Page 73 of The Crown of Nyx

“Loyal subjects of Nyx, I celebrate with you a union that will change the course of this inevitable war.” When the demons and creatures cheered this time, it wasn’t out of happiness. I watched the faces of the ones closest to the front, and where there should have been excitement, there was determination.

“The betrayal of the usurper will not go unnoticed, and this union will strengthen the power of our Queen.”

The demons shouted at that statement, at the promise in his words. All I could do was remind myself to keep my head held high as Damon stepped back, pulling me with him. I spared Elias a glance, who watched us from below, as Damon dragged me towards the throne.

I had to tear my eyes away from Elias’s. Before I could utter a word about having to sit on his lap again, Damon offered me the throne.

I shot him a confused look, but he gave a shallow shake of his head. “MyElysianQueen.” He offered the throne, and for a moment, I hesitated.

My heart raced. I felt that familiar sensation tightening around my lungs.

It felt like the final move.

Accept his throne.

Become Queen.

Not just over Nyx’s domain, but over his, too.

That was a whole lot of pressure. But I had no choice other than to accept it.

I took his throne and looked out over the crowd. As soon as I sat, they flooded the aisle, and it was only by the power of my mates that they didn’t rush towards me. Or maybe it was my own power.

The crown atop my head no longer felt heavy or tight on my head.

Damon’s voice boomed across the throne room. “Bow to your Queen.”

And just like that, one by one, they all fell to their knees with their hands to their chests and bowed their heads to me.

There were festivities to celebrate,but exhaustion weighed heavily in the back of my mind. My mates were probably the only thing keeping me planted on Damon’s throne.

They were by me now, surrounding the ornate throne. And I took a whole lot of comfort in having them near as Damon mingled.

I didn’t blame him or his denizens. This was the first time in over three thousand years that he’d shown his face. So not only had the creatures living in the Underworld gotten a once in a lifetime chance to watchtheir Queen unite with someone in a political marriage, but they’d also gotten to really meet their king.

And he seemed to like it.

Well, ‘like it’ was a simple way of explaining what I saw from Damon. He appeared to be in his element. Which was why it surprised me that he kept himself hidden away like he did.

Maeve rested a cool hand on my shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts. I forced myself to look away from the demon king to meet her eye. Red ringed the blue, but she otherwise seemed in control of her hunger.

“How are you feeling?” she asked quietly. “Do you want anything?”

I shook my head tiredly, staring at the party. When was the last time the giant throne room had seen a party like this?

“I’m okay,” I replied. “Just…soaking it all in.”

“I see some demon cuisine from House Sloth,” Adrian said from where he sat by my feet. He looked up, golden hair falling over his forehead, and smiled. “You might like some of it.”

My stomach tightened, reminding me that it had been a while since I’d last eaten, but I grimaced at the idea of actually…eating. “No, I think I’ll be okay.”

The look he gave me in return was one that showed how dissatisfied he was with my answer. But before he could respond, Orion stalked out from where he’d been positioned in the shadows of the throne. Beside me, Maeve stiffened, while Adrian’s head turned to watch Orion’s departure.

Not departure. Orion strode towards one of the three banquet tables set up around the room without looking back. But I knew what he was doing.

“What the hell is he doing?” Adrian asked, voice low.

I pressed my lips together. “He’s getting me food.”

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