Page 48 of Foretold

They are filled with fear and sorrow.

And knowing.

The sorrow is for me, but why is she scared?

And how the fuck does she know that? I share a look with Soren, who nods and zips out without me having to say a word to him while Elios steps forward, sending fireballs at five vampires who try to attack us.

They are fast, I’ll give them that.

But not fast enough.

The king can’t be dead.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Astrid

“Long live King Rave, ruler of the Fae Kingdom.”

I watch as everyone lowers to one knee before Rave.Am I meant to bow?I don’t know, but I don’t. Instead, I’m seated on the arm of his Shadow Throne, his arm around my waist, fingers splayed possessively. The once Earthen Throne has changed to adapt to its new king, decorated in gold, bone, and black diamonds. It’s as menacing as the new king himself.Where did the previous queen sit,I wonder? Because there is only one throne here in this large, opulent room. Just the huge gold and crystal chandelier hanging above our heads probably costs more than I would have ever seen in my lifetime.

I awkwardly try to shift my position, aware all eyes are on me, but Rave doesn’t let me move an inch, his grip tightening.

His father is dead.

I saw it in a quick vision, and I blurted it out in front of not just Rave but Soren and Elios. And now Rave is going to want to know how the fuck I knew that before anyone else.

Change is coming.

Laurel was right.

My heart begins to pound in my ears.

King Tane is dead, and for what?

And what happens to the Vampire Queen he’s been hiding away now?

Does Rave even know where she is?

Rave is now the King of the Fae Kingdom, the King of Aravelle. Will this war with the vampires end with Rave’s father’s death? Or is it only going to get worse now?

Soren places a thick gold crown on his head, which looksheavy enough to cause him neck pain. The largest diamond sits in the center of it, and it’s stunning, nestled into his thick, dark hair.

His father’s crown, now his.

Another crown is handed to him—a feminine, almost delicate crown, the gold twisted and intricately twined, diamonds making it sparkle.

I stand as Rave moves to do the same and stare up at him as he faces me. His icy-blue eyes shine with emotion, pride flashing in them as he stares down at me. He always knew he’d be king one day. He’s prepared for it his whole life, but I don’t think he thought it would be this soon.

And me?I never in my wildest dreams would have thought this moment possible.

“Long live Queen Astrid, Ruler of the Fae Kingdom,” he calls out in his deep, husky voice, placing the crown on my head.

Everyone repeats his words, still lowered on their knee.

But now, to me.

Does he think I’ll make a good queen? Does he want me to rule equally alongside him? So many things we’ve never discussed.

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