Page 98 of The Shattered Kingdom
Obviously. He has nothing else going on in his life. He’s finishing up his PhD in Clinical Psychology, which I suppose he’s passionate about, but there’s no reason he can’t continue that here. I’ve met several faeries—Lord Bishop comes to mind—who could use somebody to talk to.
I turn toward the meeting hall, my heart pounding. I was almost murdered the last time I was here. I avoided sharing that particular detail when telling my story. It would horrify my parents, and they’d be demanding Kie open a portal and send us all home.
They’re going to find out sooner or later. I’m hoping for later.
Kie pulls open the front doors, and I do my best to avoid looking at the throne in the back of the room as Mason leads me inside. The throne taunts me, bringing up memories and feelings I’d rather not think about.
My family follows me inside, and Kie joins them in the back.
Mason guides us toward the small, private room to the left, but we don’t immediately enter. The room is sacred, and only a select few are allowed inside. My family will have to wait out here.
I admire the intricate detailing of the double doors. The architecture here continues to amaze me, and judging by the shocked silence from my family, it amazes them, too.
I turn, sneaking a peek at their expressions.
Mom’s cheeks are splotchy, and she wipes at them to remove the evidence of her tears. Then she huffs and swipes at the air,annoyed by the flecks of magic floating in front of her face. I’ve grown used to the magic, but I’ll never forget how distracting it was when I first came here.
Aaron clears his throat. “It’s beautiful.”
“Isn’t it?”
“Are you ready?” Mason asks. “It’s not too late to change your mind.”
It is, but I appreciate the sentiment. I’m sure word of my new title has already spread, and I want to do this. It will make things easier for everybody involved.
Kie places himself on the other side of me, and I silently reach down and grab both his and Mason’s hands. They link their fingers with mine.
Mom and Dad clock the action, their eyes momentarily darting toward my hands. I can’t imagine how watching their daughter date two men must feel. Even I think it’s weird, and I’m the one in the relationship.
They’ll get used to it. I hope so, at least.
Kie steps in front of me, commanding my attention. “We’ll be by your side the entire time.”
I hold my chin high as Mason takes my arm and guides me through the doors. He keeps me close to his side, offering silent support.
Mason and I walk in first, with Kie trailing immediately behind. Anox, Jackie, and Lady Cassandra are already inside, impatience written all over their faces. We aren’t late, but I’m sure they grew bored listening to our conversation outside.
Faeries, especially the ones here, don’t seem to place much value on familial relationships. If they feel love for their siblings and parents, they keep it behind closed doors. I’m still upset that Kie wasn’t allowed to have a private moment alone with his mother during her observance.
“Everybody can smell Kie on you,” Mason whispers, his voice low. There’s a slight pause before he continues. “It should be me.”
I can’t help but laugh. I stifle it quickly, but not quickly enough. Anox narrows his eyes on me, then shifts his focus toward Mason.
“Your Majesty,” Anox says as we near. The council members bow, showing respect.
Mason releases my arm. My heart rate skyrockets.
The shallow pool is just up ahead, the shiny black stone where I’ll smear my blood floating perfectly in the center. I eye it for a second longer than necessary.
Anox begins. I still may not understand the specific words, but thanks to my diction coach, I know what he’s saying. He’s speaking to the gods, introducing me to them. I highly doubt the gods give a fuck, and I bite my tongue as Anox gestures for me to enter the pool.
I kick off my shoes, then step into the water. It’s frigid, and I wince as it tickles my ankles. Mason lingers at the pool's edge, and I face him and Anox once I’m at the stone in the center.
The council members, Anox excluded, now stand beside Kie in the back of the room.
Anox continues.
I’m so glad I witnessed Mason’s coronation, and I go through the motions and repeat all the proper phrases until we reach the time of the hand cutting. I’m not at all looking forward to this, but I refuse to show my fear as Anox hands over a knife.
