Page 102 of Born of Blood and Ash

But, I couldn’t do it like this. I twisted to Ash, and hiseyes immediately met mine. “I don’t want to do this while sitting on a throne,”I whispered.

“We don’t have to,” he answered, a faint curve in his lipsappearing. “How do you want to do this?”

“I…I want to be closer to them.”

“Then that is what we shall do,” he replied.

“Okay.” I glanced back at the crowd and rose on slightlytrembling legs. I stepped down from the throne, mindful of Nektas’stail, and waited for Ash to join me.

Holding my gaze, he offered me his hand once more. Together,we crossed the dais.

“Sorry,” I murmured to Rhain as we passed him. He watched inconfusion as we stopped closer to the edge of the dais. The people belowcrowded forward. As I looked out over the gathering, I didn’t take a breath, Ididn’t think. I just spoke.

“I’m sure many of you are wondering what we’re doing rightnow,” I said.

“I know I am,” Bele muttered under her breath.

I pretended I didn’t hear her as I continued. “I didn’t feelcomfortable sitting all the way back there and having to yell for any of you tohear me.”

There was a wave of scattered chuckles, and I saw severalquick grins and amused looks being exchanged. “Anyway,”—I cleared my throat—“wewanted to thank you all for coming together on such short notice,” I said,ignoring the slight quiver in my voice. “I’m sure my Ascension has come as asurprise to many of you—or actually, all of you.” My cheeks flushed, but Ipushed on. “And many of you are uncertain of what is to come. We called you allhere today to assuage those concerns.”

I glanced at Ash, and he nodded for me to continue. “First,we wanted to say that we know the risks many of you took to travel to Lethe,and we are…inspired by that.” My gaze flickered over the crowd, and my throatthickened with emotion that even caught me off guard. “And we arehumbled. Truly. All of you are welcome here and are under our protection, asare all those who call Lethe their home. We are working on ensuring that eachof you will have shelter and food.”

“Land has already been set aside, and fields are beingplowed to plant crops while additional housing is built,” Ash continued, hisvoice far steadier than mine as he surveyed the crowd. “When winter comes, itmay be a hard one.”

“But there will be a winter thanks to our Queen!” a godshouted from somewhere in the gathering. Laughs and cheers of agreementtraveled through the crowd. “And that is something to celebrate.”

Ash nodded. “That, it is.” He turned his head to me. “And wehave Seraphena to thank for that.”

Joyous shouts rose, sweeping over the coliseum and drawing afaint smile from Ash.

I lifted a hand, and they quieted so quickly I was a littletaken aback. “It is not just I who is to thank for that. It is also Nyktos.”

There were more exclamations, and they came in a great roarthat brought a smile to my lips.

“I would not be here if not for him,” I continued. “OurKing.”

It seemed like the entire crowd froze. If I had Ash’sability, I’d likely be drowning in shock.

“The realms will no longer be ruled by only the true Primalof Life,” I announced. “That has ended. The realms shall thrive under the jointrule of a King and Queen.”

“That will not be the only change. Iliseeumand the mortal realm will no longer suffer under tyrannical rule or cruelindifference,” Ash said, his voice carrying. Ash wasn’t threatening per se, buthe was sending a message. “We will see Iliseeumas it once was under my father’s rule. But better, where one can move amongCourts without fear of punishment or leaving family and loved ones behind.”

“We will have a future where mortals do not tremblein fear upon sight of us.” I lifted my chin. “Or are treated as little morethan sources of entertainment.”

“These changes will not come easily. There will beresistance. Blood will be shed,” Ash told them. “But we promise we will notgive up until that future becomes the present.”

Then Ash lifted our joined hands, the swirl of the goldenimprint on the top of his left glittering in the sunlight.

A frenzy of cheers erupted across the coliseum floor,causing Nektas to lift his head. Their feet came downhard, thudding on the stone, matching the tempo of my heartbeat. My gaze flewto Ash’s.

“I think they approve,” he said as those in the crowd wavedtheir arms in wild excitement. Voices clamored in unison, chanting…mayeeh Liessa.

Our Queen.

And shouting mayeeh Liessar.

Our King.

---