My grandmother sits straighter. “Go on.”
“My last name,” I begin. My grandmother purses her mauve-colored lips. “I’ve decided I’m taking Wilder’s.”
“The last name of a convict? Or have you forgotten Moran Dunn is still in prison?”
“No. The name of the man I love. Wilder can’t help who his father is.”
Her smile twitches. “Can you at least hyphenate? To honor your father.”
“Hmm… Leigh Amaris Raelyn-Dunn.” It’s a mouthful, but it doesn’t sound half bad. “I’ll consider it.” My father couldn’t be here today, but I can do this for him.
“That’s all I can ask. The decision is ultimately yours. I may have my opinions on things, but don’t let them influence your choice. Whatever you decide will be the right one.”
Who is this agreeable woman, and what has she done with my grandmother?
“Fine,” I say, carefully. “There’s one more thing… When Wilder and I decide to have kids, that will be my choice, and neither you nor my mother can interfere. I understand it is my duty, and I take my role as queen very seriously.” Especially now that I know I am the prophesied keeper of the peace. But above all, I have to start prioritizing my wants and needs. Wilder and I deserve our peace, too.
“I agree. That’s a conversation between you and your intended.”
“Seriously?” I ask after a beat. That’s it? She’s been fighting me tooth and nail about tradition and duty for years. What’s changed?
“I want you to be happy,” my grandmother replies. “When I realized you were missing, I had an epiphany. Maybe I was too hard on you. I see now that I was forcing my beliefs onto you, and I need to step back and let you make your own choices. You are the queen, and I am here to support you, not to force you.”
I smile awkwardly. Wow. Did I leave Mictlan and stumble into another parallel universe?
My grandmother reaches for her cane, the gold fox head handle glinting in the light. “Let’s get you to the abbey. After today, you’ll be Wilder’s problem instead of mine, and I can finally know peace.”
“Har-har, you can’t get rid of me that easily.” I offer my arm to help her stand.
As we leave the room together, I see my reflection in a large mirror—a queen in white, about to marry the love of her life.
I’ve never worn a moreexpensive outfit in my life.
The tailored tuxedo fits perfectly, better than anything I’ve ever worn. Each pearl button gleams in the sunlight streaming through the tall windows of the groom’s suite. The reflection in the mirror shows someone I’m proud to recognize—polished, commanding, fit to stand beside a queen. While I will always feel more at ease in my Blade uniform, this is a close second.
The door to my room swings open, and Jax saunters in carrying two bottles of sparkling wine. Now that the rift is closed and Fynn is safe, Jax looks more like his usual cheerful self again. I still can’t believe he’s a father, but then again, he was made for such a role.
“Who else is ready to get this party started?” he asks, uncorking the first bottle with a loudpop. He overflows the first glass, slurping the fizzy drink as it spills over the sides.
“Barbarian,” Pallas mutters, fiddling with his bow tie.
Jax is too high on life to notice or care.
The door opens again, and Desiree slips inside. She stops when she sees me, her pastel dress brighter than anything she has ever worn. Her mouth hangs open.
“Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seenyou look so dapper, little brother. Well done.”
Desiree crosses the room and plops down in an empty chair.
Pallas reaches for one of the sparkling wine flutes, but Jax’s attention fixes on my sister.
“Tired of the girls already, sunshine?” Jax says to her.
“Leigh finished getting dressed, so I thought I’d crash this party,” Desi says with a shrug. “And I hoped to talk to Wilder alone.” Our gazes collide. “I have something for you.”
“Give us the room, please?” I ask.
Pallas nods. Everyone, aside from Jax, leaves.
