Page 43 of Calling of the Crown

“Thanks, Angus,” Rune responded just as blankly. “That’s really helpful.”

Rune, Jesiah, Dallas, Rance, Angus, and I were all in the room off the balcony that overlooked the ballroom in the palace where the event was taking place. A slew of voices and chatter filled the room below, which let me know Angus was right. Plenty of Fae gathered there.

Dallas, Rance, and Angus were all in their official guards and military uniforms, and Jesiah sported the silver, blue, and white garb of the Water Fae officials. Instead of wearing the same thing as Jesiah today, Rune wore a deep royal blue and black tunic with black slacks, the color combination worn by royals in the Water Fae Kingdom.

I, myself, wore a royal blue gown that hung off both shoulders with slitted sleeves. The bodice hugged my curves and flared out at the waist with an extra-long train. My dress and Rune’s clothes had been made in a rush by the royal tailor, who’d arrived in an early group of Fae. Khalani had gotten the job as my lady’s maid, which I’d been super excited about, and she’d braided and twisted my hair into an intricate updo before adorning me with my tiara.

“Public speaking is part of being Queen,” Angus said to me.

“I know,” I huffed. “I’m prepared, really. Just nervous.”

“That’s normal,” Dallas encouraged, giving me a reassuring smile.

“Exactly,” Rance said. “I’d shit myself from the nerves if I had to do what you’re about to.”

Dallas smacked him on the chest and hissed, “I don’t think that’s encouraging.”

Rune sighed as he threw an exasperated look in Rance’s direction, and his black-and-white fox ears pinned back in agitation. He passed his gaze over everyone gathered and asked, “Could you guys give Bria and me a moment?”

Everyone stepped back out into the hall, giving us privacy.

Rune grabbed my hands and rubbed soothing circles into my skin. “What’s going through that beautiful head right now?”

“Too much for me to even sort through. What if Water Fae don’t see the value in ending the war and creating peace?”

“There will be some who feel that way. Just like there will be Land Fae who feel that way. But there will also be those who want and support your goal. You’ve already seen that.”

I knew Rune was right. We’d already had countless Fae welcome Rune and the other Land Fae here with open arms as they got to know them. Still, there were those who remained hostile and avoided Land Fae at all costs as they traveled Morardia. I didn’t blame them for feeling that way given the history between our kinds, but it did little to calm my nerves as I prepared to face them all and declare our fight with Land Fae over.

That announcement in and of itself was a cause for concern, because while Water Fae were mostly open to Rune and the others here, that didn’t mean they would be open to the idea of peace with all Land Fae. There were just so many unknowns and possible outcomes for how today could play out. Trying to mentally prepare for each one was impossible.

Swallowing hard, I met Rune’s honey eyes. “Sometimes I wish my mom and dad were here. I could ask them how they remain calm during speeches or the best way to break this kind of news.”

Rune gave me a faint smile. “I think they’d tell you to trust yourself. Trust that you’re doing the right thing.”

A burn filled the back of my throat as emotion bubbled up. “I hope I make them proud.”

Rune wrapped me in his arms and drew me in for a tight embrace. I clung to him like he was my life preserver in turbulent waters. His strength became my strength, and his belief in me became my motivation. Each and every time I stumbled, he was there to help me back to my feet, and I aimed to do the same for him.

Taking a deep breath, I pulled back and squared my shoulders. My nerves were still alive in my gut, but resolve resided there, too. I was determined to show Water Fae that I was ready to lead them and create a world far better than the one we lived in now. All they had to do was take my hand and trust me.

“I’m ready,” I said with a firm nod.

Rune got everyone from the hall, and after going over everyone’s positions once more—Jesiah and Angus posted at each back corner of the balcony, Dallas behind me on my right, Rune next to me on my left with Rance behind him on his left—the doors opened. Bright light spilled into the shadow of the waiting room, and the chatter from below the balcony suddenly morphed into vibrant cheers and whistles.

Plastering on a smile, I stepped out into the light and approached the banister of the balcony, waving at the sea of faces below. I waited as the cheers slowly died down until the crowd quieted.

“Good morning, everyone,” I started, taking care to speak loudly and clearly. “Welcome back home. I am Princess Bria Damaris, daughter to King Khal Damaris and Queen Alesta Damaris. I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for answering my call to return home. It’s a home I’m sure many have missed. A home I want to see succeed and thrive. It is my goal to rebuild our Kingdom, both internally and externally.

“Before I say too much on that matter, I’d first like to invite all of you to join me and my fiancé,” I gestured to the Fox Fae beside me, “Rune Beckett, as we celebrate being back home. During today’s gathering, I urge you to spend time with one another, as well as making a point to see me. I truly want to hear any wishes, concerns, or comments that you may have as we all navigate being back here. Please help yourselves to the prepared refreshments as Rune and I join you below momentarily.”

The room erupted in applause and cheers again as Rune offered me his clawed hand. The two of us swept back into the waiting room with Dallas, Rance, Jesiah, and Angus following us. As soon as the doors shut behind us, my shoulders slacked, and I released a shaky breath.

“How’d I do?” I asked Jesiah, wringing my clammy hands.

Jesiah flashed me a proud smile and placed a hand on my shoulder. “You did well. It was a good initial introduction. Now get down there and show them who you are, who Rune is, and why they should trust you. They’ll need that for when you make your final speech at the end of the celebration.”

“Especially if any Water Fae recognize Rune from battle,” Angus added warily, looking at Rune sideways.

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