Page 139 of Burning Crowns

‘What about your beloved mermaid?’ needled Wren.

Marino sighed. ‘And how would we be together? Would I live in the sea? Would she live on my boat?’ He looked off, into the middle distance. ‘No, majesties, I fear I must find myself a lady with legs.’

Rose giggled. ‘Marino, I think you should be a tad more specific.’

‘You two can find me someone,’ he said, turning back to them. ‘I trust you both implicitly.’

‘Oh, sure, because we have so much time for matchmaking,’ said Wren, dryly. ‘Just ask Chapman to put it on the schedule.’

‘Don’t listen to her,’ said Rose, patting him on the arm. ‘Ialwayshave time for love. We’ll find the perfect person for you.’

‘Just make sure Lessie likes her.’ Marino glanced around. ‘Where is that troublesome sister of mine anyway?’

‘She’s dancing up a storm over there,’ said Rose, pointing to a circle of witches who were twirling and cartwheeling. Thea was there, too, the old witch dancing just as wildly as the others.

‘Marino, I hope you haven’t come to steal my bride,’ said Shen, joining them by the edge of the lake. He gestured to the sparkling ruby ring on Rose’s finger. ‘I’m afraid she’s already spoken for.’

‘I am well aware,’ said Marino, good-naturedly. ‘That ring is the size of Carrig.’

Rose grinned proudly. It really wasquitea jewel. But nowhere near as treasured as the man who had given it to her.

‘It’s good to see you,’ said Shen, clapping Marino on the back.

‘And you,’ said Marino, returning the gesture. ‘If you ever decide to hang up your crown, there’s a place for you on my ship.’

‘And there’s a place for you in my court, if you decide to trade the sea for sand,’ countered Shen.

Rose cleared her throat. ‘A place inourcourt.’

Shen smiled at her. ‘Yes, my love. Our court.’ Then he took Rose by the hand. ‘I was coming to see if you wanted to dance.’

‘Why don’t we all join Celeste and Thea?’ said Rose, turning to Wren and Marino. ‘Marino, perhaps we might find you a bride this very night.’

‘Well, in that case, lead on,’ he said, falling into step with them.

As they danced by the firelight of the burning tree, Rose looked around at the faces of those she loved most in the world and felt as though her heart would burst with happiness. This past year, she had encountered great darkness, but she had also come to know the true power of love, and she was sure now that whatever obstacles were yet to come, love would see her through.

She dipped her head back to gaze at the stars, whispering a quiet thank you to Eana, the first witch, and to Eana the land that had raised her.

Then she hitched up her skirts and carried on dancing.

Wren

CHAPTER 53

When Wren returned to her bedroom at Anadawn after the celebration at Lake Carranam, she could hardly feel her feet. Her body ached from dancing but her magic was wide awake and buzzing with pride for her kingdom. Her people. Her sister. Tonight had been wonderful, a time to remember those brave souls who had given their lives for Eana and to celebrate the victory they had helped Wren and Rose achieve. The darkness was at last behind them. Now was a time of peace, and hope for the future.

A future that Wren finally felt truly ready for. As herself. As queen of Eana.

And yet despite the night’s merriment, a part of Wren couldn’t help but feel sad.

She missed Tor. The Gevran army had set sail not long after the battle, returning to their country with their soldiers and their dead. Though Alarik had officially dismissed Tor from his post during their time in the Mishnick Mountains, the king and his captain had come together in the end, uniting in friendship and victory. Much to Wren’s disappointment, Tor had decided to return to Gevra with his army so he could sail on to Carrig to visit his family and help repair the damage Oonagh had done to his beloved island.

Wren understood why he had to go but it didn’t make parting from him any easier. Although a month had passed since she last saw him, she still felt the same ache in her heart and resented the icy sea that stretched between them.

Tor had promised Wren he would write to her once his feet touched Gevran soil, and he had kept that promise, sending several missives in the weeks since. Wren had worked up the courage to invite him to the celebrations at Lake Carranam, but she never received a reply, and despite her hopes, Tor hadn’t appeared. In fact, she hadn’t heard from the Gevran soldier in over a week, and the silence was starting to unnerve her.

She tried not to dwell on it as she kicked off her heels and collapsed on her bed. She was still wearing her magnificent gown, a cinched dress of midnight blue and delicate silver filigree that cascaded into a full layered skirt. She was about to call for a maidservant to help her wriggle out of it when there came a tap at the window.

---