Page 192 of The Fallen Fae King

I was no longer the spare.

I was stepping out of my dead brother’s shadow.

I had insisted that my fae and wolf also process in triumph through the streets to the Basilica.

I understood the anxiety in the bond because as a fae, Daire had been paraded through them once before. That time, however, he had been in a cage, pelted with mud and rotten vegetables.

Now, he’s flanked with War’s special guard, and anyone who throws anything at him will lose their hand.

Yet I want him, as well as the entire city, to see that he is now respected.

He always should have been.

I know that Daire will be swaggering along as if nothing could frighten him in that annoying way of his for the sake of our Omega.

This is the wedding day for both of us.

By the Shadow Gods, I have dreamed about the day that I would marry my Omega. I have been taught my entire life that a wicked beast like I am didn’t deserve to even bond, let alone marry.

Overwhelmed with a rush of emotion that I am unused to, I keep my gaze fixed on the large entrance doors.

I stiffen when I hear Maximinus’ footfalls approach. “Your bride is late.”

I shrug. “She’s probably deciding what jewels to wear.”

He tuts. “This reflects poorly on you that you can’t keep your Omega under control. You’re letting down your guests. Do something to keep them amused, before you further tarnish your reputation.”

“Should I dance?” I reply, dryly. “Do you wish your Emperor to become a courtesan?”

Maximinus’ hand twitches like he wishes that he could backhand me.

He forces a smile onto his face. “How about I put on a shadow puppet show? You loved them when you were only a boy, remember?”

My mouth becomes dry.

My uncle would pull me onto his lap after a beating, when I was still too young for the Shadow Academy. Then he would perform shadow puppets to distract me from the pain.

He is intentionally reminding me of the control that he’d once held over me.

Fucker.

My jaw clenches. “I didn’t. I just loved that you’d stopped hurting me.”

Maximinus’ gaze darkens.

His shadows spread across the back wall of the Basilica. The guests settle down to watch the giant puppet show of Primo and the creation myth, which is displayed eerily across the high walls.

The huge dragon emerges from the shadows to create Draca Kingdom out of his wings.

Suddenly, the main doors to the Basilica slam open. The cheering and music from the outside streets flood the inside of the Basilica like sunlight.

I lift myself out of my throne. I wave my hand to banish the puppet show.

The guests fall silent, and my heart forgets to beat.

Two figures stand in the golden-bathed entranceway like flames.

My King and Queen.