Chapter 32
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
THEO
T he moment Estee said that she wanted to be officially bonded today, my mind went into overdrive. Jerome being unavailable wasn’t ideal, but I’m getting better at remembering that I’m not ruling this kingdom alone. I have people who can and even want to help. Cecil was my next thought, and I reached out to him. He’s almost always around the castle, overseeing the staff, which might actually make him perfect for what I’ve asked of him.
After, giving him instructions and asking him to prepare Sloane for the ceremony. I’m not the least bit nervous about what comes next, only eager to never let my incredible mate leave my side again.
With Estee seeming fully on board, we race through the castle, and I take her through one of the back exits. Cecil has only had minutes to prepare, but I haven’t asked for much, so I hope he’s ready.
Outside, the sun is high in the sky, its warmth spreading over my skin as if Lunara itself is blessing this moment.
Estee beams up at me as we rush across the expansive backyard. “Are you going to give me any details? Should we at least have changed clothes?”
I pause momentarily, glancing down at our outfits. While they’re presentable for day-to-day activities, she’s right. I’m rushing this. Not thinking all the details through. My enthusiasm just might ruin everything.
“We can go back and do this later,” I tell her, frowning. “Spontaneity isn’t the same as special, and you deserve a day you’ll never forget.”
She shakes her head and squeezes my hand. “I don’t need perfection, Theo. I just need you. I was only curious and because of a twisted thought that had me wondering if the gods will be displeased that we aren’t making this a spectacle for them. But the answers don’t really matter. We’re doing this now, and if for some reason, they don’t approve, we’ll go through the ceremony as many times as it takes until they do.” Her intense gaze holds me hostage as she finishes. “I will never give up on us.”
I draw her closer, breathing her in. “Thank you. I promise I’m going to be the mate you deserve. I’ll be strong and sure and protect you with my life. I just never want to disappoint you.”
“Save the mushy stuff for the ceremony,” she says lightly, pushing my chin up as she looks at me again. “We have a bond to solidify.”
This time, Estee takes the lead, and I merely point her in the right direction. We pass the old gardens and through the stone gates to the spot I’ve chosen—one I’ve grown fond of over the last year.
The tree before us is ancient, its roots spreading wide into the earth like veins carrying life to the island. Its trunk is impossibly large, with bark marked by centuries of growth and wisdom. The canopy of leaves gently sways in the breeze, casting fractured light over the red petals I’ve asked Cecil to have scattered over the grass.
The air hums with energy here, a vibrant peace that resonates deep within my chest. Each time I’ve come to visit this place, I’ve felt anchored to Selaris. Now, I hope it will be the same for Estee.
Cecil comes around the other side of the tree with Sloane not far behind. They wait for us by the small table stand that’s been brought out here, on it waits a bouquet of tiny maroon blossoms, native to our home.
“This is,” Estee looks up at me again, her eyes glossy, “everything I could’ve asked for.”
I kiss her forehead, smiling as any fear of disappointing her finally leaves me. “Are you ready?”
“More than.” She wraps an arm around my waist, and I tuck her into my side, keeping her close as we approach Cecil and Sloane.
“Your Majesty,” Cecil greets us first, looking pristine in his grey suit and red tie. “I hope everything is to your liking.”
I nod. “Just as I knew it would be. Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome, Sire.” He bows once more. “I’ll work on notifying the pack of the meeting taking place next.”
As he leaves, I make a mental note to speak with Jerome about adding Cecil to my advisory council—one I haven’t actually had since becoming king but could certainly use.
Queen Sloane steps forward, her regal presence commanding attention. She’s changed into a gown of shimmering silver that matches her crown. Though, even her powerful energy can’t tear my gaze from Estee’s for long.
“You two continue to surprise me,” she says, her face managing to hide her emotions almost too well. “Now, let’s see what the gods think, shall we?”
“Please,” Estee says. The bright rays of the sun make her golden eyes sparkle, and the longer she stares at me, the more confident I am that every day after this will only be better than the last.
Sloane glances around and grins. “Normally, there’s an audience to speak to when I’m doing this ceremony, and I have more time to plan, but this might actually be better.” She clasps her hands together and stands taller. “Gods, we come before you, accepting the fate that has brought these two shifters together. King Theo Northcroft and Princess Estee Blackwood wish to accept the gift they’ve been given and ask for their souls to be bound together, now and for all eternity.”
There’s a pause, and my shoulders tense, waiting for any sort of sign that we’re being heard. When there is none, Sloane proceeds.
“This bonding will not only strengthen these two individuals but will also bring unity to Selaris,” she declares as if she knows more than we’ve shared. “This moment is more than tradition. With your blessing, this will be the beginning of a foundation on which to build this kingdom’s future. One that will bring peace to many.”
Sloane’s words hold significance, the power behind them pressing in and around us, but my focus remains on my mate. Our eyes stay locked as we hold each other’s hands, the intensity of our connection growing bright within my chest as the seconds pass.
Wind kicks up around us, swaying the branches above our heads. The ground vibrates with energy that feels as though the ancient tree is offering her approval of the vows being spoken.
“Do you feel it?” Estee whispers, the rapid beat of her pulse calling to me.
I forget her question nearly as quickly as she asks, lost in the depths of her golden eyes.
“I believe he does,” Sloane answers for me with a wry grin before continuing. “Your bond is sacred. Through hardship, through love, through the trials that await you, this connection will be your home. It is your responsibility to treat it as such, showing one another the respect and care you need. Now it is your turn to speak your vows not only to your mate, but to let the gods bear witness to the commitment you make.”
I draw a deep breath, the words having formed in my heart long before they ever leave my lips. “Estee, my Starlight, from the moment you arrived, you turned my world upside down. You’ve challenged me, changed me, and made me better. I vow to protect you, to fight for you, and to love you as you are and as you will be, with every part of who I am, from this moment forward and for every lifetime after.”
Estee’s smile widens, her cheeks flushed as she clears the emotion from her throat. “Theo, in our short time together, you’ve shown me what it means to trust, to believe in something greater than ourselves, and to open my heart. Most importantly, you’ve been my light in the darkest of moments. I vow to stand by your side, to protect this kingdom alongside you, and to love all parts of you with all that I am, now and always.”
My chest tightens, and the tether that leads from my heart to Estee grows hotter as the energy that draws me to her becomes blinding.
Sloane wraps her fingers around our joined hands, her touch surprisingly warm. “Do the gods bless this bond? Do you accept that the promises made here today by these two beings will be upheld for the rest of their lifetimes?”
We wait with bated breath, the only sound for several seconds being the hum of power radiating from the tree beside us. Estee holds onto me tighter, but I don’t lose focus. We belong together, and after all that’s happened, I have to believe that the gods know this to be true.
Her lips part, but then the air cracks with thunder. We look toward the sun and mesmerizing light rips through the sky, striking the ground where we stand.
Energy explodes within my body then the sweetest sound floats through my mind.
Estee’s voice. “Theo?”
“I’m right here.”
She throws her arms around me, and I hold her just as tightly as a sense of peace seems to surround us, tying us together with a bond that will forever remain unbreakable.
Estee is mine, and I am hers.
No god or power will ever be able to take that from us. More importantly, we won’t let them.
Sloane steps back, pride on her face. “It seems the gods approve. Congratulations.”
Howls echo around us. Even though the people of Selaris aren’t here to bear direct witness, they already appear aware of what’s happened.
“I’ll leave you two to handle the pack,” Sloane says. “That was one of the most power-struck blessings I’ve ever been part of. I would be ready for Orix to make an appearance at any time. With an energy like the one you now share, he’d be a fool to allow you more time to prepare for whatever he has planned.”
I take note of her warning, knowing she’s most likely right, but before I let any darkness into this day, I lean forward, capturing Estee’s lips in a kiss that feels like a vow all its own. She grips my arms as she pushes higher up on her toes, deepening the kiss.
With the pulse of our bond complete, her love radiates through me, showing me that while her words of promise and love mean the world to me, feeling them is something I’ll never take for granted.
And I’m going to make sure that doesn’t happen by first taking back my life. Estee deserves all of me, and no matter what it takes, that’s what she’s going to get.