Chapter 16
the guards hold the flags high; the court emblems embroidered in the waving fabric as the coronation ball starts
Leon and I are last in the procession behind the royal family. We walk slowly, and my stomach releases a flurry of butterflies as we make our way down to the stained-glass doors leading to the ballroom. They open on their own, bringing forth the deafening noise of merriment.
The ballroom is a vision of Ellovian Court purple and glittering gold amid vines and plants of all shades of green. Above the crowds of dancing fae are glowing luna moths fluttering lazily beneath the crystal lights and flora chandeliers.
The center of the ballroom is crowded with couples, most in matching colors, swirling around across the golden dance floor.
Around the perimeter are round tables with decorative chairs and impossibly tall glimmering vases, bundles of white and purple roses with sparkling strings of diamonds coming down.
Behind those tables are rows and rows of every type of food Ellova has to offer.
“The chefs and bakers have outdone themselves,” Leon whispers to me.
“I can’t wait to try everything,” I whisper back. “Magic keeps everything hot so none of the palace attendants have to work during tonight’s celebration.”
The melody everyone was dancing to slowly comes to a natural stopping point, the musicians noting Nueena’s arrival when the trumpet announces her.
Giddy excitement swells within me at the burst of sound.
Those in attendance watch with cheerful expressions and genuine delight, some even adding a respectful bow as they watch Nueena go by.
She does not walk with her nose up as Princess Erenia does, but smiles, making eye contact with everyone she can, waving at the dewlings who jump with excitement, throwing purple petals in the air when she passes.
Alachite and Nyvenah follow Nueena and Tavien up to the stage, but Vaylin and Kaylena stay behind with Leon and me. We move to the front to watch while Nueena and her parents take their place on the marble dais built around a massive tree coming out from the ground.
Nyvenah stands before the Throne of Ellova. Alachite and Nueena sit on each side of her. Tavien stands behind Nueena, sword in hand, as Nyvenah proudly addresses the cheering crowd.
“Welcome to all who have joined us to celebrate the coronation of my daughter.”
The crowd applauds with shouts of joy.
“Tonight, the celebration starts with dancing, dining, and drinking. By this time in six days, we will have the crowning ceremony, and you will have a new Realm Keeper. I know she will lead with justice and kindness, grace and passion.” She continues her speech of how well Nueena will lead Ellova, over the roar of the crowd.
The guardians ascend in a single line and come to the dais. All stand before Nueena as she bows to them and the crowd before kneeling on a fluffed pillow facing the ballroom.
“Why did she kneel?” Leon wonders quietly to me.
“It’s symbolic. She will put the courts and her throne over herself. Once she becomes ruler, she will lay the first stone in the foundation of a selfless rule. Since she has a Zemra, Tavien will be the one to assist her. It’s symbolic that he will always be there to lift her up.”
The room erupts and the entire crowd bows deeply back to her. Leon bows at the waist when I do. Once the crowd has risen, Tavien is at Nueena’s side, raising her up, and gently setting her back on her feet, the music playing.
Alachite offers Nyvenah his hand. She takes it and they make their way to the dance floor.
Leon nods with understanding, but his expression turns dark. “It seems to be difficult to lead and to be selfless. The idea of a selfless royal is at odds with every ruler I have seen.”
“You doubt her?” I ask, taking a step back.
His eyes widen with alarm. “No, no. Never. She is the first leader I’ve encountered who I believe will live by the vows she will make. It’s just that the kings outside this realm are unfamiliar with the concept that their needs should come last.”
“Is that not what will bring Grayden’s downfall?
Through war or at the hands of his own people?
He would starve them and burn his land before he would have turned over the crown to Kalvorn, even if that was all they asked for.
He would rather have the illusion of power at the expense of those who reside in his cursed kingdom. ”
“I doubt the king of Kalvorn will find Adreania worth fighting with now that the crown has left its grasp.”
One can only hope. “If Kalvorn still seeks it, they will be searching for a long time,” I add.
I wish to speak more of Kalvorn but Lazalai appears, pulling me into a tight hug. Her floor-length black hair is in one thick braid, adorned with jewels that swing.
“Della!” The gold pigments spread over her lips and pale cheeks glint under the crystal lights when she pulls back, smiling.
She wears a yellow silk band that wraps around her neck and hangs down, hiding her full breasts, but leaves her thick legs and hips on full display.
Yellow crystals in long strings drape over her arms and down her skirts, wrapping around her waist.
Joy at seeing her, gratefulness for my necklace, and guilt I’ve kept such an important secret from her bring forth a swirl of sentiments in my gut, but it settles on gratitude. For the necklace and for her unwavering love for me.
I caress the stunning gemstone adorning my neck. “Thank you, thank you so much!”
“Anything for you, my dear. Your friend is quite the gentleman.” She winks at Leon. “A beautiful gift for you.”
“She deserves a king’s trove of presents,” he says.
I laugh at Leon’s prideful smile.
“Are you ready to celebrate all night?” Lazalai shakes her hips for emphasis.
I nod excitedly. “I’ve been ready for years.”
“Delightful! I will see you out there.”
She blows me a kiss and joins her multiple lovers on the dance floor, and I watch her leave with a smile. I know Nueena has glamoured the crown and it is unwise for me to remain near any of the Guardians for too long to ensure they do not sense it, but it is good to see her.
I gather my skirt and exit the throne area with Leon, ready to start the celebration. I haven’t taken more than ten steps before Kole is suddenly in front of me, dressed in the blue-and-white colors of his court.
“You are finally here,” he says with a sly smile, wine on his breath, holding out his hand.
He is bold to ask when Leon and I are so obviously a matching set. Kole’s blatant disregard for our own traditions grates on my nerves, no matter our long history of familiarity. When I do not take it, he attempts to grab my arm with a laugh. “Let’s dance.”
Kole is an idiot.
Leon’s hand strikes out to seize Kole’s arm, forcing him to stop.
“Has the wine blurred your vision so early in the night? Or are you just ignoring the fact we are sharing shades?” Leon’s biting words thrill me. His knuckles are white with the merciless grip he has on Kole.
Kole’s eyes narrow on Leon and he yanks his arm away. “Oh, you are still here. I’m not asking you, whoever the fuck you are.”
Leon wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me to him and out of Kole’s reach. “No, you were demanding her, and I’m telling your pathetic ass, that’s not happening. Not tonight. Not ever. Don’t bother her again.”
Kole’s drunken face twists in indignation at the slight. He steps up to Leon, anger radiating off him. “I don’t take orders from a nobody like you.”
“You do now, fishboy,” Leon snaps.
Kole pulls his fist back, sending my heart into my gut, but Leon forces me away. The crown’s protective magic emerges within me, but Leon strikes before it can release. He knocks Kole down with alarming swiftness, Kole’s broken nose leaking blood.
Gods, this is beyond embarrassing.
Kole pathetically attempts to get up but stumbles.
Thankfully, Everett rushes over and grabs Kole by the arm, yanking him up. “Why can’t you leave her alone, you idiot? You’d better pray Koray or Lillian didn’t see you make a fool of yourself,” he hisses.
“Oh, it’s too late for that.” Lillian steps out from the dispersing crowd who has mostly lost interest now the fight has ended. “Kole, let’s have a chat with your Guardian about your behavior. Both past and present offenses.”
I let out a relieved breath as a disoriented Kole is hauled away by Lillian, his eyes glazed with confusion.
I doubt she will seek a healer for him before speaking to the Court of Shells Guardian, Koray, about him.
Everett looks at me with apologetic eyes. “I’m so sorry, Della. I told him to leave you alone. He got what was coming to him. I'll stay close for the rest of the evening to make sure you are not bothered by anyone else tonight.”
“That will not be necessary,” Leon says in a possessive tone. “She will be fine, plenty of honeyguards and added protection nearby. Any other fools trying to steal her away will be dealt with.”
Everett lets out a little laugh and shrugs. “Very well, I will assist the commander. Enjoy your evening.” He turns to follow Lillian.
I may not need his protection tonight, but I do require something from his mother.
“Wait! Everett?” I step away from Leon. “When you see Camarra, can you ask if she can do anything about the weather?” I ask hopefully. I do not want anything to ruin tonight's festivities. “A storm seems to be rolling in.”
Everett glances behind us at the dreary sky just beyond the large windows. “Of course.” He gives a playful bow and leaves.
Once we are finally alone, an annoyed Leon steps closer to me. “What is Kole’s problem?”
“He should have known better, but he was drunk.” A lightness in my chest soothes me at Leon’s unending protection and care.
I refuse to let an intoxicated fool tarnish our evening.
Leon opens his mouth to say something else, but I stand on my toes to kiss his cheek. His words die on those lips I love so much.
The tension releases from him. “Can we take this to the dance floor? I cannot resist more time holding you close.” Leon asks with a greedy grin.
I hold out my hand with a laugh, and he pulls it to his lips, kissing the top of it, before steering me to the golden ballroom.
Our chests press together and we melt into each other.
Other couples swirl around us, but I cannot tear my eyes away from the light in his, a joy I haven’t yet seen in the short time we have known each other.
He guides and I follow his lead, our bodies united and moving as one to the symphony of music that engulfs the room.
All others fade away, only the two of us in this world.
“I’m sorry you had to experience that. Tell me what's on your mind?” he asks softly.
“That’s all right. No one can ruin tonight. You simply won’t allow it.”
“That is exceedingly true, my queen.”
My heart skips a beat at the way he says it, with such devotion and warmth, like it was always on the tip of his tongue, waiting just for me.
The musicians lead into a new song meant only for lovers, slow and rhythmic. Leon’s large hand presses low on my back, ensuring no space is left between us as we leisurely sway.
I want this. Forever.
Just him and me, on gilded palace dance floors or a simple one-room cottage.
My head is on his chest. His heartbeats are slow, unlike that of my fae heart, the heartbeat of a man with a mortal timeline.
I close my eyes. That is not what I wish to think of now. Not tonight, wrapped in his arms, a celebration surrounding us in its merriment. That is a thought for tomorrow’s sunrise.
Tonight is to make a memory that will last for a lifetime without him.
Tonight is a beautiful lie that I will cherish, with no place for heartbreaking reminders of a future out of my grasp.
Tonight is a reminder that love exists and for a brief moment it graced me with its touch. I dig my nails deeper into the fabric of his evergreen shirt as if I could squeeze the thoughts of the future away.