Page 128 of Mirror of Malice
I laughed and looked up at him as he stood. “We have a lot to talk about, you know. A lot of decisions to make.”
He nodded. “We do. But we’ll make them together.” He led me away from the border wall. “Come, let’s return to the castle.”
I liked the sound of that. So I let Penn lead me toward the horse, toward our future. Together.
Epilogue
Istood before a full-length mirror, periwinkle gown falling to the floor, the skirt like a waterfall.
“You look amazing,” Jillian said behind me, and Driscoll wiped at the tears in his eyes.
“You look like a queen,” Penn said, leaning against the doorway to my chambers, arms crossed.
Jillian and Driscoll both whirled around while I smiled at Penn in the mirror. He looked magnificent in his black dress pants and royal blue tunic with gold buttons.
“We’ll leave you two alone.” Driscoll winked as Jillian dragged him past Penn and out of the room.
The king of Mosswood Forest strode in, coming up behind me and pressing a kiss to my neck. “The way I wish I could bend you over that desk and do a lot of very bad things,” he murmured into my ear.
I turned, arching my neck to look up at him. “Who says you can’t?”
“Your damn head of council is standing right outside the door to make sure I behave.” His voice dropped low as he nipped my ear, and a shudder ran through me.
“Careful,” I teased, “Shadow takes her role very seriously.”
He nuzzled my neck. “I still haven’t forgiven you for poaching her from me.”
“It was your idea that she be my head of council.”
“Yes, one I’m very much regretting at this moment.” He pressed kisses up my jawline.
“I can hear every word you’re saying, and I’m about to haul you out of the room,” Shadow yelled.
Penn’s face darkened, and I burst out laughing. I pressed a quick kiss to his mouth. “All in good time.”
He took a few steps back, and I twirled for him, my gown fanning out around me.
“You look stunning,” he said. “Are you ready for today?”
I took a deep breath. “I think so. We have a long road ahead of us to rebuild Elwen, but a new era starts today.” I held out my hand, and he took hold of it. “One where Elwen and Mosswood Forest are united.”
“I’m proud of you, Lilypad.”
“Do you think we’ll be ready?” I asked. “For whatever Sorrengard has planned? They managed to curse Seraphina, to steal away all the boys from Apolis, to plant dark magic here that ruined the land. They must have a bigger motive, something we’re missing.”
“We’ll figure it out,” Penn said. “We’ll speak with the other leaders of the courts. We’ll work together to ensure that Sorrengard does not pose a threat to us.”
“They already have,” I said. “They’ve gotten to us, formed cracks in our courts. We’re weak, Penn.”
“No.” He kissed my forehead. “Not with you as our queen. Not ever again.”
“Do you think everyone in Mosswood Forest will accept me as their queen?”
“I know they will.” His voice was fierce. “They respect you because you told them the truth; you told everyone about yourfather, how you intend to be different. That took courage to expose his lies and deception. They’re wary, but you’ll earn their trust.”
I bit my lip as he tucked a curled strand behind my ear. “What else is worrying you?”
“I feel bad about leaving Gabrielle like I did. She’s in such a bad place. The pirate lord broke her heart. Her brothers are missing. Sorrengard has their shadows. Her father and most of the men are gone. Her mother has been driven mad with grief. She’s all alone.”
