Fifty
CHAPTER
Iwas anxious.
So anxious that no matter what I did, I simply could not stay still.
I was fidgeting far too much. I knew it, but I couldn’t seem to stop no matter how hard I tried.
Today was a very, very big day. It was important not just to me but to the Court of Stars entirely.
Today was the day I would become one of them.
An official member of the Court of Stars.
This day would go down in history, written in the stars above. Painted in scribes and depicted in the Book of the Beloved.
A deep breath parted from my lips, exhaling between my teeth.
I gazed into the mirror before me, staring at my reflection.
I almost didn’t recognize myself anymore.
I wasn’t the defenseless mortal I once was.
No longer did I bear the burdens of being Princess Gelia’s servant, nor did I have to spend the rest of my days peeling potatoes, either.
I was a Divine being. Eternal, and soon to be respected member of the Court of Stars.
I was Zathrian’s Mate, and one day, would become his High Lady. His equal.
A smile curled from the corners of my lips, thinking about it.
What our future would look like. How many children we might have.
How different things might be. The life that we would craft together would be brighter and more beautiful than either of us could ever imagine.
I didn’t know the details of what our future held, but I knew that it would be good. I had Zathrian by my side.
Lifting my hand, I fixed my hair to ensure that my curls weren’t frizzy, and the fishtail braids were in place.
I checked the rest of my attire and admired my new silver and navy dress.
The outer layer skirt of my dress was sheer with celestial crescent moons and stars sewn at the bottom, just above the trim.
The thin straps made my collarbones more pronounced.
Zathrian had this dress made specially for me. For this occasion.
I felt special.
I loosened my shoulders. Or at least tried to. Rolling them, hoping that somehow the motion would make me feel less anxious and tense than I already was.
“Aerilyn!” Akira called my name in the distance.
“Coming!” I turned away from the mirror and toward the sound of Akira’s voice. I was anxious, but equally excited that it was finally happening.
“Ah, there you are! Where have you been? It’s about to start and we have been looking for you.
Come, come.” She shooed me, practically shoving me into the room.
Attempting to straighten out the wrinkles in my dress and fix the silver necklace that was slightly tangled in my curls.
With a single tug, that was far too harsh in my opinion, she fixed my necklace.
Akira gave me another push, and I stumbled into the throne room.
My eyes widened, and I felt the color leave my face.
The entire room was staring at me in complete and utter silence.
I awkwardly laughed, clearing my throat right after.
My arms were loose at my sides, fingers fiddling with the fabric of my dress.
Zathrian sat on his throne with a smile on his face.
He looked like a king.
It reminded me of when I used to see him sit upon the throne in the Mortal Realm. The parallel was uncanny to the extent I had to do a double take to remind myself that he was no longer Adrian, the Cruel Prince, but Zathrian, High Lord of the Realm of Stars.
The room was dimly lit by soft lanterns and moonstone.
A sea of candles filled every corner of the room, half melted wax dripped onto the floor beneath them, setting an ambiance that was not easily forgotten.
Every single person within that room had stardust smudged on their foreheads.
Otherworldly magic vibrated through the air, so thick that it simply could not be ignored.
“Are you ready to begin, Aerilyn?” Zathrian asked.
I took another breath, feeling my heart skip a beat. “I am.”
“Good.” He gestured for me to approach him, so I did.
The room was silent. Those within the Court of Stars sat in their designated seats, waiting in anticipation for the ceremony to begin.
I approached his throne, stopping only once I made it to the edge of the steps.
He gestured for me to kneel. I lowered myself slowly onto my knees.
The moon hung low in the midnight sky, casting an ethereal glow through the window panels in the ceiling.
The air was warm. It smelled of cinnamon and vanilla.
“We are gathered here under the moonlit night, to officiate Aerilyn’s rightful place within our Realm, as one of our own.” Zathrian’s voice boomed through the throne room, grabbing everyone’s attention.
Zathrian stood tall, his head high, and I realized that nothing could have possibly prepared me for this moment. Not in this life or my life before did I ever think I would be worthy of the sacred blessing of joining the Court of Stars or his side, either.
Deep down, I didn’t feel worthy to be in the Court.
I didn’t feel worthy of anything at all.
I was the root of all problems, and I knew they knew it, too, even though they didn’t say it.
I swallowed hard, pushing that thought aside for the time being.
This was my ceremony, and I ought to enjoy it while it lasted.
This was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Months ago, I thought that maybe my ceremony would be within the Realm of Clouds, or perhaps not at all, given the circumstances of my reincarnation, yet here I was, and truthfully, there was no place else I would rather be.
Zathrian carefully placed his hand on top of my head, winking at me.
“Aerilyn, Bringer of Peace, thou has proven thyself worthy to join our noble order time and time again. Thou hast demonstrated courage, and dedication to thy Realm, willingly sacrificing oneself to protect it, and those who reside within it.” He turned to the bowl of sacred stardust that shimmered the color of silver and opaque opal.
He dipped his hands within it, cupping the glittery-like consistency.
Slowly, he brought his hands above my head, letting the stardust fall.
It shimmered all around me, clinging to my hair, my clothes, and my skin.
I closed my eyes for a moment, listening to Zathrian speak the sacred words of the ceremony.
“On this night, the Gods above, and myself included, bless you into your rightful place in the Court of Stars.” He paused.
Opening my eyes, his hand slid to my chin, tilting my head up just enough for his thumb to swipe across my lip.
Leaving a trail of stardust behind. “Do you accept?” he asked.
“I do,” I replied. More than anything.
Magic filled the room, flickering all around us. Vibrant shades of blue and silver sparked and flashed. The Gods blessed this day just as they had blessed me.
He released my chin, reaching out to take my hand.
His palm was glowing a shimmery shade of silver, and his Starfire magic brought a warmth to his touch.
I took his hand. He pulled my own two feet and turned me around to face the crowd with his hands on my shoulders.
His fingers kneaded my flesh as he stood behind me.
“It is with great honor that Aerilyn will be taking her rightful place amongst the Court tonight.” His tone was joyful and proud.
Everyone in the room erupted into cheering and applause, their voices echoing all around.
I smiled. Zathrian placed the silver hairpiece into my hair.
The one that signified my placement in the Court of Stars.
It represented the Realm and its Court. Every member of the Court had something of great significance that they wore in silver.
Zathrian had his necklace, Mateo had his ring, Viotto had his pocket watch, and I had my hairpiece.
I felt so warm and full of love when the ceremony concluded. The very moment that it did, Zathrian pulled me into a deep and passionate kiss, dipping me in front of everyone in the middle of his very own throne room.
I finally felt at home.
The celebration that was thrown after in my honor was spectacular. All my favorite foods filled the buffet tables. Sweet strawberry wine and sugary lemonade were served with every guest’s meal. The desserts towered high and plentiful, more than anyone could have ever dreamed.
The decor was equally gorgeous. Baby’s breath, lush greenery, and roses filled the balcony of Zathrian’s Estate. Celestial lanterns and fairy lights lit up the vicinity and it was simply a dream come true. And the music—Gods above—it was simply divine.
I couldn’t ask for a more perfect celebration.
My eyes locked on Zathrian, feeling so thankful for all he had done. He was the mastermind behind today’s celebration. No detail was missed, and it made me realize how much he really did pay attention. He really did care, far more than I thought.
Watching everyone be as happy as they were truly warmed my heart. I had felt so alone for so long that now that I wasn’t alone anymore, it truly brought tears to my eyes.
Zathrian lifted his pointer finger, gently wiping tears from the corners of my eyes.
“You’re so incredibly beautiful,” he whispered.
Leaning forward, I planted a kiss against his lips. He reciprocated that kiss, using that same hand to push my curls away from my face. Affectionately, our noses brushed against one another.
“Come.” He kissed my nose, grabbing my hand and leading me out of the room.
“And where are we going?” I asked playfully, raising my brow.
“On a walk… C’mon.” He smirked.
We walked the sparkling moonstone path toward the beach. Hand in hand, wandering away from the celebration and toward the serendipity of the lake’s shoreline. The sand shimmered beneath our feet with each step we took.
Zathrian pulled me closer to the edge of the shoreline.
Close enough that the waves washed over our feet.
The bioluminescence within the water stretched across the sand.
I had seen it many times, but each time always felt like the first with how giddy it made me feel.
It was so beautiful. I loved the Realm of Stars, and there was so much I had yet to discover.
“So, how are you feeling now that you’re officially one of us?” Zathrian asked with a smile.
I thought about it for a moment. “I feel… good. I feel really good. I feel…”
“At home?” He finished my sentence for me.
I smiled bigger. “Yeah, at home.”
He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, leaning in to kiss my temple. “That’s because you are home at last, my sweet, sweet girl.”
Wrapping my arm around his torso, a giggle left my lips. “Home sweet home. Though my home is wherever you are.”
His eyes softened, and he turned to face me. Carefully, he cupped both of my hands in his, gently brushing his thumbs across my knuckles.
“Aerilyn… There is something I have been meaning to give you, but I wanted to wait for the right moment.” He smiled so brightly, emitting nothing but pure and genuine joy. “It was only finished a couple days ago, but…” He slid one of his hands away from mine, fumbling in his chest pocket.
My face went cherry red as I gazed down at him.
“Zath…” I trailed off, flustered, aware of my heart beating furiously against my chest as I stood there.
He pulled out a little navy box. Inside was the most gorgeous ring I had ever laid my eyes on.
My eyes widened, and I let out a gasp. “Zathrian—” I managed to choke out in surprise.
He held it up, carefully taking it out of the box. The stone looked like a starry night sky, shimmering brightly. It was encased within a silver and celestial band, infused with stardust and moonstone and—
“Wow,” I whispered under my breath.
“The stars are made of the same sky I fell in love with you under.” Zathrian slipped the ring onto my left ring finger. He kissed the back of my palm with all the love in the world.
Silent tears trickled down my face. I lifted my hand to get a better look at the ring. “I love you endlessly, Zathrian.” I lunged forward and hugged him tightly.
His arms wrapped around my back, rubbing gentle circles. He kissed the top of my head. “I love you more, Aerilyn.”
Zathrian pulled me closer, peppering my face in kisses, making me giggle.
Being with him was what true happiness felt like.
Zathrian’s kisses made their way up my jawline then down my neck, lightly sucking on my flesh.
A soft sound left my lips, and Zathrian picked me up into his arms with one effortless swoop, pressing his forehead against mine.
“Let’s go celebrate, shall we?” He kissed my temple, carrying me up the moonstone path and toward his Estate.
“Yes, let’s,” I replied.