Chapter 29
Chapter Twenty-Nine
BETTER THE DEVIL
Tonight, the dais holds only a single throne. Mine.
I ascend the stairs, holding my heavy velvet skirts so I don’t trip. I take my seat, Raven guards in front of me, Varin to one side of the throne, Bertrand on the other. My parents and Joaquin will join us in a moment.
When I returned to the coach after seeing Michael, I’d been too flustered to explain anything about what I’d seen. Reapers, during the daylight? I know I need to talk to my father about it, that it needs to be investigated further. And it will be.
But I need to get through tonight, first. Choosing a lieutenant sets the tone for my reign. It’s a position of considerable power; my lieutenant acts in my stead when needed, as well as maintaining diplomatic ties with all the families, and being my closest adviser.
I still don’t know what to do, though. I remain steadfast in my decision to not choose Oliver or Jacques, no matter what might happen.
Deryck is a safe choice, a neutral yet well-connected heir.
And I like him. But Michael, despite how he frustrates me, is symbolic of the kind of court I want to build.
He believes in the same things I do, understands what it means to live in both worlds.
He’ll also be the first human lieutenant; hopefully, he won’t be the last. And if it appeases his idiot brothers, then all the better.
Even though it’s infuriating to give in to Mistral, after all they’ve done, Michael is the choice that feels right to me.
God and darkness, though, it’s not easy! None of this is. Lion are allies, but things have been tense since Daniel was killed. Scorpion still haven’t replied to any of our invitations. At least I know Jaguar is with me.
I smile as Joaquin approaches, his sultry gaze finding mine.
He’s all smooth darkness as he ascends the dais, muscles rippling like his family namesake under the black velvet of his suit.
He takes my hand and kisses it, a flicker of his tongue against my skin.
Bertrand moves aside so he can take his place next to me, as though he’s already my consort.
‘Your parents approach.’ Joaquin brushes his knuckle along my cheek, then goes to join his entourage, who lounge along the edge of the dais like a pack of jungle predators, scanning the crowd for prey. Selene shoots me a lascivious grin, licking her lips. I blush, frowning.
‘Emelia.’ Varin moves into my line of vision, blocking me from the crowd and Selene’s stare. ‘Do you need anything, before this begins?’
‘No.’ I swallow. ‘I’m all right.’
He regards me for a moment, his hazel gaze grave. ‘I’m here to protect you,’ he murmurs. ‘Please call on me whenever you need.’
‘Thank you. I will.’
At my parents’ arrival the mood in the crowd shifts, expectation building. This is it, then.
My mother comes to me, kissing my cheek, then my father does the same. They flank my throne, a reminder of family and all that’s important.
I stand. All eyes come to me as I step forward. Oliver and Jacques are close to the dais, because of course they are. But so is Michael, annoyingly beautiful in a dark suit, his blond hair pushed back from his handsome face. He catches my eye. I clear my throat.
‘As my reign begins, I must choose a lieutenant. I already have my champion, Varin.’ I gesture to him.
He nods. ‘I’ve given the matter a lot of thought.
’ A lie, but I guess I need to make it look good.
And with that, my decision becomes clear.
‘The role of lieutenant is one of building bridges, between the Raven and the realm. I have decided, in making my choice, to build a bridge of my own. To close a circle once broken.’ I pause.
‘Which is why, by the gods and darkness, and the bright silver moon, I choose…’
Oliver, that absolute dickhead, has already taken a step forward.
Well guess what, Oliver. You’re not getting this job.
I always swore I wouldn’t have Mistral as my lieutenant when I was crowned.
He’s dead now, but Oliver is just as bad, if not worse than his father.
And Jacques, with his cruel predator’s gaze? I don’t think so.
Which leaves only one son of Mistral to be at my side.
Engage with an enemy you know.
‘… Michael, son of Mistral, as my lieutenant. Raven claw, blood and stone. So be it.’
Snarls erupt from Oliver and Jacques. But Varin is already there, escorting Michael onto the dais before his brothers can do any damage.
They have no call to complain, though. I’ve done as they asked.
‘A son of Mistral.’ It might not be enough.
But as the crowd roars, as Michael comes to stand next to me, it feels like the only option.
My heart is beating faster from excitement, that’s all. A dark figure rises to his feet at the edge of the platform. Joaquin’s gaze pierces me like a hook, pulling me towards him. Oh darkness.
Maybe I’ve made a mistake.