Page 59 of A Crown of Fates

Jerome hesitates, his loyalty evident. “Sire, I don’t mind?—”

Theo shakes his head, silencing him. “You’ve done more than enough for both of us and for Selaris. That’s an order, Jerome.”

Finally, he bows deeply. “Yes, my king. Princess Estee.” He turns on his heel and walks away, his steps measured but heavy with fatigue.

Once the advisor goes around the corner, Theo turns to me. “Thank you for seeing the things I don’t. I should’ve sent him home long before now.”

“We’re more than just mates,” I tell him with a smile. “We’re partners who are going to balance each other out for many years to come.”

He kisses my forehead. “Yes, we most certainly are. Now let’s greet our guest.”

Theo opens the door to his office, and we enter together. I’ve yet to meet Queen Sloane, and when I find her lounging in Theo’s chair as if it were carved just for her, I’m not the least bit disappointed by her commanding presence.

She exudes authority without effort, and her icy blue eyes are razor-sharp as they assess us. The faintest curve of her lips could almost be called a smile, but there’s a sharpness to her expression, a silent challenge that accompanies her grace.

“King Theo. Princess Estee,” she says, her voice smooth as velvet, carrying an undertone of strength. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you both.”

As she rises, her movements are deliberate and fluid, like a predator surveying its domain. Her ebony hair cascades past her shoulders, glinting under the light. Atop her head rests a silver crown, its intricate twists forming seven distinct points that glimmer without the aid of jewels. Her gown, a deep purple masterpiece of silk, clings to her nearly-six-foot frame, accentuating her regal presence.

I accept her outstretched hand, the warmth of her palm contrasting the coolness of her gaze. “The pleasure is ours. Thank you for coming all this way.”

Her eyes flicker to Theo, narrowing slightly. “When Jerome reached out, relaying King Asher’s suggestion that our two kingdoms collaborate, I found myself intrigued. Especially when so few details were offered.”

“Allow us to fill you in.” Theo gestures to the four chairs still in his office.

I nearly expect Queen Sloane to take the bigger of the options, but she shows her respect by selecting the smaller one.

We settle in across from her, still holding hands, remaining a united front as he speaks, recounting his history with Orix, hopefully for the last time.

Queen Sloane gives nothing away as she listens, and when he’s finished, she stands as if to leave, keeping her hands poised in front of her and face devoid of emotion. “The gods are fickle beings. Even trusting Aurora is a calculated risk, one I wouldn’t take lightly.” Her lips flatten. “For centuries, our kingdoms have fought separately for survival.” She pauses, her gaze meeting mine and Theo’s as we wait for her rejection. “I think it’s time that changed.”

Relief floods my chest, though I keep my emotions in check. Not that I believe weneedher help to end this nightmare, but with everything Theo’s just shared, I wouldn’t have felt good about her walking away with that new information either.

“This god that’s tied to you. Orix,” she continues, remaining standing. “He was banished from the god world, made to feel less than for who knows how long, and it seems he now seeks not only retribution but acknowledgement of his power, yes?”

“He’s mentioned wanting to rule all of Lunara,” Theo confirms. “So, yes, I’d agree with that.”

“Then deny him the very thing he craves,” she says as if that will be the easiest thing to do. “Show him that what he’s done has no effect on you any longer. That you’re living your best life, thriving regardless of what’s been done. You need some sortof grand gesture, a celebration of what’s to come. Maybe the crowning of the new queen would be sufficient.”

“What about a grand ball?” I suggest as an idea begins to form. “Not that my crowning shouldn’t be celebrated, but if we put on an event to commemorate defeating Orix, I bet that would more than ruffle him.”

The visiting queen offers us a wicked grin as she points at me. “Now that is an excellent idea. There’s still a battle to be won, but your escape from the shadow realm is a victory to be thrown in his face. Lure him back here, where he relies on the energy of others to be strong, and take back what’s yours.”

Theo remains quiet a beat longer before he nods in agreement. “The last time I addressed some of the pack, I’d mentioned a ball to welcome Estee as future queen. We can use that, combined with her safe and triumphant return, to invite the pack into the castle for a celebration, but their safety needs to come above all else. We can’t put them at risk.”

Sloane takes her seat again, still grinning. “I’ve been fighting men like him for over two hundred years. His eyes will be on the prize of power. Your pack, even present in the same room, will be of no consequence to a monster like Orix, as long as they’re not attempting to be a threat. Command them to stand down, and they’ll be safe.”

She talks as if she’s spent a lifetime not only ruling as queen but as a warrior. Suddenly, I find myself especially eager to get to know her.

I have a feeling I can learn more than strategy from her.

Our timewith Queen Sloane proves more productive than I anticipated. Discussions flow easily—strategies, contingencies,and ways to ensure the pack’s safety take precedence. Sloane speaks with an authority that demands attention, yet there’s a genuine concern in her words, especially when the topic shifts to the people of Selaris. By the time we’ve finalized our initial plans, I’m struck by her ability to command and inspire.

Theo and I escort her to the guest wing, where she’ll be staying during her visit. I can’t help but admire how he guides her through the halls, his movements purposeful yet respectful. When we reach her quarters, I realize my old room—apparently, the second-best in the castle—will serve as her temporary accommodations. All my belongings have already been moved, so we leave Queen Sloane to rest after her long journey and head back to our room.

As much as I’d like to seclude myself with Theo, I have to make a phone call that’s long overdue.

He kisses my forehead as I sit near the phone. “I’ll be in the next room, dealing with a few other matters I’ve ignored of late.”

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