Page 10 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

He sighs, holding my hands to his chest. “Content. Peaceful.” He tells me, looking into my eyes. “Like everything was falling into place.” I jerk my hands from his grasp, not because I hadn’t wanted him to touch me, but because I was so confused on what he meant.

“What? I am content here. In my home. In Zorya. This is my life. This is my home.” I say softly, knowing I’m trying to convince him as much as convince myself. And it works just as well for him as it does me.

“Whatever you say, princess. You asked, I answered.”

“Well, you’re wrong. You clearly do not know me as well as you think you do.” I grab my things before leaving. “I am done for the day.”

Heading back to the castle, I sneak in through the kitchen, as always, and make my way through the staff’s tunnels before arriving in my room and taking a hot bath to try and scrub away any negative thoughts of this place.

The warm water soothes my tired muscles and I let out a deep sigh, sinking deeper into the bathtub. As I close my eyes, images of the upcoming coronation swirl in my mind. The thought of Dryston becoming king sends shivers down my spine, not out of excitement, but out of dread. I can’t shake the feeling that something sinister is lurking beneath the surface of his charming facade.

This place has been my home for as long as I can remember. The Whitewell family raised me, taught me, and groomed me to be their future queen. But as much as I owe them, I can’t help but feel trapped by their expectations and plans for me. Their son, who I am promised to, may be cruel and arrogant, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make for the sake of duty and destiny.

A bird lands on my window sill, jerking me from my thoughts. I look over at the jet black bird, a raven. “Why are you so ominous?” I ask it and the bird looks at me before turning it’s head.

My brows furrow and I rub my eyes before looking again, but it isn’t there. I really need to get more sleep or I am going to lose my mind. I’m already seeing things, apparently.

I had excused Mya for the next few events as well, deciding to change her out but not wanting another maid right now. I’ll choose one when I become queen.

As I got dressed for the King’s coronation, I carefully put on a floor-length blush pink gown, adorn with intricate silver embroidery. My hair was styled in loose curls cascading down my back, and I apply light makeup to enhance my features. The King had always said he loves seeing me in pink, so I made sure it was perfect for this special occasion.

And when it is time, Hadeon knocks on my door, dressed in his military uniform— just as he was yesterday and will be in for our wedding and my coronation. We walk down the halls together as he escorts me to the throne room.

“I didn’t realize you excused Mya from being your maid.” He spoke first, I was still steaming from this morning, unsure as to why though.

“I-” I gasp, grabbing Hadeon and shoving us both into an alcove. The halls are empty, since everyone gets to the throne room early to get good seats. King Eryx had not yet gone, apparently.

“What-” I clamp a hand over his mouth, giving him a look that says ‘shut the fuck up’. His brow raises.

I jerk my thumb over my shoulder in the direction of King Eryx around the corner of the little alcove we’re in and he slowly glances over before lurching himself back inside. His eyes tell me he saw the king and I feel him smirk against me before I remove my hand from his mouth and peak around the stone wall, seeing no one there. I let out a breath of air, allowing my guard and I to continue our walk to the throne room.

“Why are you hiding from his royal highness?” He asks, smug. I want to punch him.

“I do not know what you are talking about. Do not question me, I am a princess.” He laughs out loud, to which I slap him on the chest. By the time we arrive we grow quiet. Making our way to the right. I stand next to Princess Lianna with Hadeon standing behind me next to her guard.

Music starts to play, the doors open, and Dryston walks down the aisle of the throne room; all court members and higher fae constituents stand along the sides like it were a wedding. His mother sits on the Queen’s throne until he arrives at the front. She stands as the archbishop crowns the king, handing him his scepter before he vows his loyalty to the kingdom and declares his oath to protect while doing everything in his power to do what’s best for the country, regardless of personal agendas.

I know he had been waiting for this day for a long time. And I was so proud of him for reaching this goal.

As the ceremony continues, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease wash over me. Dryston looks regal and confident as he accepts his title, but there was something in his eyes that made me shiver. Despite the cheers and applause echoing through the throne room, I can’t shake off the heavy feeling on my heart as I finally see him in a new light.

No, I was obviously just seeing things again. This was good. This is exactly what we’ve waited for our entire lives.

After a long time of preparation and stress, it was finally here. I know how stressed he’s been and I know once the coronation is done the punishments will stop.

At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

His sister grabs my hand but I’m not sure if it’s for me or herself. Either way, I squeeze back.

I look around the room, finding King Eryx near the back as if he slipped in barely on time.

With the crown placed on Dryston’s head. He turns to the archbishop. “I solemnly swear to rule Zorya as it’s king. And as it’s king, my duties are as follows: I will rule as the center of life in Zorya, I will stifle any strife between beings, I shall school those in need of righteousness, I will use my power to cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, and to execute all my judgments.I will uphold all customs and practices of our culture. I will be fair, merciful, and love my people as I hope they love me. The things in which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God Sorin.” He speaks the oath, loud and clear to everyone here.

My eyes water in excitement. “Now ruling: King Dryston Whitewell of Zorya. Long live the king!” The archbishop calls. Everyone in the room, including myself, repeats.

“Long live the king!” Others chant it, continuing for a moment. A smile is resting on his lips and while I think he’d look my way, I watch him find Mya in the crowd. And for some reason, my heart drops to my stomach. Bile threatens to rise in my throat, sweat breaks upon my brow, and the room gets chillier. And I have no idea why.

He rests the scepter down on its rightful pillow before raising his hand to silence the room.

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