Page 146 of Gift from the Source
Because of her.
And they don’t even know her true importance.
They just hear Awaiting Matriarch and see a small crown on her head.
They have no idea everything the woman in the middle of us has endured for them or what she’s capable of. They couldn’t begin to fathom that she’s been doing everything in her power to keep them and the realm they cherish safe.
But I do.
And I’ll worship her for the rest of my life.
I break a second customary rule.
Grabbing Willow’s hand, I bring it to my lips.
“I see you. I cherish you. I love you. You are my reason, Willow Vito, and I will spend my life making sure you know that every day.”
Eighteen
Willow
“May Elementra bless our night. Let the Spring Ball commence,” the announcer shouts and the roaring returns.
It’s so loud, I barely hear the music start playing.
Elementra, this is it.
Please don’t let me fall on my face.
This is the largest gathering of people I’ve ever been around in my life.
My head is still spinning from the abundant noise from when we were announced. It was followed by quietness that lasted long enough for the announcer to present Aurora and her men.
Then the walls were back to shaking.
I thought I was going to embarrass myself by falling down the stairs with Corentin’s sweet words. Him taking my hand and meeting my eyes was just the brief reprieve I needed in the moment. Then he said what he said, and I thought I was going to turn into a puddle.
My legs were still a little wobbly as we made our way down the remainder of the steps and the crowd parted the way for us to cross the room to the center of the floor.
Which is where we are now.
Getting ready to dance for this army of people.
Oakly, Aurora, Aria, and I have our right hands joined together in the middle of our circle. We walk clockwise while we wait for the music to change and one of our men will get us once it’s time.
It’s taking everything in me to focus on my breathing. This has been far more than I ever could’ve expected. I’m not just referring to all the people. It’s their outpour of love and support for me. A stranger. It’s the meaning behind it all.
I’m really going to rule this realm one day…
I sink into Aurora’s humored eyes and let her little snicker fill my heart with ease. She felt this as well when it was declared she’d be ruling, not CC.
Just focus on the night.
I’ve been harping on how I want to be spun around and have a magical night with my men, but that was before I saw the true amount of people here. My stomach turns thinking about them watching me now.
What if I trip over my own feet?
“How are you holding up?”I ask Oakly to distract my thoughts before I cause myself to mess the dance up before it even really begins.
