Page 69 of Stone Heart
“Well, consider your balls safe, Vikuth, because I can protect myself.” She cocked an eyebrow at him.
Snickers filled the air. His sharps eyes whipped around to his men, who quickly fell silent.
“Be that as it may, once we land there, you will not go anywhere without a gargoyle guard. Promise me,” he said.
“I promise.” She held her hand over her heart. She just hoped the assigned gargoyle would be able to keep up with her.
“I hear we owe you thanks for the support of the Fae warriors.” Vikuth stood tall.
She knew it was a touchy subject, gargoyles needing help.
“Yes. This is a fight that spans more than just invading Earth’s realm. It has always been the job of the royal family of Faery to protect the realms that cannot fight for themselves. Hence why gargoyles, our guardian protectors, were sent to Earth. Together, we will defeat the necromancers.” Her words carried through the air and captivated all of the gargoyles around the roof.
“I couldn’t have said it better,” Kantar said behind her.
She turned to find her father and his warriors approaching. The sea of gargoyle warriors parted as her father stepped forward.
“We would never turn our backs on the gargoyles. Clan Gahnoth doesn’t need to ask for help. We give it freely,” Khantar’s voice boomed. He, too, was dressed for war, his sword strapped to his hip. The glint in the king’s eyes gave away that he’d be one hell of an opponent in battle. He came to stand beside her. “But before we go, there’s one thing we must do.”
Curiosity primed in her chest, and she turned towards her father. “What is it?” she asked, unsure of what the hell was going on.
A Fae warrior stepped up with a large velvet pillow in his hands. Her mother walked behind the warrior with slight smile on her lips.
Rina was officially confused.
“As much as I’ve tried to prevent this day, it has come,” he father murmured, motioning for the warrior to come to him.
She finally saw what was on the pillow, and a gasp escaped her lips.
“Today is the day that my daughter will ride off into battle with me as I once did with my father. Larina, this is your birthright, and it is time we present it to you.”
He lifted a small, thin gold chain headdress from the pillow. It was a warrior’s crown, one fit for a princess. Her heart slammed against her chest at the significance of this moment.
“Father,” she gasped, unsure of what to say.
A grin lingered on his mouth, and he held up the gold chain for all to see. The Fae warriors all bent down on one knee. Gargoyles followed suit, and her father turned back to her.
“Larina Omaris, as the official heir to the throne, I bequeath you the warrior crown. Your mother had this made when you were a child. This chain was made of the purest of gold harvested from the mountains of Faery.” He stepped close to her.
She tilted her head to him as he lay the chain on her head. She lifted her tear-filled eyes to her father. He tucked the chain behind her ears, the front resting along her forehead.
“Do you vow to protect Faery and all of the realms as a member of the royal family?”
“I do,” her voice rang out strong.
He turned back to the warrior and gripped a small silver dagger. He held it out to her, and she didn’t hesitate to take it from him. The hilt was decorated with gold threading through it, with her initials engraved in it.
“Now you’re officially ready to go off to battle,” her father murmured.
She smiled brightly, and he opened his arms. She dashed forward into his strong embrace. She’d waited for this moment her entire life.
“Let’s go get your mate,” he said.
“Vikuth,” she called and pulled back from her father. She turned and met Rhodack’s best friend’s eyes.
Everyone stood from their kneeling position.
“Clan Gahnoth!” she cried out, thrusting the dagger high.
“Clan Gahnoth!” The war cry filled the air.
Yes, it was time for them to retrieve their clan leader and her mate.
