Page 52 of The Beauty and His Beast

“You always have been,” Camdyn replied without hesitation, his voice filled with conviction.

Everild’s gaze softened, and he leaned closer, his lips brushing against Camdyn’s forehead. “You’ll stay by my side?”

“Always, Everild,” Camdyn said, his voice steady and full of love.

His husband’s lips pressed gently to his forehead once more, his hands settling around him with warmth. “Then let’s begin,” Everild murmured.

That day, under the eyes of God and their loved ones, Everild would officially be crowned king, and Camdyn, his prince consort.

???

It was a massive procession, even larger than their wedding. It seemed like the entire palace followed behind them as they linked arms and walked through the city to the church. As soon as they crossed the bridge to the Capital proper, the streets became absolutely packed with people, cheering,clapping, and yelling. They lined either side of the street like walls.

Camdyn could feel Everild tense beside him. The sheer mass of observers and the cacophony of noise—it was overwhelming for him, and he could only imagine how it must have been for Everild, who often grew anxious in a room full of strangers and loud sounds, let alone an entire city of them.

But Camdyn tried to reassure himself. If they could make it to the church, there would only be officials, advisors, priests, and some nobles there. It would be quiet and solemn, and Everild would feel more comfortable.

He gently tugged on Everild’s tunic to grab his attention and said, “Everild, when Aldaay and I were traveling, the roads were like this.”

At first, Everild didn’t respond, and Camdyn worried that he hadn’t heard him above the noise of the crowd. But then, Everild finally replied, “Were you okay, Camdyn?”

“It was a little scary,” Camdyn admitted. “There were just so many people everywhere we turned. But they were all so kind. Everyone was so kind to me.”

His husband relaxed bit by bit, his shoulders losing their tension, and his jaw unclenching. “I’m glad. I was worried about you.”

Camdyn smiled and continued, “A woman gave us cheese tarts that she’d baked, and they were so good. Do you remember, at our wedding feast—“

“You ate nearly a whole tray,” Everild murmured, smiling. “I remember that. I remember everything about our wedding.”

Camdyn chuckled. He would chatter all the way to the church if it kept Everild relaxed and happy. “There were some complaints about the food when we were on the road. It waslighter fare than many were used to, I think. But I didn’t mind it. It was sort of like being at the monastery again.”

He paused for a moment, then added, “And did you know that Aldaay is very good at cards? I think he won quite a bit of money from the guard captain.”

“Gambling on the job,” Everild joked. “Remind me to have a talk with him later.”

“Not the guard captain, too?” Camdyn asked, surprised.

“He’s learned his lesson,” Everild replied with a grin. “He won’t play cards with Aldaay again. Not after losing that badly.”

Camdyn laughed, bright and loud, and Everild pressed a quick kiss to his curls. “Thank you, Camdyn,” he said, his voice soft but sincere.

“Whatever for?” Camdyn asked innocently, though his smile revealed that he knew.

Everild just smiled wider, and they continued walking, side by side, through the cheering crowd, feeling the warmth of their connection despite the noise and chaos around them.

???

It was silly to be so nervous. There was nothing either of them had to do, really, but stand together as the priest blessed Everild, kneel to be anointed, and then return to the palace.

But Camdyn still trembled when they reached the church. His knees shook, and his teeth chattered. It was a massive structure—just like everything else in the Capital—all white stone, spires, and arches. Bright but imposing, it shone in the sunlight as it cast its shadow over the people nearby.

Everild was concerned. “What’s wrong? You’re shaking.”

“Oh, Everild,” Camdyn whispered, “I just don’t want to embarrass you.”

It was his husband’s turn to comfort him. Everild gently disentangled from him, lacing their fingers together. He gave Camdyn’s hand a squeeze. “You could never. I love you. I’m so glad you’re by my side today.”

“I love you, too.”

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