Leo winced. “You’re going tohatemy answer.”
Evelyn twisted to face him. “Why?”
“I’d just gotten back to the palace and saw the fire you started?—”
“The tiny, inconsequential fire.”
“That one, yes. Then I spotted your silhouette on the beach. I figured you were a newly arrived princess and I…”
“You what?” Evelyn prompted.
“I… wanted… to introduce myself.” Leo’s whole body was tense while he waited for her reaction, like he was expecting to be punched.
“You followed me,” Evelyn repeated, “so you could introduce yourself, and then immediately started lying about your identity?”
Leo ran a hand through his hair. “It sounds really bad when you say it out loud.”
Evelyn surprised them both when she laughed.
I know it’s not funny. It’s not even okay! But after days of being angry and crying and missing him, I’ve reached my limit. That is the most ridiculous story.
“You’re right,” she said. “That was a truly terrible answer.”
Leo smiled tentatively. He brushed Evelyn’s hair out of her face and cupped her cheek. “I know I messed up. There is so much I would change if I could go back in time. But no matter how many second chances the gods gave me, I wouldalwaysfollow you onto the beach that night. I willalwayswant to be with you.”
Evelyn’s lips were on his before he could even blink. A current of magic pulsed between them. Leo pulled Evelyn onto his lap, kissing her eagerly. She forgot the rest of the world.
This is what I want. This is what we’re supposed to be. Laughing and kissing and being us, together. Why aren’t we spending every moment like this?
When Evelyn drew back, it was only because she needed to breathe. “Can we stay right here forever?”
“That’s all I want, Princess. In this whole world, that’s all I want.”
“King Alexander! Princess Evelyn!” Damien yelled from the front door. “Get your asses back in here! We have shit to do!”
Leo sighed. “It never ends.”
“You’re a king now,” Evelyn said, though the words felt strange on her tongue. “That will keep you busy, I suppose.”
Leo held her hand as they returned to the palace, but dropped it before they went inside.
I guess if he hasn’t talked to Hannah yet, he wouldn’t want her to see us holding hands. That can come later.
They entered the ballroom. Everyone who had witnessed Leo receive his crown was there, minus Queen Camille. Leo picked up his pace, separating himself from Evelyn, and moved to the middle of the room. Damien took his usual spot at Evelyn’s side.
Leo has to speak with the lords. That’s why he walked away from me. That’s all.
“What now?” Leo asked.
Lord Grégory smiled apologetically. “We didn’t finish everything earlier. You still need to accept the kingdom’s magic.”
Leo nodded, and the four lords made a small circle around him. Lord Nicolas stood in front this time. Lord Stuart and Lord Robert stood at Leo’s sides and put one hand each on his shoulders. Lord Grégory stood behind Leo and put a hand on his back.
“King Alexander,” Lord Nicolas said. “Your bloodline has already blessed you with Vision magic. As king, you have the right to magic from all four courts. Will you take magic from the lords who serve you?”
“Yes,” Leo said.
“Lord Stuart Fontaine of the Auditory Court. Will you freely share your magic with your king?” Lord Nicolas asked.
