Page 102 of Blooms of Darkness

I nodded and let him proceed, taking a drink of water myself, just for something to do with my hands, before placing them on the table.

“I know I may have been inexperienced before, and perhaps I was young and naïve, but I have grown over these last few years. I know you have, too. If I were given the honor of your companionship, I would make every minute count.”

He reached for my hand, bringing it to his lips, and kissed it softly.

I had never had anyone speak to me the way Hale had. I should have been flattered by someone regarding me so highly and wanting to be with me so much. Even with the warm, and generous words, something didn’t feel right, which would make it hard to choose Hale for myself.

“I’m not expecting you to feel the same way or answer me with any sort of returned affection. I merely wanted to ensure you knew, should I win the trials and be a contender for you to select, I would honor you. I would honor the role of your husband, just as much as I would honor the role of being the king.”

It was a beautiful sentiment, and I stood to give Hale a hug. I looked back on the evenings we’d spent together with fondness.He had gotten me through so many nights of drudgery and boring Court gatherings in the same exact way he claimed I had for him. I owed the man before me for maintaining my sanity during those times.

“Thank you, Hale. I appreciate it more than you know,” I whispered in his ear before letting go. “You have to know you made it easy to be your friend. Regardless of what happens in the trials, I’d be honored if I could continue to call you my friend.”

He nodded. “Always, Princess.”

We finished our lunch, reminiscing a few more times, and then Hale filled me in on some of the latest gossip I’d missed regarding recent engagements.

Our laughter continued until Ruppert poked his head through the doors. “Your Highness, it’s almost time to return to the palace.”

After thanking Millie, and Hale again, I linked my arm through his, walking Ellevail’s streets side by side.

The closer the palace came into view, though, the heavier my heart grew.

There was one day left before the final trials. The decision to select a husband and future king crept closer, and a final choice would have to be made.

Through it all, one man kept entering my mind. Not Hale, who I knew I wouldn’t find love with, but would have a loyal companion.

Not Ian, who would die for me, and who I’d do the same.

It was Kade.

Kade who invaded my thoughts in a way that terrified me. I knew nothing of him, and yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling he had become the front-runner, and I hadn’t even noticed it happening.

Chapter 29

The explosion ricocheted into the night, echoed with “oohs” and “ahhs” from nearly the entire city of Ellevail as it burst open in the sky, revealing the purple and gold colors of the kingdom.

The fireworks went off for hours during the festival. The colorful display served as one of the many attractions bringing Fae from all over Brookmere into Ellevail for the celebration. Although we weren’t the only city celebrating the Festival of Blessings, ours certainly boasted the largest event.

My skin warmed as I moved closer to one of the many bonfires, waiting for our King to officially begin the celebration, since the first firework had been spent. The clear crystals woven into the bodice of my silver taffeta gown, sparkled with the colors illuminating the sky. A large diamond necklace hung around my neck, making my entire ensemble glisten with my every move.

“My people,” he said, his voice gravelly but amplified enough for all to hear. “Tonight, we welcome you to the annual Festival of Blessings, for tomorrow, the growing season shall begin.”

A roar sounded in the sky, as everyone clapped and cheered. “As we do each year, we take tonight to revel in all nature hasgranted us. Brookmere is what we are because of the first queen, Queen Evelyn Everhart.

“Queen Evelyn rose to her power, growing in might, and though she married, the king at her side abandoned her when war arrived, his name unworthy of being recorded in our history. She bore the weight of Brookmere alone, surviving wars, and heralding in the centuries of peace we have long enjoyed through her sacrifice, and her bravery.”

Cheers rang out in the streets again at the mention of the beloved queen’s dedication.

“Tonight, we offer our sacrifice to nature, so it continues to find us as worthy as Queen Evelyn.” He brought out a small amethyst-encrusted ceremonial dagger, slicing his hand and dripping his blood into the fire as our custom required. My mother followed.

Then, she handed the dagger to me. I took it, slicing a small cut along my palm, too afraid to do anything more with Elisabeth gone should anyone see my unhealed hand. A single drop of blood fell into the fire. It sparked, soaring higher.

My eyes widened in surprise, as I looked up and into the crowd. Storm stood a few rows back and winked, before disappearing with a grin behind the heightened blaze.

“Our sacrifice is accepted as worthy.” My father beamed at me.

I returned the loving expression, listening to him continue. “We honor nature’s blessings.” He bowed his head, silence rippling through the crowd for a moment. “Now, let us enjoy each other, our friendships, our love, nature, and the magical Festival of Blessings. May nature guide you!”

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