“Let’s not keep him wondering where I am.”
She escorts me to the foot of the stairs, where my father stands. He kisses my cheek. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
I slip my hand through the crook of his elbow as my mother gives me one last smile and sweeps past us, heading outside, where the guests and Feylin wait.
Dad cups one hand over mine as he leads me to the open doors. “You’ll always be my little girl.”
I rest my head lightly on his shoulder. “I wouldn’t expect any less.”
He chuckles. “It’s a big day.”
“The biggest, and I’m ready for it.”
It’s absolutely true. I’m more than ready. It’s been six months since Feylin proposed, which means six months of only seeing him during dates. No, I didn’t move into the castle, though he asked me about a million times if I wanted to. I’vestayed with my family, helped keep the business thriving, and even had a few dates with Feylin in a book now and then.
Before he’d ever jumped intoPride and Prejudice,he’d sworn to himself that he would never, under any circumstances, ever go into a book. Intuitively I knew that, which made his gesture more meaningful because he took the leap to prove how much he cares about me.
And I’m about to leap, too.
We’ve reached the doorway, and now the lawn’s in view. Chairs lay sprawled across the grass, and every one is filled with fae, witches and wizards alike. Our communities have come together, which I think makes me the proudest of all.
The sunlight pierces my eyes only momentarily. When the sharpness fades, I see him. My groom stands at the altar, a huge smile on his face. My heart races at the mere sight of him.
This is real. I’ve found the love of my life, and he’s mine, all mine.
My father walks me down the aisle and hands me over to the king, whose gaze hasn’t left mine since he spotted me.
But before Dad goes, he says, “I know you’ll take good care of her.”
“With my life, sir,” he replies.
Then I take Feylin’s hand and he whispers, “You look beautiful. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
My brow lifts. “Would that have stopped you from marrying me?”
He smirks, silently sayingas if that would’ve stopped me.“Your light can’t be hidden beneath clothes. You shine like a star, Addison Thornrose, and I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
My heart’s full then, and I barely even hear a word that the priest says as he begins the ceremony.
When the priestannounces that we’re married, Feylin leans down and kisses me sweetly. When our lips part, he murmurs, “My queen.” My lids flare wide and he chuckles. “Get used to it. You’re going to hear that a lot.”
Before I can reply, a surge of magic rips through me. My gaze darts to my mother, who nods. I’ve done it. I’ve brought back an ounce of our power. There’s still more to do, more sisters to marry to ensure that we’re able to keep all our magic.
But before there’s a chance to think more on that, I’m swept into a celebration that features music and food. Fae dance with witches. Wizards dance with fae. Our people mingle, and my heart balloons with pride.
The dancing and eating last well into the night. I barely have a chance to talk to Feylin as lords and ladies alike greet us, giving their blessings and welcoming me as their new queen.
Queen.
I’ll never get used to that.
It’s when the festivities are finally winding down that I say goodbye to my family. Feylin escorts them to the door as I spot Trawick.
He’s just finished talking with a lord and approaches me. He’s wearing a dark three-piece suit and is growing a beard that suits him. He didn’t come with a date, which surprised me, as Trawick’s a beautiful fae man.
