Chapter 23 #2
I remain focused on my loved ones, letting their love for me fuel my bravery.
Lifting my chin, I say, “As many of you know, King Micah betrothed Lord Stone and me when we were children, and we made our vow to wed last year. I believe my match was made with the best of intentions. The king chose a man who cares for me deeply and is loyal to our kingdom.” I smile at Leif and his cheeks turn pink.
“Unlike Micah and Borin, Leif and I do not share a parah bond. That bond was a magnificent force that drove the decisions of Micah and Borin’s rule.
The precious gift they were given had a great effect on our kingdom.
The Statera has blessed me with that same bond.
” I glance down at Kyron and flash him a tender smile.
“I’ve invoked the power found in the parah bond to release Leif from our promise to marry.
” The table stirs, and before it can get out of hand, I lift my glass of juice.
“Please join me in thanking Leif for his service to the crown and wishing him well as he embarks on a life with the man he loves.”
My best friend and his boyfriend clink their glasses together and share a kiss. And just like that, the room falls to the charms of Leif Stone. Everyone erupts into applause and awes for the two.
When things quiet, I let go of my smile and say, “These past days without Micah have been gut-wrenching. Everyone at this table has felt the void caused by his absence. He ruled us in love and hope. It was that hope and the prophecy of a Sibyl that led him to choose me as your queen. He believed I could restore Pliris and rule a land where Khiros and Cyffreds are equal. I believe that as well.”
Everyone cheers and lifts their glasses.
“We are a long way from that day, but last night, I took the first steps to make his dream and the prophecy a reality. It was my honor to grant his dying wish.” I reach for Kyron’s hand and square my shoulders.
“I anointed Kyron LeFur as our future king. My parah will one day rule both kingdoms and reunite them under a new law, one that treats all as equal.”
“Can you do that without a Sibyl to solidify the bond?” Terro asks, his voice quiet with shock.
I fight the smile that pulls at my lips.
“Are you wanting the pomp and circumstances of an anointment ceremony, Lieutenant-Commander August? I’ve stood before the Statera in the sanctuary and made my intentions known.
As your queen, can I not ask the people in this room to solidify this bond and make sure my wishes are carried out? ”
“I—I don’t—”
“You can,” Borin says. “It is tradition that a Sibyl bind the anointment, but it is not necessary. The only practice that must be followed is having a Sibyl bind a sovereign’s oath to their kingdom before taking the crown.”
Seconds tick by in complete silence, and I worry that my choice will be met with more opposition. That is until my father stands with his glass in hand. “May the Statera bless Lucent’s future king, Prince Kyron LeFur.”
Greer, Terro, Leif, and Wel stand. “May the Statera bless Lucent’s future king.”
“Bless the future king!” Ansley shouts, holding up her glass.
One by one, my family and friends stand, showing their respect for my choice… for Kyron.
Borin rises, his gaze on my parah and utters the words spoken at every anointment since the tradition started. “May you rule with a pure heart, a just hand, a wise mind, and be the embodiment of the Statera’s immaculate balance, nephew.”
The rest of the room stands, even my brother, and together they say, “Blessed be, Kyron the prince of Lucent.”
I pull Kyron to his feet to stand beside me. He clasps his hands behind his back and wears the stoic look. It’s the same one that graces his handsome face whenever he assumes leadership. It’s tough and unwelcoming, and not the best first impression when announced as the future king.
I lift to my toes and whisper in his ear, “It’s all right to smile.”
He spares me a quick glance from the corner of his eyes and one side of his mouth slightly turns up.
I snicker and shake my head. “We’ll keep working on it.”
Everyone settles and breakfast resumes.
I grip Kyron’s hand under the table as Lucent’s leaders bombarded with questions.
Most of them know him from his time as our general.
They understand that his military expertise is exceptional, but many have never taken the time to talk to him beyond that.
I’m not blind to their uncertainty, but at least they are attempting to cure it.
Slowly but surely, the room clears, leaving those who are the closest to us.
Terro knocks back a glass of orange juice and champagne. His braids swing around his face as he slams his glass to the table. “Way to take it all, Ky. You got the girl and both kingdoms. I’m hoping there are perks for friends of the future king.”
“You mean the entire bottle of champagne you just drank wasn’t a perk?” Greer asks, scooting another full bottle away from him.
“I was thinking about moving card night to somewhere with a little more… pizzazz.”
She scoffs, her green eyes boring into him. “What do you mean pizzazz? Have you seen my office?”
“Yeah, I have, and it looks like a cheap broth—”
“So, I have a question.” Ansley, who has been uncharacteristically quiet since my speech, jumps in, halting the argument that was sure to follow. “Is there going to be a wedding?”
I open and close my mouth like a fish out of water, but Kyron has no problems answering her, saying, “When things calm down, there will be a wedding.” My head jerks in his direction, and a sly smile pulls on his lips. “Did you not want them to know that was the plan?”
“No. It’s not that. I just thought we would ease into that topic,” I say.
“I don’t think that’s necessary, Elle. Everyone here has been anticipating the moment you would make the announcement,” Leif says with a wink.
The entire table sounds in agreement.
The last thing I want to do is jump from one betrothal to another. It would be disgraceful in most circumstances, but our situation differs from most. He is my parah, the person the Statera deemed to be my perfect match. Decorum be damned, I like the idea of celebrating our love with everyone here.
The doors to the dining room burst open, and a warrior stalks into the room.
“Pardon my interruption, Your Grace,” he says, moving to the head of the table. The warrior bends at the waist and whispers to Kyron.
Kyron’s eyes grow wide as he listens. My heart drops to the pit of my stomach. I consider all the possibilities, each worse than the next—the Allaji are on their way here, another attack on Lucent, more death.
Kyron nods and the warrior exits the room.
“What is it?” I ask, eager to put my fear to rest.
Kyron lifts a cautious gaze to me and quietly says, “It appears my mother was returned unharmed with Zek. They’re waiting for us in the sanctuary.”