Epilogue #2
I nodded, and together, we entered the throne room, glass dome sparkling above us. The roses blooming were brilliantly full, wrapping around the columns scattered throughout the grand chamber. The marble floors glistened, reflecting the starry night beautifully.
A hush fell over the crowd, and as we passed, every person dropped on one knee. A quartet played a song created as the new Atherian anthem, a blend of both kingdoms’ styles.
As we made our way down the aisle, I tried hard to take in every detail before me. All of the faces of those in attendance. I wanted to just be present in this moment. Before I knew it, we’d arrived at the end, our thrones waiting to be taken.
Ian approached us, two guards carrying the ceremonial crowns behind him. One of whom had been responsible for burying my mother. Ian had promoted him, and I could already tell he planned on mentoring him for future promotions.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“A new law was passed this morning by the council of advisors. Coronating the king and queen falls to the Commander of Atheria.”
I bit my quivering lip, knowing we had come full circle, and my oldest friend would be the one to crown me as queen.
Ian shifted to the side, standing in front of Kade.
“Kade Blackthorn, do you swear to serve Atheria, the united kingdoms of both Brookmere and Mysthaven, to the greatest of your ability, ensuring peace reigns in our land? Devoting yourself to the good of both kingdoms, putting your people above all others?”
“I will honor and serve,” he said. “No one will be above my mate though,” he whispered in my ear.
Ian shot him a look, rolling his eyes before he stepped forward as Kade kneeled. I watched as my best friend crowned my king.
He stepped in front of me next.
“Illiana Dresden.” His voice cracked, and a few people in the crowd chuckled.
He cleared his throat. “Do you swear to serve Atheria, the united kingdoms of both Brookmere and Mysthaven, to the greatest of your ability, ensuring peace in our land reigns? Devoting yourself to the good of both kingdoms, putting your people above all others?” I watched tears glisten in Ian’s eyes as I took a deep breath.
I’d been queen in name for months now, but this official ceremony felt different, bigger. Uniting a healed land.
“I will honor and serve,” I promised proudly.
I kneeled, feeling the crown settle on my head. When I rose, Ian winked. “I’m so proud of you,” he murmured softly.
Ian turned, addressing the crowd. “May I present King Kade Blackthorn and Queen Illiana Dresden.”
“Long live the king! Long live the queen!”
Fae clapped and cheered, but none louder than our own friends, who had become our family. As I looked out into the crowd, Kade spun in front of me.
“Long live the queen.” He kneeled on the ground, bowing his head. One by one the crowd rippled, bowing in turn.
“Rise, my people. Let us celebrate.” I smiled at all of them, just so happy to finally be here, finally queen.
When Kade lifted his head, he didn’t move right away.
“Little Rebel.” He grinned at me mischievously. “I once told you if there was the slightest chance I could win your heart, I’d get to my knees before you and claim you as mine.”
I swallowed, unable to look away from those perfect stormy grey eyes.
“Will you do me the honor of allowing me to be your king from now until the next life, our next adventure, in all the forevers to come?”
Jax yelped, shouting a joyful cry. “What do you say, Queenie?”
I laughed, choking on my tears as I grinned down at Kade, despite them blurring my vision. I blinked them away, nodding furiously.
He rose, pulling out the most gorgeous ring. The silver band was covered in an array of amethysts and diamonds, while a single sapphire gem sat on top.
The ring slipped onto my finger perfectly, and he lifted me up. “I had another reason for going back to Mysthaven. I had to pick up my mother's ring.”
I leaned back, smiling and cupping the side of his face. “Anything from you is perfect. I’ll wear it proudly.”
“You haven’t technically given your answer yet, Little Rebel.”
I swallowed back my emotions as I threw my arms around him. “Yes,” I laughed.
We will marry you, my light answered too.
Kade’s eyes widened, and his shadows flared. “I heard them.”
I winked at him. “I knew we’d get there.”
He spun me around in a circle before setting me back down and offering his hand. “Dance with me?”
“In all the forevers to come,” I answered.
He put an arm around my waist, leading me forward. The string quartet started playing again as Fae cleared the floor, making way for us.
He pulled me close, spinning me around as the starry night sparkled above us. “I’m thinking Kade Dresden?”
I laughed. “You’ll change your name?”
“Blackthorn means nothing to me. I belonged to you before I even met you, Little Rebel. I will claim you and all you are in every way possible. Including your name.”
Without any regard for proper decorum, I jumped into his arms, letting him hold me against his body, and kissed him. He spun me around once before I slowly slid down, shivering in anticipation of our life to come.
My light and his shadows danced around the floor to the rhythm of the strings.
The crowd cheered.
My heart and my soul were complete.
Surrounded by the love of my kingdom, but most importantly my friends, I closed my eyes and reminded myself that I was Illiana Dresden, and I was stronger than any darkness.
The End.