Page 114 of Fated

“Something like that,” he replied with a faint smile.

I nodded, the reality of what was about to happen settling in.

“You don’t have to worry about speaking,” he reassured me. “I just need you by my side.” He leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to my lips.

“Together,” he whispered.

“Together,” I echoed back, and the world felt a little less overwhelming at his side.

Chapter 28

Ididn’t remember the walk to the entrance of the grand balcony overlooking the castle grounds, but suddenly, we were there, standing just out of sight of the crowd gathered below.

The air buzzed with anticipation, and I could hear the murmurs of the people outside.

Nadia stood off to the side, regal and composed while Xanth took his place in the center, ready to address the kingdom. Ash kept his hand firmly in mine, yet I was sure he would let go before we stepped in front of everyone. I forced a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of anxiety brewing inside me. Any moment now, it would be revealed—Iwould be revealed—the princess of the kingdom that had been part of so much pain, of so many broken lives.

Xanth’s voice suddenly echoed from outside the doors.

I began to tremble lightly as the reality of the moment sank in. The broadcast had started.

“Don’t be afraid,Areya. I promise everything will be ok.”

Ash’s voice soothed me in my mind, and I squeezed his hand in return, leaning one last time into the magic that pulled me toward him.

“Good people of Ambrosia, we gather this evening to address a matter weighing on all of us—the cursed kingdom. We remember that dark day sixteen years ago, when King Sebastian ordered the wards raised around our kingdom, shielding us from an unimaginable threat. For all these years, we have lived without knowledge of what transpired in the world beyondour borders. Today, we bring news of a recent, extraordinary development.”

A wave of gasps rippled through the crowd below, spreading like wildfire as Xanth continued. “King Sebastian had always made it a priority to keep his people informed with the truth, and tonight, that is no different as the palace shares this recent news.” Xanth stepped back to stand beside his mother, a murmur of confusion rising from the crowd.

“Are you ready?”Ash’s voice echoed in my mind.

I felt anything but ready, but smiled weakly and squeezed his hand one last time.

Except—Ash didn’t let go. Instead, he squeezed my hand back, and we walked out onto the balcony together, still hand in hand.

The crowd’s reaction was immediate, sounds of shock and disbelief filling the air.

Thousands of eyes were upon us, but then one by one, heads began to bow in reverence. Silence slowly spread over the crowd as the people of Ambrosia lowered their gazes, paying their respects to their king. My chest swelled with a mix of astonishment and awe.

Thousands of people were bowing to Ash—myAsh.

“My people,” Ash’s voice boomed, full of authority and strength.

It thundered across the grounds and ricocheted around the courtyards, as if being carried by the air. I glanced at him, yet I didn’t see a microphone.

“I am so sorry it took me so long to return to you.”

A very real sadness was laced in his words, the weight of all the years he had been lost. My heart ached for him, and I gave his hand a soft reassuring squeeze, letting him know I was here.

“I know many of you have suffered greatly these past sixteen years, being separated from your loved ones with no knowledge of what has become of them. If there had been any other way to keep you safe, other than sealing you inside, I would have done it.”

Ash sucked in a deep breath before continuing, “I am heartbroken tonight to inform you there are no human survivors in Astern.”

Shocked, broken cries rose from below, splintering my heart.

Ash waited, letting the sorrow settle before speaking again. “The palace will be working on organizing an event to honor the wonderful humans our world has lost, and we will provide funding to offer emotional support to those who seek it.” He paused, gathering himself.

“The truth is that I was cursed like the rest of the Kingdom of Astern. It is with great regret that I share news of King Edwin. He was murdered by his own son.”

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