Page 79 of Finding Closure

Lucca moved closer and kissed my cheek. “What else do you want snuck to you, cream puff?”

“Those fruit tarts. Seriously. I’m addicted. And I told Iolas that I want to do this once a month. I feel so much better.”

“Good, you need to start thinking of how to be better to yourself.” He moved me to sit on his lap, not in a sexual way but for comfort and snuggles. “Can we join?”

“Yes, I think we need it.” I moved his arms around me. “But maybe one morning a month just for me. I think we all need those times too. Or one weekend a quarter for all of us but one morning a month just for me to decompress, but you guys can have that too?”

“I like it,” he agreed, hugging me. “I have trouble being by myself sometimes and just being quiet. My bear wants to come out then and move—be entertained. I know Hudson has thesame problem sometimes too. It’s hard for us to just be, but I feel like I can in whatever is in this bath.”

I nodded, completely understanding. Not because I had another side to me, but there was just always so much to do.

We all needed to turn off more.

But I did warn them all that I didn’t want sex when I was supposed to be in seclusion and communing with the gods. Snuggles and cuddles were fine, but being naughty while I was supposed to be cleansing and pure seemed wrong.

I was glad they agreed.

My dad was waiting for me next and rolled his eyes at me like there was no way I should have expected him to behave. He told me all about how he’d interrupted my mom as well and kept sneaking her food.

He studied me a bit and laughed. “You’re not as hungry as she was and you’re more powerful. I know they’re feeding you more but what was on the menu isn’t enough. You’ve had other visitors.”

“My lips are sealed,” I sang as I accepted the burritos from the food truck we loved.

“Iolas for sure. He did the same for your mother and didn’t think I knew. Morgan will come.” He nodded when I couldn’t hide my shock. Morgan was such a rule follower. “He’s a worry wart. You don’t think he’d check with his own eyes that you’re being treated well and everything is okay?”

Yeah, that was more than fair.

Which is why it was hysterical when Taeral and Morgan were waiting for me at the next temple. Morgan couldn’t hide his shock, but Taeral was in the dark… Because Morgan was more powerful.

“I cloaked you both, so you can take yours off,” I told them, Taeral confused until he took it off and jumped at seeing Morgan. “And no, you aren’t the only ones. I’ve actually not beenalone yet.” I didn’t want to linger on that and instead asked about how it went when they snuck food to my mom or Elora.

Each time I moved temples, I was greeted with someone sneaking me food. One time, I was actually alone to pray. Seriously these people were too adorable. It was relaxing and great though. Dad came after dinner and we talked all night, both nights. I would have preferred that instead of sleep.

“You are going to be the most wonderful queen in the history of any world, Daughter. I couldn’t be prouder, and your mother is too. I know it.”

I thanked him and must have fallen asleep for a little bit because I woke with the sun and he was gone. I scrubbed my hands over my face and let out a slow breath.

It was finally here. It was finally time to become queen.

Maybe after I threw up from nerves.

A few times.

After that, I went through the routine I’d studied. I took yet another bath and prayed before doing my hair. I had a simple breakfast before getting dressed. The dress and layers were perfect, exactly what we’d discussed for the coronation to unite the realms.

It did feel a bit weird to be barefoot when wearing a fancy dress, but… We were a people of nature, so I understood it too.

Talila and Shael were waiting to escort me with dozens of female Guardians. I nodded to them and was glad when they both quietly confirmed I looked fine and was ready. Shael opened the portal and brought us to the temple. I let out a slow breath and someone must have given the signal because I heard the Royal Performers start singing inside.

I nodded I was ready and we headed inside. The cape over my dress was ridiculous and seriously like twenty feet long. If someone wanted to take me out… Okay, not the day to make jokes like that.

But seriously, it was so extra.

My dad was waiting at the front looking more dashing than I’d ever seen him. He was all dolled up in his royal everything, from the sash to—it was blinding. His hair was even perfectly styled instead of the normal wild and natural look.

I committed every inch of him to my memory. I never wanted to forget seeing him like this, and I knew I was going to paint it as soon as I could.

“Don’t cry, Daughter,” he whispered when I reached him, his voice confused. He leaned down and kissed my forehead. “You’re ready.”

---