42. Kyros #2
“Breathe, Shula.” I smile into the ridges of her hand as I look up at her through the shadow of my lashes.
That smile widens even further when I am graced with that beautiful blush.
With my other hand, I reach into the pocket of my trousers and wrap my fingers around the small wooden box.
I could have given this to her in privacy.
She's already agreed to be my wife. Agreed to claim this throne.
My bonded twin flame. But something about a public declaration of how much she means to me feels right.
Something she needs to know I am willing to do.
“Shula, the trails I have been given by the gods throughout my life have offered me many paths to follow, but no matter which I were to take, they would always end with you.”
“Kyros—” She breathes my name on a sudden influx of air, and I savor the sound of it before smiling a little wider. It’s such a foreign feeling tugging my mouth, but it’s becoming natural for her.
“Since you walked into my life, I knew you were the star guiding me to salvation; the flame leading me to ruination.” Pulling the small hexagon box from my pocket, I flip the lid and bring it up between us.
Her other hand comes up to cover her mouth, and the shocked gasp is half covered by the press of her fingers.
“Today, I ask my twin flame to become more than just my bonded mate but to be my wife in the eyes of the kingdoms.” Her eyes well with moisture as I slip the white gold band on the ring finger of her left hand.
The flickering light from the surrounding candles catches the hexagon cut of the natural diamond that is a perfect representation of us.
Her light and my dark. Deep veins of black and gray swirl through the diamond, like the tendrils of our magick are caught in a sharp stone of glittering and glassy ash.
It is at home on her finger and fitting that it was once in Princess Mina’s possessions.
Her smile is small as she looks down at her finger, moving her hand this way and that, then training her eyes on me.
A summer storm churning in her irises, warm and electric.
All mine.
“I would be honored.” She quietly says.
Straightening to my full height, I capture her mouth with mine. The kiss is slow, reverent, and meaningful. It takes everything in me to pull myself away from her. But when I do, she looks around at the audience we have gained, and that stunning blush only deepens.
“Are you ready?" I ask as an emotion that I never knew myself capable of feeling now clogs my throat.
She nods silently, still staring into my eyes like she never wants to pull away.
“Good,” I lace our fingers together, giving her hand a light squeeze as I finally turn to address the people. Our people.
A sea of eyes looks back at me. Some standing, some sitting in front of the steaming platters of colorful savory foods, garnished with flowers, leaves, and pillar candles dripping with melted wax.
I take a deep breath and can feel so much familiarity just being in this room, yet at the same time, nothing at all feels the same.
So much has changed... And all of it stems from the woman who fell into my life like her name suggests.
A star. A symbol of hope. I look up from our hands held firmly together and at the woman who has not changed me but has shown me who I really am and what I’m willing to do for the people who matter.
She gives me a small smile of encouragement.
My eyes drift along the people staring back at me, occasionally snagging on those who have always been a part of our lives, as well as those who have recently come to feel like a small family to us.
Chin raised, I pull Astraea toward the center of the long table before the dais, where the Queen would usually sit, in her high back chair that sits taller than all the others.
But tonight, I have two place settings arranged.
Two higher back chairs centered among the others.
As we approach the seats, the staff pull them back, allowing Astraea and me an opportunity to stand before them.
I raise the hand that is not entwined with Astraea’s and quietly demand the room fall silent with the gesture alone.
Rowan is the last person to file into the room before he pulls the heavy door shut behind him.
“People of Diemos! I know how confused you must be. But I hope to answer any questions you may have if you just give me a moment to explain.” I say, and Astraea stands with her head held high, even as her hand trembles slightly in mine.
I watch her through the corner of my eye, but her attention stays trained ahead—confident and poised, only glancing my way when she feels my gaze on her.
She's terrified, but to the outside world she only shows strength. My eyes linger a moment longer on her stoic features before I continue. “I’m sure you’re all wondering where your Queen is?
Why she isn't here tonight? Phaedra has left this kingdom under-protected to seize another.” A series of gasps echoes throughout the room, and I take a second to allow that to settle over them.
“Kyros,” Rowan says from behind Astraea and me in a hushed tone, pulling both of our attention and interrupting my speech.
I hadn't even noticed him move so close. Something that tends to happen more when I am hyperfocused on my mate. “There’s been a—confirmation.” His eyes shoot past me, landing on Astraea and he swallows.
Slowly, he turns his gaze and looks me right in the eye.
“It’s important you read this. Right now. ”
Clearing my throat, I nod and take the rolled-up piece of parchment.
I pull the leather tie, ignoring the curious gazes of the crowd.
The whole room, myself included, is waiting on bated breath as I scan the words as they are revealed.
My lips part, eyes jumping from word to word.
Each one threatening to make a smile cut across my face or force a laugh to bark from my throat.
Fuck—this couldn’t be more perfect.