A deep calm fell over Evelina, wrapping around her senses and easing the tension in her chest. The moment she realized what was causing it, she felt a warm hand press against the small of her back.
“Are you okay?” Daimon’s deep voice washed over her as he whispered into her ear.
She shook her head and looked up at him. “Are you?”
His mouth pressed into a deep frown. He leaned closer to her. “No,” he said quietly.
Even though they weren’t okay, they both seemed to understand that they might be someday—and that it hurt a little less when they were together.
Evelina slipped her hand into his, needing to hold on to some semblance of steadiness.
Gasps rang out from all around her as people started to point behind her. From the corner of her eye, she saw Annora turn. Her hand flung to cover her mouth.
Evelina turned too, freezing once she saw what had caused the commotion.
A ring of white fire was glowing over Carwyn’s head.
Fifty-Nine
Evelina
Soft murmurs brokethrough the crowd as the Sacred stepped forward. Evelina hadn’t seen her yet; it was as if she had emerged from beneath the shadows. The Sacred positioned herself in front of the ceremonial pyre, which burned for the entirety of the lux. Her voice vibrated with authority as she announced, “The Eternal Crown has chosen Carwyn.”
Everyone stilled.
“It hasn’t even been two days,” Annora whispered in disbelief.
“The realm is at war, Annora,” Aldric whispered in reply. “It must sense the need for new Essence to bind to.”
The Sacred disappeared into the crowd like a ghost in the wind. The murmurs grew louder and louder.
“We knew this day was coming,” Carwyn said firmly. “I have prepared for this with the council. We will ensure this transition happens as smoothly as possible.”
The chattering crowd quieted. She was already so good at commanding a crowd, so strong even in her grief. And she was right. She had been leading since their mother fell ill, already preparing for this moment. Evelina had always envied Carwyn’s fortitude, but now she was only grateful.
“As of now, there will be no consort in a realm at war with humans.” She took a deep breath, her eyes landing on Senna. He nodded his head once, encouraging her to go on. “Senna has been blessed by the late queen to be the first fae ruler to be married to a Manor.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Carwyn raised her hand and added, “Senna is a strong leader, as you all know, gifted at keeping our seas safe. We’ve all lost so much. Let this be our hope toward a new future.”
“Breaking the tradition isn’t patching the problem up,” a lithe Woodland in the crowd gasped. “It’s severing it entirely.”
Carwyn shook her head, her voice gentle but firm as she said, “There is no human ruler to contest against Moros. Their houses are empty, their belongings left behind as nearly all of them have joined the rebels. The humans have chosen a path of darkness, one we will not follow. Eurydice—and two fae rulers united against them—will guide us to victory.”
Whispers settled into silence.
“Senna.” Carwyn looked at him, motioning for him to come forward. The crowd parted for him as he walked to her. He stopped by her side and gave her a quick nod.
They were loyal to their realm, and nobody could deny that two great leaders stood before them now.
“Senna will be crowned king in a way only a fae can be.” She held up a knife and he stuck his hand out. She cut into his palm, slicing deeply.
He held up his hand, hovering it above Carwyn. “I vow to protect this realm, to put it before all else and serve as king for as long as I live. To be tied to the Eternal Crown just as the Manors have been. I make this unbreakable oath to bind me to my word, so shall my blood be spilled tenfold as it is today should I break it.”
He squeezed his fist, letting his blood drop onto the fiery crown. The crown flared brighter.
A rumble of thunder clapped. Evelina looked up, findingdark clouds gathering in the sky above. A flash of lightning struck the ground by Carwyn’s feet, followed by a heavycrack.Screams and horrified gasps broke out through the crowd.
