Page 25 of Crownless Heirs

Sorcha’s heart skipped a beat. Her thoughts scrambled and unfocused; a headache ebbed in the corner of her mind. One thing ran through her head as she stood there “gods I could use that wine now.”

The elder began to speak the rites, his voice steady, loudly carrying through the courtyard. Looking at Maelan, she noticed that the delicate golden constellations embroidered into his tunic mirrored the swirling hues of her own gown. The realization sent a warmth through her, bringing a small smile to her lips. As if he could read the thoughts in her mind, Maelan smiled.

The Elder’s words finished, and silence swept over the space. Suddenly, Sorcha was aware this was the part where they were supposed to kiss and Maelan hadn’t moved. Everyone was watching, eyes starting to wander to each other and whispers began. Sorcha took a deep breath and leaned in. Their lips met soft and tentative at first, but then, Maelan moved as if he snapped out of a daze. His hand slid to her waist, pulling her flush against him. The warmth of him, the solidness of his body, sent a shock through her. His other hand trailed to the small of her back, pressing her deeper into him as he claimed her mouth in a kiss no longer meant for the spectacle. The crowd erupted into cheers, but Sorcha barely heard them, barely felt anything but him. When he finally pulled away, she stood there, breathless, startled, still reeling from the intensity of it.

Maelan grinned, utterly unrepentant, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Cat got your tongue?” he murmured, his voice rich with amusement.

Sorcha huffed, her lips twitching as she pressed a hand to his chest, giving him a light shove. He chuckled at her flustered expression, fingers still wrapped around hers as he turned to the crowd. With an easy, regal grace, he lifted their joined hands high, acknowledging the kingdom that had just witnessed their union. One last lingering glance at her before he led her forward, guiding her toward the great dining hall where the celebration awaited.

10

Celebration

The Castle was a symphony of dancing, laughter, and an abundance of food and wine. The grand hall pulsed with energy, the Cait Sidhe fully immersed in the celebration. Maelan’s court, his guards, and his military were the first to join them, filling the space with congratulations, playful jabs, and tales of Maelan’s past. Some were embarrassing, others riotously funny, and a few near-death experiences had the room roaring with laughter.

Callan’s hand rested on Maelan’s shoulder as he turned to Sorcha. “Do you know why Maelan has two tails when he shifts?”

Maelan’s eyes rolled, his expression one of utter defeat, as those around them stifled their smiles.

“No, but please, do tell,” Sorcha leaned closer as she crossed Maelan’s lap.

“Ever since Maelan was a boy, he struggled with shifting,” Callan began. “The first time he changed, he had two tails. No one knows why, but the poor lad couldn’t shift without them. Eventually, he managed with just one tail as a small cat, but the larger the shift, the more peculiar his forms became.”

The men at the table began to dissolve into fits of laughter, their chuckles rippling through the air.

Maelan opened his mouth to protest, but Callan quickly continued, “One time, he shifted into a dog but had too many ears, a cat’s tail, and when he tried to bark... he meowed.”

Callan howled with laughter; it sounded like a cat gargling water, mimicking Maelan. The entire table erupted in laughter, and Maelan’s face turned crimson.

Another man at the table tapped his temple and, with a strange gesture, conjured an image of a young Maelan mid-shift. The creature he transformed into was hideous. Maelan, in the image, hopped around screeching, chasing his own tail, and Sorcha burst into laughter, watching in amazement. The images danced in the air, swirling across the table before Maelan waved them away, the tiny grains of glowing sand dissolving into nothingness.

Sorcha watched as Maelan pulled Callan into a headlock, Callan mockingly crying for help. She couldn’t help but notice his beautiful smile, the way his face lit up amongst these people—his friends, his family, his home.

The wine flowed freely, filling goblets that never seemed to empty. Platters of spiced meats, honeyed fruits, and delicacies Sorcha couldn’t even name covered the banquet tables, and the air was thick with the scent of roasted almonds and warm cinnamon.

Korat found them eventually, beaming with pride. “I see you’re still standing, my queen,” she teased, green eyes glinting with mirth.

Sorcha turned, grasping Korat’s hands with genuine excitement. “You are a miracle worker. Everyone has been in awe of this dress all night.”

Korat grinned, pleased. “I’m happy to hear it”

Maelan took every opportunity to pull her into a dance, spinning her effortlessly through the crowd, his laughter warm against her ear, his tail wrapping around her waist to catch her when she stumbled. The court was enamored with them, offering toasts to their union, filling the room with applause and cheer.

But across the hall, Kyron kept his distance.

He never joined in the festivities, never approached the table. Instead, he lingered near the walls, a casual observer, stealing glances at Sorcha when he thought no one was looking.

And Sorcha felt every one of them.

As the night stretched on, people began to drift away, murmuring their congratulations before departing. Some guards had indulged too much, now sprawled across the floor on plush cushions, half asleep with goblets still clutched in their hands. Others continued drinking, their voices softer now, laughter easing into more subdued conversation.

It was only when Sorcha stepped away, moving toward one of the arched doorways onto the balcony to breathe in the cool night air, that Kyron finally approached.

He was quiet as he came to stand beside her. “You look like a queen.”

Sorcha turned to him. “Kyron, what did you want to tell—”

“I’m sorry I didn’t speak to you more tonight,” he cut in, speaking faster. “I was just having a hard time with it, but it’s okay. Whatever happens tonight, Maelan's a good man, and I’m not going to stop you.”