Page 87 of Bride By Coronation

Ulrich asks, "You have a request, Your Majesty?"

I stand taller and point to Sean and Zara. "They must leave."

Ulrich replies, "Omni always have privileges to stay."

"Her brother will not be here to witness this."

Ulrich narrows his eyes. "It is not customary for Omni to step away from ceremonies, especially coronations."

I focus on Sean. "You must go."

He nods. "I agree."

Fiona digs her fingers into my thigh.

I look down, stating, "You will not want your brother here."

She glances at Sean, then the room.

I lean down and murmur into her ear, "You must trust me. If he stays, you will always hate that he did."

She swallows hard and nods. "Okay."

I point at the couple and order, "As king of The Underworld, I exercise my right to ostracize them. During the rest of the coronation, they will not be present. I will lift the order after closure and only after Her Majesty has accepted her royal robe."

Ulrich insists, "Zara stays."

I shake my head. "No. They are married. They both go."

"It is not customary—" Ulrich blusters, but I cut him off.

"Her father would not have wanted either of them here." I scowl at him.

Ulrich stays quiet.

I turn to the crowd, roaring, "By order of ostracization, Zara and Sean O'Malley may not participate in consummation or closure rituals. Any further discussion will result in a sacrifice by flames."

The crowd gasps.

Ulrich shuts his mouth, not happy, but drops his argument. One more word about this topic, and I'll hang him by his feet and light a fire under his face until he's nothing but a singed corpse.

I point to Zara and Sean. "You are banished to my royal quarters." I nod to security.

He steps in front of them and points toward the door. "Right this way."

They both toss Fiona another guilty look and then disappear through the crowd.

A bang sounds in the background, so loud that my wife jumps.

I secure my hold around her waist and inform her, "It's just the gong."

She releases an anxious breath.

I move her toward the room.

Ulrich roars, "You forgot to shed."

I stop, my heart pounding harder.

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