for my ears alone. I didn't know how to respond to his heartfelt plea, and it must be clear that I was flustered and unsure. Understanding softened his eyes, and he offered me his arm. “Dinner, my pretty little bride?” His warm tone was both comforting and playful. “The rest can wait until morning.”
“Amazing, my queen,” Lord Briscalar said, hurrying over to join us. “Simply amazing.”
“You’re calling me queen,” I said.
He dipped forward in a deep bow. “My queen forever.”
“Thank you for everything.”
“Of course.” He eased back to follow.
I took Merrick’s arm, and he led me from the throne room. Our entourage flowed around us, the guards on high alert and my ladies chattering with excitement, the swish of our gowns on the stone floor echoing through the corridor.
As we approached the dining room, the murmur of conversation from inside grew louder. While I wasn't worried about our reception, I knew better than to lower my guarduntil I was safely inside my suite after the masked ball had ended.
“My mask,” I said, my fingers darting up to my face that suddenly felt as naked as the longing still lingering in Merrick's gaze.
“Ours wait for us outside the ballroom,” he said. “They're special.”
“Lord Briscalar shared some hints.”
