Page 92 of The Blood Crown

Would the others?

It was the quiet fear that Ven rarely spoke aloud, even to her.

One of the Wraiths at the front of the crowd stepped forward, his mouth a solemn line as he dropped to a knee, slowly pounding a fist against his chest—the only sound in the otherwise silent hall. Until the female next to him added hers to the beating rhythm.

Valea stood apart from the others, a flash of silver stark against the black, but even his half-sister bent her knee.

And one by one—every dark head bowed.

A low, steady beat of pounding fists rumbled across the floor.

And as a single tear rolled down Ven’s cheek, he made no move to wipe it away as he looked out at them.

His people.

Nira came forward, bringing with her the delicate crown matching the one already gracing Ven's head.

Aurelia dropped to a knee, her dress puddling at her feet as she lowered her eyes before her king.

The crown glittered darkly as Ven lifted the circlet of iron and placed it on her head. Heavier than she'd expected.

A moment later, Ven’s fingertips were beneath her chin, lifting her face to meet his eyes.

“You bow for no one,” he murmured.

Chapter 47

The great hall was awash in torchlight, the smell of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filling the air. Laughter and lively chatter floated through the open doors, the festivities already under way. Ven stood beside Aurelia, resplendent in his tailored jacket, setting off the strands of his dark hair, the bronze flecks in his eyes as they raked over her.

Offering his arm, his deep voice rumbled, “Shall we, Love?”

Karro gave a low whistle from behind them, earning him an elbow to the ribs from Seth and a chiding noise from Embra.

Aurelia couldn’t help the smile that lifted her lips.

Cheers rang out through the hall as they entered, and Ven smiled down at her through the deafening roar, the set of his shoulders noticeably relaxed.

The Wraiths and the other Blood Folk were in their finery tonight, the most formal she’d witnessed any of them—but this was an occasion to celebrate. The reverent, somber tone from before had dissolved, food and drink in generous supply; pitchers of golden ale and decanters of Red. The sound of strings filled the air, a slow, lilting melody winding through the hall . . .

Aurelia glanced up at Ven as he grasped her fingertips between his, brushing a kiss across her hand. “It’s been too long since music filled Ravenstone’s halls," he murmured, "too long since there has been dancing."

The words brought her back to the glittering ballroom in the Triarchy's palace. When he'd asked her if she missed the pomp, the grandeur of her old life. That echoing conversation had new meaning now as she turned over the memory. He'd been so desperate to make her feel comfortable here—to help her build a new life in this place.

And now, there was no question in her mind that Ravenstone was her home.

Ven's movements were just as graceful as she remembered as he bowed. “A dance, My Queen?” The words sparked a fire low in her belly as his eyes lifted to hers once more, gleaming with . . . happiness.

Unrestrained, unfettered happiness.

And a wave of gratitude swelled in her chest as she reached up, brushing a lock of his black hair away from his face before he whisked her into the empty space at the center of the hall.

It wasn't long before a handful of others joined them, the music picking up. And soon she was dizzy with the tempo, soaring with the sound of the strings as they floated along the high ceiling.

Ven passed her off to Karro, the Wraith twirling her with abandon as she let laughter pour from her mouth, reckless with her joy. He proved to be a talented dancer, gracefully leading her in their steps. And it could have been hours or minutes when Ven finally returned, clasping her hand.

"I think you've had my claimed for long enough," he said to his brother.

Karro offered a gracious dip of his chin, leaving them to each other once more.

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