Chapter 44
It’s the brightest morning we’ve had in weeks. Sunlight pours in through the thin layer of curtains, lighting up the whole mountains in shafts of gold and orange. Even the air feels different—fresher, cleaner, the start of something new.
One thing is for sure: even though our channelling link is no longer there, the mating bond is still intact, which Kieran and I are happy about.
And right now, we have so much more to look forward to.
Aurora arrives with Laia first thing, before I even have a chance to put a drop of coffee in my veins—of course, she has to make sure we’re in our best dresses for the coronation.
“You look like shit,” she says by way of greeting. “That hair needs divine intervention.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“Did you even sleep? Your face is puffy.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “No, we wanted to fuck.”
Her eyes narrow back. “You are both disgusting.”
“You asked.” I shrug, crossing my arms as she rifles through the rack of gowns she brought. As much as I hate her, I think I should make one thing very clear. “Hey, Aurora.”
“Yes?”
“I—I really appreciate what you did,” I start, dropping my gaze to my hands, fidgeting awkwardly. Laia slips to the corner of the room, clearly trying to give us some space. “You know, for me, for Kieran, and for this Court.” My voice drops softer. “Thank you.”
“Yeah,” she says quietly, eyes still fixed on the rack.
“I mean it,” I add. “I owe you one. And I’m … really sorry—about your brother.”
“Don’t be,” she whispers, finally turning to me. And for the first time—she doesn’t bother hiding the pain in her eyes. “He used me, too. That night you got stabbed. I’m pretty sure it was him who put that dress in Laia’s pile.”
I clamp my lips together, not sure what to say to that.
Aurora smooths down her dress, a faint smile ghosting on her lips. “Let’s make sure you look splendid today, shall we?”
This is weird … in a good way.
She’s extended an olive branch, and I’d be an idiot not to take it.
“I’d really like that.”
Kieran walks in to see me smile at Aurora—and he immediately frowns at the sight.
“One of you is a shifter, isn’t it?” he asks.
“Oh, shut up,” we say in unison … then our heads snap to each other in disgust.
Ew, I’m in sync with Aurora.
“Yeah, okay, that’s really creepy,” my mate decides, pointing to the door. “I’m out of here.”
Aurora sighs. I roll my eyes. Laia chuckles, then immediately slaps a hand over her mouth when Aurora’s glare shoots towards her.
But before we can get any further into this delightful morning circus, the door opens again.
“Sorry,” Gideon says, raising one hand. “Didn’t mean to interrupt your morning, but this idiot insisted on seeing you before the coronation.”
“Lucas!” I drop everything and throw myself at him. Gods, he looks well. Only a few scratches on his face. “I’m so happy to see you!”
“Me too. I heard Atticus dropped you in the trial. I tried to find you, but—”
“It’s all good, Lucas,” I cut in gently. There are so many things to look forward to today. I don’t want to drag my nightmare back into the room. But then I remember one thing. “I can’t believe you two dumped me back at home against my will!”
“Oh, well—here I was hoping I’d redeemed myself by offering to take care of your family.
They’re fine, by the way. Virgil’s best solders are taking over today.
” Gideon coughs, whilst Lucas just scratches the back of his head.
“Sorry—we just thought that was the best thing to do while we dealt with the rebellion. Couldn’t risk Atticus getting his hands on you again.
Well … until he found out and went to retrieve you. ”
“Don’t ever do that again,” I hiss, then turn back to Lucas. My irritation dissolves into excitement when I remember what today actually means. “And you are getting a wish.”
“Yeah.” His voice dips, eyes darting to Aurora—only for a second—before settling on mine again. “But you know what that means, right? I’ll have to go home soon.”
I force a smile, nodding.
I know.
I haven’t stopped thinking about it since we survived the second trial.
But at least he’s still alive.
And for that, I’m grateful, even if it means I’ll be living here on my own.
I’ll manage.
“Come on, you can stay a little while,” Gideon says, nudging him with an elbow. “There’ll be a huge celebration. You basically saved the Court. Chicks dig that.”
“There are always celebrations.” Lucas shakes his head. “You lot are insane.”
“It’d be insane if there were no celebrations.” Gideon winks.
Yes, don’t we know it.
“Are you boys done yet?” Aurora chimes in. “We’ve got a lot to do over there.”
“It’s barely been five minutes,” Gideon drawls, deliberately slowly, before glancing at Laia in the corner. “I haven’t even said hello to Laia.”
Of course—how can I forget?
Laia’s cheeks flare pink, her lashes batting frantically. “Hello, Gideon.”
“Oh please,” Aurora mutters, sweeping towards the balcony like she can’t stand to breathe the same air as anyone in love.
And Lucas—of all people—immediately follows.
Huh.
Am I missing something here?
I tilt my head, watching them disappear. Since when did Lucas have anything to do with Aurora? What could he possibly need to say to her? He was the one who convinced her to come see me in the cell that day…
Oh, dear Gods.
He convinced her. The Fae who looks like she hates everyone but herself. And he convinced her.
Is there something between the two of them?
Did he actually come to see her, not me?
Lucas? And Aurora?
Lucas and Aurora?
Oh, fuck.
I stare at Aurora the whole time she helps me get dressed. Hundreds of questions run through my head, but I manage to keep my mouth shut—mainly because I’m scared of what I’ll uncover if I ask.
Are they involved?
Or are they just friendly?
Did they fuck?
How many times did they fuck?
Was she the mystery Fae he hooked up with and refused to name?
I am going insane.
Gods, Cassandra, keep it together. The whole Court is watching you and Kieran—literally.
I have never seen these many Fae in the Court before. Everyone has gathered to celebrate the coronation and the end of the trial. A new black throne gleams beside a golden one—the Court’s signature colours.
The same colours Kieran and I wear today.
Aurora already prepped us on the schedule this morning, but my mind is a blank page as I walk hand in hand down the hall with Kieran. Heads bow in respect.
Oh, Gods.
Don’t trip.
Don’t fucking trip.
Kieran moves with maddening grace and his head held high—the same way he’s always been since I’ve known him. Meanwhile, I’d have faceplanted by now if he wasn’t holding me upright.
“Am I supposed to sit on the throne?” I whisper as we near the dais.
Kieran grins. “Or you can sit on my lap.”
I hiss at him. “People are watching.”
“And you don’t need to change a thing, no matter how much they stare,” he whispers, lifting my hand to his lips. “You look perfect today. And yes, you will sit beside me on the throne—exactly where you belong.”
“Oh please.” I chuckle under my breath. “I already said I’d marry you. You can stop hyping me up now.”
But Kieran leans in to brush a kiss on my cheek like we’re not in front of hundreds of Fae. “Never.”
I sigh, but I’m unable to stop my smile.
We both settle on the thrones, now facing the public. I never knew you could see every single face from up here.
Aurora glides forward, her gown brushing the marble floor.
“Welcome,” she declares with a dazzling smile. “Today, we celebrate not one, but three joyous occasions. The end of the trials. Peace in our Court. And of course—the new King and our future Queen.”
Oh, brilliant. Aurora’s just called me future Queen.
I think I’m going to faint.
Please don’t throw eggs at me.
Or if they must, please let it be cooked eggs—at least it will be less messy.
I brace myself for the inevitable boo, but nothing comes.
Oh.
“Let us begin with the coronation,” she announces, her voice carrying across the hall. She turns to Felix, who ascends to the dais beside the High Priestess I’ve met once at the River of Vows. In her arms rests a golden crown, shimmering like moonlight.
Aurora explained this morning that even though Kieran had already been sworn in privately, tradition demands it be repeated before the Court to make it official. Kieran rises to his feet, every inch the untouchable King. I stand beside him, my heart pounding.
I don’t think I understand most of the vow they are repeating. I’m too busy trying to stand upright and not fall on my face.
Mother of the stars, is this what I’ll have to do once we get married?
Yeah, I definitely need some training from Aurora.
I clasp my own hands to stop them from shaking, every hair in my body rising as Kieran kneels before the Priestess. She lowers the crown onto his head with reverence.
The moment he rises, the hall explodes into cheers and chanting, a sound so loud it feels like the ground is trembling under our feet.
I always knew the kind of respect Kieran commanded.
I just never realised, until now, how absolute it truly is.
“Thank you,” Kieran announces, his voice echoing in the hall.
“I know most of you probably thought this day would never come. Truth is—I didn’t either.
” He pauses, glancing over his shoulder at me.
“I’ve never been one for speeches, but let me make one thing clear: this Court is my home.
You all know why it exists and why we do what we do.
My goal has never been to rid the world of humans.
It’s to prove to the stars that we’re all flawed.
That nobody should be punished for it. Not us, and certainly not the humans, who never asked to be bound to us at birth. ”
I draw a deep breath. Once. Twice.