Page 95 of Bride By Coronation

He tugs me closer, continuing to look at me with concern.

I reach for his chest, putting my hand over the face of the snake. I comment, "Your heart's racing. Maybe you should breathe."

He freezes and then a grin blooms on his lips. A chuckle escapes him, and he starts laughing so hard that tears well in his eyes.

It's not that funny, but he seems to think it is. I laugh as well, until I'm crying too.

The gong bangs loudly, interrupting our amusement.

Kirill's face falls.

I question, "What's happening now?"

"Everything will be okay," he assures, and kisses me on the lips. He helps me off his lap and rises, grabbing my hand.

The gong bangs three times. The door unlocks and opens. The knights line up with their swords in the air, touching, creating a path to the exit.

Kirill slides his arm around my waist, protectively leading me past the knights and out of the mirrored room.

Ulrich and Valentina stand next to each other. They both have their masks on, but I know it's her. Another man stands with a long, golden rod. He holds the tip in a fireplace, and it glows. A wooden contraption next to it looks like a medieval torture device.

My gut flips. I grip Kirill's thigh.

He squeezes my waist. "Everything will be fine," he reassures, then leads us until we're standing in front of Ulrich and Valentina.

Ulrich accuses, "She didn't tap out."

The hairs on my arms rise.

"She did. You saw her," Kirill argues.

Ulrich shakes his head. "Not the first time. She didn't tap out, and she was as good as dead. You released her so she could come back to life."

Kirill pushes me behind him, sternly insisting, "She tapped out."

"She didn't the first time," Ulrich retorts.

Valentina interjects, "It doesn't matter. She tapped out."

"Of course it matters," Ulrich argues.

Valentina lifts her chin and squares her shoulders. She turns toward Ulrich, asserting, "She is the second-born. Sean O'Malley Sr. said his second-born has rights to the two attempts clause."

I glance at Kirill, not understanding what she means, but he doesn't take his eyes off Ulrich.

Ulrich narrows his gaze, scowling at Valentina. He rebukes, "The second-born clause is regarding certain ceremonies. Not coronation."

She scoffs. "It is for chivalry ceremonies and rituals. The second-born clause became fair game when you agreed to the Knights of the Round Table ritual."

Ulrich crosses his arms, glaring at her.

Kirill states, "Valentina's correct. It is a chivalry ritual." He nods at her with gratitude.

She smiles and steps to the side, pointing at the man near the fire. "Shall we move on to Closure?"

"Yes. We shall," Kirill answers, moving me toward the fire and wooden contraption.

My anxiety creeps up. "Kirill?—"

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