Epilogue
RAELLE
Partygoers have overtaken the palace ballroom.
The endless wine and ale have lowered inhibitions, and many of them have given into the beat of the drums and the merry singing of the fiddle.
They spin in their finest clothes while twirling the colorful ribbons that once decorated the walls over their heads.
Leading the mayhem are my husband’s most trusted advisors.
They have no regard for decorum. It doesn’t matter that one is the Allaji queen’s fiancé or another the royal strategist. They couldn’t care less that they rank high in Pliris’ army as its general.
And far be it for them to care that they are the queen’s parents.
Tonight, our kingdom celebrates one year since the end of a cruel era.
The festivities stretch far beyond the Pliris borders and extend to every person within the five kingdoms. The Statera has returned balance among the rulers, and our lands are at peace.
All throughout the continent people are coming together as equals who are free to live out their lives however suits them and their kingdom best. But I must admit that I believe that no kingdom is rejoicing in this fact more than Pliris.
It was a prophecy given to a favored ruler decades ago, and it’s come to fruition.
Rowan spins me around the dancefloor, keeping his distance as he tries not to step on my feet.
Each silver tendril embroidered into the black skirt of my gown catches the flickering candlelight.
I chose the dress because the curling design that purposely crawls over the sheer panels along my arms and torso reminded me of Kyron’s shadows wrapped around my body.
It was empowering to look like the embodiment of one of his gifts.
“Even if he didn’t love you so much, I’d still admire the man simply for the way he treats our sister,” Rowan says.
My gaze skims the swaying bodies around us and lands on Salone.
Her red hair sits elegantly upon her head, and her light green gown hugs the curves of her body.
She shyly smiles up at Terro. His braids are pulled back at his nape, and he dons his formal military uniform.
He keeps his eyes on his and Salone’s feet, like he’s taking care not to step on her toes.
“You’re not saying something is going on between Salone and Terro, are you?” I ask.
Rowan makes a choking sound. “No. No. Salone wishes.” He spins me the other way and I yelp as he steps on my shoe. “Them.”
The sight before me has happiness swelling in my chest. The hand held above Ansley’s head connects to Kyron’s as she twirls in continuous circles.
He fights back his laughter as he entertains my littlest sister’s dramatic dancing preferences.
After spinning to the point of dizziness, she takes both of the king’s hands and attempts to lead him in a waltz.
I giggle as Kyron does his best to keep up with her.
There is just something about seeing a man with a crown on his head bend to the will of a child.
Not to mention, he makes my mouth water in his all-black pants and coat with silver swirls that match my dress.
Their quick, sloppy steps have them bumping into my parents.
Papa releases Mama’s waist to ruffle Ansley’s mop of curls.
And as he looks up from her, our eyes meet.
My father winks, bowing his head at me before continuing to dance with Mama.
“I think Ansley has my husband wrapped around her finger,” I say to Rowan.
“She’s not the only Mansi girl that he would do anything for. I hope that one day I find someone to love as much as he loves you.”
I tilt my head and study his face. “Does that mean all is finally forgiven with Kyron?”
“Honestly?”
“Yes, honestly,” I say with mock offense. “I’m your queen. You shouldn’t lie to me.”
One side of his mouth tilts up and he says, “I forgave him the moment he hauled your limp body onto the Esspress ship. He risked his life for you, and I knew he would do it again if that’s what it took.”
My jaw drops. “But that was over a year ago. You still give him such a hard time.”
“And because of that, he lets me in on his monthly card night with his friends at Basecamp.”
“You’re insufferable.” I playfully push him away. “And a terrible dancer.”
He laughs as he gives me a sweeping bow. “And the most intelligent, cunning, and dashing soldier you’ve ever met.”
I turn my back on him to hide my smile and shake my head as I walk away.
Rowan is a skilled soldier, but that was always expected from the great General Mansi’s son.
A day will come when he both takes up our father’s mantle and finds the love he’s looking for.
Until then, he has a career he loves and newfound friends to bide his time.
I pass by Salone and squeeze her shoulder.
She stops dancing to dip in a graceful curtsy and say Your Majesty.
She loves the formalities of court, the balls, the extravagant dinners, even the council meetings, they all inspire her creative side.
Sometimes I think she would be better suited for this life than me.
Terro dips his head, that bright warm smile that I loved from the moment I met him stretched across his face.
“Keep an eye on this one, general. She has a habit of fancying a man in uniform,” I say, my gaze shooting to my sister.
My sister rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “I’m teaching the general how to dance.”
Terro’s grin doesn’t falter. “She’s trying to at least.”
“You’ll get there with a little more practice,” she says, holding her hand out to him before they twirl into another dance.
I continue on, looking over the crowd. Leif and Wel are tucked in a corner deep in conversation. Ashavee rolls her eyes as she watches Ulric gulp down a flute of champagne. I stand on my tiptoes and search for my favorite dance partner, but he seems to have disappeared.
“If you keep searching for Kyron like that, people are going to question my tutelage. What type of queen feels lost amongst her subjects without her king?”
My lips happily turn up as I bump my shoulder into the man who has snuck in beside me. “Perspective, my dearest Borin. I’m not a queen in search of her king, but a parah who misses the company of her other half.”
He hums while straightening the lapel of his maroon and gold jacket. “A perspective I wholeheartedly sympathize with.”
“As I knew you would.”
He turns to face me. A deep line forms between his brows, and his dark-brown eyes soften.
“Micah and I told you countless times about how proud we are of you. But this, Raelle.” He sweeps his arm in front of him, gesturing to the joyful faces all around the room.
“This was his dream. You accomplished what he believed only you could do, and this would have been his proudest moment.”
I know that. It’s a topic that finds its way into Kyron and my conversations regularly. We both have worked hard to build a kingdom Micah would be proud of, and we will continue to do so.
“And what about you, Borin? Have I made you proud?” I ask.
He goes silent, lost in his thoughts. The seconds tick by and then a tear slips from his eye, leaving a glistening trail down his face.
He runs his finger along the dark red ruby in the center of my crown and traces the swirls of iron around it.
Slowly, his lips pull into a rare bright smile.
“You have, precious girl. No doubt you will continue to make me proud.”
I position one foot behind the other, spread the sides of my black and silver skirt, and lower my head. “It is my honor to work to do so, your grace.”
He hooks his finger under my chin and lifts my head to see the tender smile adorning his face. “No. It’s my honor to now serve you and continue to make my parah’s dream a reality. We are so close to it, and I look forward to seeing that perfect day.”
“Me too.”
With a curt nod, he releases me. “Your parah slipped into the gardens looking... contemplative.”
My brows raise as I repeat, “Contemplative?”
“Take it from a man who was married to a king, those are the moments that they need time with their partner the most.”
“Thank you, Borin,” I say, squeezing his upper arm.
“You are welcome, my queen.”
I inch through the crowd to the back wall and follow it to the double doors.
Some eyes turn my way, but no one stops me as I slip outside.
I walk the winding paths through rose bushes and trellises of night blooming jasmine, to where life-size marble statues guard the sleeping blossoms. Soft floral perfume floats on the cool spring breeze and fireflies sparkle just above the low hedges.
The magic found in the gardens make it the ideal place to get lost in thought.
I continue on, ducking under the branches of the wisteria trees and weaving through the orchard lining the back of the property.
A gentle force guides me forward until I reach the furthest wall.
Hidden in the vines, a door stands open.
I step closer and glance inside. The narrow passage is just how I remember and a lit torch on the wall acts as an invitation to enter.
I take the light and start my journey to the earthy tunnel.
It isn’t a coincidence that this passage was primed for me to find it.
I know who waits beyond the door on the other side.
It’s open when I reach it. Lifting the hem of my dress, I step through and scale the rocks leading to the covered overlook on top.
Tall, sun-bleached columns support the domed roof, and a fire burns in the basin in the center.
My shoes click on the slate steps as I walk underneath and cross the massive space to where Kyron stands.
His jacket lies discarded on a bench, and his black tunic is rolled to his elbows.
His arms rest on top of the stone railing as he looks out into the Omnis.
Strands of his ebony hair brush his forehead, and his silver crown lies lopsided on his head.
He looks so young, too young to bear the burden of an entire kingdom.
He eyes me as I slide in beside him, our shoulders touching as I mimic his stance.
I take in the sight of the snow-capped mountains and eternal light.
The mist from the waterfall cools my face while the gentle breeze tousles my hair.
“Was it Ansley spinning you dizzy or Ulric demanding everyone bow to the new Allaji king that sent you running?” I ask.
A smile pulls at his lips and his body shakes with silent laughter. “Couldn’t I have just hoped that my absence would lure you away, so I could have you to myself?”
I lean in closer to him and whisper, “You could have just asked.”
He fidgets with the wedding ring on his finger, spinning it in slow circles. “Where’s the fun in that?”
I love seeing him like this, playful, happy, and carefree.
The last year hasn’t allowed either of us much time beyond our duties as rulers.
We’ve spent endless days in meetings with our counsel, awakening the gifts of the Cyffreds, and judging those who abuse their power.
Some nights we eat dinner in comfortable silence and then fall into each other’s arms as we drift to sleep, only to wake up and do it all again.
It has been hard… really damn hard to find a moment to ourselves.
“You know, if you would have just sent me home when I showed up at Basecamp, we could have avoided all the parties and hours of arguing with your mother’s old advisors about how this kingdom needs to be managed.
You could still be living the cozy life of a general.
” He shoots me a sidelong glare, and I fight back a smile as I continue to tease him.
“All right, maybe not a cozy life but it would have a lot less bickering.”
He turns around, leaning back on the rail, and crosses his arms. “No.”
“No to the sending me home or no to the less bickering?”
He grabs my wrist and pulls me toward him.
When I’m standing between his legs, he brushes a loose strand of hair behind my ear and says, “No to a life without you.” As if reminding both of us of the promises we’ve made before the Statera and the bond we will forever share, he runs his thumb over my wedding band.
I love the way he gently plays with my ring.
It’s like every oath we’ve made to each other is intertwined with the gold and iron.
“Do you remember when I told you that the crown was heavy?” I ask.
“I believe your words were suffocating and crushing.”
I did tell him that, and I meant it at the time. The responsibility of wearing the crown weighed on me. I didn’t know how to hold my head high and keep it in place at the same time. Ruling was a task I thought I would never come close to mastering, not without sacrificing everything I wanted.
My hand runs down the center of his chest, lingering on the soft skin above the undone laces of his tunic as I stare into his eyes. “It’s not so heavy anymore.”
“No?”
I lift to my tiptoes and brush my lips to his. “No.”
“And why is that?” he asks, pulling my body flush to his and placing a trail of kisses along my jaw. I laugh as I hold his crown in place and tilt my head to the side, giving him access to that spot on my neck that sends warmth pooling low in my stomach.
“Because I’ve chosen not to wear it alone,” I say.
He pulls back and studies me. The smile that consumes his face melts my heart. This is my Kyron. Not the king or the general. This is the true face of the man I completely adore.
“You’re so strong, Raelle. You don’t need me to carry that weight for you. But it is my life’s greatest honor that you chose me to share that burden with you. I’ll never let it bring you to your knees.”
I place my hands on either side of his face and kiss him again. “That’s good to know, because I only kneel for you, Kyron.”
“And I kneel only for you, my queen.”