CHAPTER 69
Kormick beamed at Maire in her green velvet gown. “You’re magnificent, my dear.”
“As are you,” Maire replied. “Battle clothes become you.” He gazed in the mirror, admiring his newly tailored clothes fit for both battle and coronation.
His cream-colored tunic and cloak would gleam in the sun as he stepped up on the Stone of Destiny.
“It’s all for show. There will be no battle, thanks to you. ”
The wizard who had prepared the amulets embedded in Maire’s crown fastened the headpiece to the horns on her head. The diamonds shimmered against her copper hair. “My best work yet,” the wizard boasted. “Step to the side, Your Majesty, and I’ll demonstrate.”
Kormick did as he was advised, and the wizard instructed Maire not to worry.
He drew the broad sword at his side, slashing upward before bringing it down toward Maire’s skull.
Maire flinched, but a few inches from her head, the blade recoiled like it had hit a wall and flew from the wizard’s hand, clattering to the floor on the other side of the room.
“The magic is good for at least ten direct blows. If any trouble should break out, not a hair on her precious head will be harmed,” the wizard proclaimed.
“Nor on yours,” he added, pointing to the other crown he had prepared for Kormick.
The antique gold was rich and dignified, which would be perfect for the ceremony.
Kormick wanted every aspect of the day to be etched in the witnesses’ memories.
They would carry stories back to their cities, praising the day—and him.
And with the cauldron in his possession, even kings and queens would be bending their knee to him.
Especially kings like Trénallis, if he let him live at all.
“There will be no direct blows,” Kormick said, but thanked the wizard for his craft and artistry. He dismissed him before turning to Maire. “Does that ease your worries?”
“I’m not worried,” she said. “I only detest being in the middle of these large affairs. Besides, no one is going to challenge you, unless they’re fools. You’ve already proven your strength to them.”
Kormick lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “I agree. But you deserve this moment. I deserve this moment. No kingdom will ever ignore us again. We’ve earned this, Maire. Let’s see it through to the end. I need you there. Just in case. Please, I believe in you. Believe in me too.”
And she did. He had always been there for her. He gave her what no else would. Power.