Page 112 of Forged By Heart and Claws
Vad squeezed my hand, his expression solemn. “Yes. And we will honor her sacrifice properly."
We just got here,Ember linked.
I wanted to cry with relief, and I nearly did when the doors opened and my sister and Ryker entered the Ceremonial Hall, followed by Silus, Vyraetos, Many-Greats, Siray, and the kings and queens and various council members. They limped in, most looking like ghosts.
But where was Elara?
Surprise filtered through our bond, and Vad’s eyes widened. “Elara?”
Following his gaze, I realized that I hadn’t recognized her. She looked the same, but exceedingly more vibrant. She walked down the center aisle toward us, hand resting in the crook of Silus’s arm with all dignity, as if this were a grand ball. She looked completely healed, her dark hair full and rich, her dark-blue eyes bright and aware, her wings dark with shadows.
“It’s not a glamour.” She beamed. “When the magic came back, I became well in a moment.”
Vad released me and pulled her into a hug. Refusing to be left behind, I wrapped my arms around both of them. Each snaked an arm around me in return. Tears pricked my eyes, the moment better than I’d ever dared to imagine. There was so much we needed to talk about as a family once we’d sorted things out with the royals and dealt with Colm’s attempt to remake Nytharia.
It took several minutes to explain all that had happened and what Colm’s actual purpose had been, as well as his lies. Theguests whom Colm had brought to serve as his new court and legitimize his rule were horrified at the revelations, especially in learning of his cruelty to the royal families. The corruption of the Aureline Council troubled all. As they spoke, Ember moved through the crowd and healed the worst of the injuries. Each time, her shoulders drooped a little more, her magic drained by every encounter.
“Something must be done to prevent this from happening again,” the Ignis Fae king said, arms folded over his broad chest and fingers drumming on his arm. His square jaw tensed. Despite his red silk robe being tattered and filthy, the crimson dragon woven into its fabric glistened in the light of the oil lamps. “Having oversight into the entirety of Nytharia is non-negotiable. Someone must look at the greater picture, including those who are outsiders as well. We cannot move forward with the Aureline Council as it was.”
The Ignis Fae queen nodded in agreement as she fidgeted with her equally tattered dress. “I agree. This can never be permitted to happen again.”
Siray placed a hand on her uncle’s arm. “I agree, and I have a proposal to make.
“What I have seen in my time here is that the care of the realm must be managed. Some of us are far too concerned only with things that affect ourselves, and there are a great many evils that we can perform in the interests of those we love.
“We need rulers who can understand the larger matters and influence the kingdoms to settle disputes. In my time here, I have come to know Queen Briar, and while she and I did not always see eye to eye, she showed me that she is a person of compassion, wisdom, and discernment. King Vad has likewise proven himself.
“I propose that they be named High King and High Queen of Nytharia, to serve in place of the Aureline Council. They maywork with the Aurelines and root out those whose intentions are bad. But in the end, they will serve as the final decision makers and protectors of our realm. I trust both of them in that. They could have taken advantage of this situation to claim that they should rule all our kingdoms, but instead, they risked their lives to protect us all.”
The royals exchanged looks, their soft whispers rising as they spoke among themselves.
A chill ran down my spine. I didn’t want a position like that. I wasn’t worthy.
Vad’s hand found mine, and he pushed his confidence into me. “We did what was right. The Shadow Kingdom has no desire to take the territory of any other kingdom, or to harm any of the royals or their people.”
A man in midnight blue with the Terran insignia on his sleeves stepped forward. “Fate herself sent her guardians. They blessed the king and queen already, and then they defeated the man who intended to destroy our rulers and reshape our world in his image. All of our Guardian Beasts came to favor them. Surely that means something.”
Vyraetos cleared his throat from his position next to Many-Greats. “I would certainly agree that it does. Fate is often difficult to interpret until acts are concluded and we look back on them. But it seems that the warning against the union of an Aureline Fae and a Shadow Fae was simply a statement of what would happen. Fate determined Briar’s arrival and her success from the very beginning, and I do not think anything could keep these two apart.”
Many-Greats tilted his head forward. “Though I am biased, I also agree that this is the best course. Fate has dealt with the rot within our realm and the corruption within our Council. As painful as it has been, it has also revealed our need for different leadership and better oversight.”
A woman, whom I assumed to be the Aquen Queen, based on her blue robes and sea serpent markings, cleared her throat. “Perhaps. But the Shadow Kingdom must have its own king and queen. If these two become High King and High Queen, who will look to the needs of the Shadow Kingdom?”
Vad’s wings flexed. His shadows curled around his legs and mine, and a faint smile tugged at his lips. Affection radiated through our bond. “When I thought there was the possibility that I could not be with Briar and that I might have to set aside the crown, I knew there was only one choice. She has served this kingdom faithfully from the first day she was able.” He extended his hand then to Elara.
Elara’s eyes widened. She pressed a hand over her heart. “I would be honored to serve.” Her throat bobbed as her eyes misted. “But…I would not wish to rule alone.”
“We could host another trial,” a freed council member said.
Vad shot him a glare.
Elara ducked her head, a smile spreading over her face. “No. If we are doing things in a new fashion, then I would learn from the excellent example of my father and my brother, and not determine my partner by trial. There is no need for tests of strength and cunning if there is someone worthy who desires me, and I see no point in continuing that tradition.” She cut her gaze to Silus.
Silus held her gaze for a moment. Then he dipped his head forward and moved to stand directly in front of us, his boots crunching on the rubble. His gaze homed in on me. “When Briar first arrived and I realized how swiftly and deeply Vad was coming to care for her, I advised him to choose anyone else. I feared she would bring about the downfall of our kingdom. Instead, Briar brought about its transformation and healing. I was wrong in every respect, and I cannot, in good conscience,ask for your permission to request Elara’s hand in marriage until I address that matter. Can you forgive me?”
Vad’s hand on my waist tightened, subtle and grounding. Pride rippled along our bond, thick with history and pain.Do you accept this apology?he asked me.
Yes.The warmth intensified, and even my wolf whined with happiness.
