Chapter 40
CHAPTER
FORTY
Six months later . . .
I’ve never been so happy. Even before, when I thought I was free and unattached, I still had moments of loneliness. Now, I’m never alone at all. I miss my mother, and I miss the person I was before, but I’ve grown to love my life and who I am.
Laughing brightly, I duck under Luan’s arm as he swings me in another circle across the dance floor.
Tonight’s banquet is a celebration of life and love.
It’s a yearly event, one I never gave much stock to.
I usually drank and fucked my way through it.
Now, though, I dance with the men who have claimed my once ruined heart and lead the way for others.
I watch my court as I spin. Some are dancing, others drinking and eating, and a few are still hesitant. There is more healing to be done, not just within themselves, but within the court. We are moving towards it, however, and I will always be here to see it happen.
None of us can return to the way life was before, but we have rebuilt and made ourselves stronger.
I thought I would let these men go once everything was finished, but if anything, I need them more.
I’m learning that being strong doesn’t mean I can’t be vulnerable.
I’m a queen, I’m looked to for everything, so when I need comfort and help, they are all here, even Eversor, who comes and goes as he pleases but seems to come more often than not.
He still terrifies my people, but he ignores them and focuses on me .
. . like now. He steals me from Luan and lifts me into the air as we swing above the rest, dancing towards heaven as I chuckle and lean into him.
“Planning to kill me tonight?” I tease.
“Maybe tomorrow. Tonight, you look good enough to eat,” he replies, sliding his hands down my body and under my dress to touch my skin.
It’s easy enough, since the metal material parts down both legs, giving him access.
The top is more like armour than anything, and it’s beautiful and shines like a diamond.
Our court created it for me for this event, to show me how they see me—sharp and dangerous, but also sturdy and forever. It was so sweet, I almost cried.
Hands curl around my feet and yank me down, and Ami grins as he sweeps me across the floor, bending me over and kissing me before Corbin cuts in. He’s stiff and unsure, and I lead, but he dances with me anyway until Frost takes me away.
When the song is over, I escape into my people, avoiding their hands and eyes, though we all know it won’t be long until they come for me again. It used to annoy my court, but now it just makes them laugh, and I hear bets being taken on how long it will be until I’m stolen away.
I take that bet, and after speaking to a few people, I duck out when they aren’t looking and head outside.
Moments later, I feel my men behind me, which makes me laugh.
Frost knows what I want and changes, shredding his new suit and slinging the saddle on.
Climbing smoothly onto his back, I look at the others.
“Catch us if you can.” We shoot into the air.
Laughing, I look down to see Corbin shift and race off into the forest, Bellami and Luan at his side, sprinting below us. I don’t see Eversor until I’m ripped from the saddle and dropped. I don’t scream, even as I fall, and before I hit the earth, arms catch me and lift me up.
I’m passed between them until we slow down and enjoy the flight. My eyes scan the horizon and the cities I see in the distance, and my soul pulses, telling me what I need to do.
Tonight is the night, after all, and there is no time like the present.
When I am high in the sky, I let the call go out, carried by Luan’s magic, to those minds that need it—the lost, who are hurting and alone.
Just like I was.
Just like they were.
I throw out a helping hand and a place of sanctuary for them.
What was once a court of anguish for me and my people has become one of hope and loyalty, and I pray they heed my call.
Until then, I fly through the night sky with my loves, soaring above my people and duties, and I let them carry me to freedom for a few stolen moments before we have to return to reality.
It’s not easy being a queen, but my kings make it worthwhile.