Chapter 23 Kieran #3
“Politics,” I said softly. “She’s read the room and adjusted her position accordingly. The court has accepted you. To stand against you now would be to stand alone.”
“Should I trust her?”
“Cautiously. Francine serves herself first, but she’s competent and connected. Better to have her working with us than against us.”
Cyrene nodded, already understanding the delicate dance of court politics. She’d learn the rest quickly enough.
The evening continued, filled with dancing and celebration. At some point, Quandary appeared, perching on Cyrene’s shoulder and chirping happily. Several nobles approached to congratulate us, their earlier doubts forgotten in the face of Cordelia’s endorsement.
As midnight approached, I finally stole Cyrene away from the festivities, leading her out onto a balcony overlooking the castle grounds. The night air was cool and clear, stars scattered across the sky like diamonds on velvet.
“Tired?” I asked, wrapping my arms around her from behind.
She leaned back against my chest. “Exhausted. Exhilarated. Happy.” She paused. “Relieved.”
“That Rathley’s gone?”
“That I don’t have to prove myself anymore.” She turned in my arms to face me. “Or maybe that I finally realized I never had to. Not to anyone who matters.”
I kissed her forehead. “You proved yourself the moment you walked back into my life and refused to be intimidated by a castle full of vampires.”
“I was terrified,” she said.
“You hid it well.”
“Years of practice.” Her smile turned mischievous. “Grandmother taught me to maintain an expression of calm no matter what was going on around me.”
“Remind me to thank her the next time we visit.”
“She’ll love that. She’ll probably take all the credit for our successful marriage.” Cyrene laughed. “Actually, she will take credit. It was her idea to send me here.”
“She has my eternal gratitude.” I pulled her closer, savoring the warmth of her body against mine, the way our magic hummed between us. “Ready to face tomorrow?”
“What does tomorrow bring?”
“Advisor meetings. Diplomatic correspondence. Probably a dozen nobles wanting private audiences to pledge their support now that it’s politically advantageous.” I grimaced. “The usual tedium of ruling.”
“Sounds delightful,” she said. “Any chance we could skip it and stay in bed instead?”
“Tempting. But I’m fairly certain Broadworthy would hunt us down.”
“He would, wouldn’t he?” She sighed dramatically. “Fine. I suppose I should start acting like a proper queen.”
“Please don’t. I fell in love with an improper witch who argues with me and fills my castle with chaotic magic. Stay exactly as you are.”
Her eyes softened. “I love you too, you know.” She traced the embroidery on my jacket with one finger, the touch sending sparks along my skin. “Though I suppose I could say it again, just to be certain you heard me properly.”
“I’m listening.” I caught her wandering hand, bringing it to my lips.
“I love you, Kieran Nightblood.” Her voice went soft, intimate. “Even when you’re being an overbearing vampire king who thinks he knows what’s best for everyone.”
“Overbearing?” I raised an eyebrow. “That’s a bit harsh.”
“Is it?” She laughed. “You literally ordered me to rest yesterday. And the day before that. And—”
I silenced her with a kiss, pulling her flush against me. She made a small sound of protest that quickly melted into a sigh as her arms wound around my neck.
When I pulled back, her eyes were dark, her breathing uneven. “That’s cheating.”
“Is it working?”
“Entirely too well.” She glanced back at the ballroom, where the celebration continued without us. Music and laughter spilled through the open doors. “How long do we have to stay?”
“Technically, as the king and queen, we’re expected to remain until the end.”
Her expression fell.
“However, given the events of the evening, I think we could be forgiven for retiring early.” I brushed a strand of hair from her face. “The court has seen what they needed to see. Our bond is secure. Our marriage blessed by the ancestors themselves, thanks to Cordelia.”
“She’s remarkable, isn’t she?” Cyrene’s gaze grew distant. “All this time, she was watching over both of us. Waiting for the right moment.”
“The Iron Queen was known for her patience,” I said. “And her strategic mind. She chose her moment perfectly.”
“Do you think she’s still here watching? I don’t see her.”
“Probably.” I glanced around the balcony, half-expecting to see a shimmer of her gown. “She’s protective of family.”
Cyrene leaned her head against my chest. “I’m glad. It’s nice having someone looking out for us from beyond.”
“We have more than one guardian, I think.” I thought of my parents, of the way the castle had felt lighter since Cyrene’s arrival, as if the very stones approved of her being here. “This place has been waiting for you.”
“For a joy witch to bring chaos and disruption?”
“For someone to bring it back to life.” I tilted her chin up to meet my gaze. “You’ve done more than restore magic to these halls, Cyrene. You’ve restored hope. Purpose. A future worth fighting for.”
Tears glistened in her eyes. “You’re going to make me cry in front of our guests.”
“They’re inside. Out here, it’s just us. Though if you’d like to make a dramatic exit, I could carry you through the room and up to our suite. Very romantic. The court would talk about it for weeks.”
She laughed through her tears. “As tempting as that sounds, I think we’ve given them enough to gossip about for one evening.”
“Fair point.” I offered her my arm. “Shall we at least say our goodnights before we escape?”
“Lead the way, my king.”
We returned to the ballroom, making our way through the crowd. Lords and ladies eased to the side, bowing and curtsying, their faces full of respect.
Broadworthy intercepted us near the main doors, his weathered face creased with concern. “Your Majesty, a word before you retire?”
I nodded, and he drew us aside, lowering his voice. “There’s the matter of Rathley’s estates and assets. They’ll need to be redistributed.” He paused.
“Tomorrow,” I said. “Tonight, my wife and I are celebrating.”
A knowing smile crossed his face. “Of course. Forgive an old man’s inability to let business rest.”
“Your dedication is appreciated. Always.” I gripped his shoulder. “But even you should enjoy the evening. Dance with Lady Aragorn. Scandalize the younger nobles.”
He chuckled. “Perhaps I will. Goodnight, Your Majesties.”
We made our escape, climbing the stairs to our chambers. Quandary flew ahead, and I could swear I heard him singing.
Cyrene laughed. “Quandary is very pleased with how the evening turned out.”
“As we all are.”
Inside our chambers, I closed the door and pulled Cyrene into my arms. She was gorgeous in her gown, but I was desperate to see her without it.
I worked the intricate fastenings loose, my fingers brushing her warm skin. She shivered at each touch, her magic sparking in response to mine.
“Kieran,” she breathed.
“Yes, my love?”
“Stop teasing.”
“I’m not. These laces are genuinely complicated.” I kissed the nape of her neck. “Though I may be taking my time.”
She turned in my arms, the gown loose enough now that it slipped off one shoulder. “Then let me help you.”
Her fingers found the fastenings of my jacket, releasing them fast. Soon we were both shedding layers, magic crackling between us with each piece of clothing that fell away.
When we finally stood skin to skin, the bond between us flared bright enough to light the room. Gold and midnight blue swirled around us, more vibrant than it had ever been, as if the events of the evening had strengthened our connection.
“Beautiful,” Cyrene whispered, watching the light dance.
“You are.” I tugged her toward the bed.
We fell onto the mattress together, and for the rest of the night, there was no kingdom, no court, no politics. Just us, two souls bound by magic and love, celebrating the future we’d fought so hard to claim.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges.
But tonight, we had each other.