Page 81 of Silent Secrets

“There’s no need to lie, Marcos.”

Marcos scoffs. “I only speak the truth. You might not believe me, but there is just something about you that lights up a room. You’re beautiful not only on the outside, but on the inside and others can see that. They envy it and desire to be close to it. Even if you weren’t our next queen, your people would flock to you—they wouldn’t be able to help themselves.”

Before I can respond, the next song begins, and it has a much faster beat. Marcos moves us into the next dance and we’re moving too quickly to speak. It’s probably for the best, as I know that neither of us will change our minds. So instead I lose myself to the music, to the dance once more.

Marcos and I dance for a few more songs before Caiden cuts in. He isn’t nearly as good of a dancer as the other two, but he has me laughing the entire time we’re on the dance floor. I even dance with Hunter once, surprised again by his gracefulness. Though it is still awkward between the two of us, I feel like he’s at least trying now. Which is slightly unnerving. Why now? What has changed? Is it only because my magic is about to be revealed?

Before things can get too awkward, I hear the horns that sounded just before I entered the ballroom blare once more. The music comes to a stop, as do the dancers, and we all turn towards the elevated platform near the back of the room that holds the throne that will one day be mine.

“It’s almost time.” Grace’s voice booms through the room, though she doesn’t use a microphone. Obviously, it is some kind of magic and I will have to remember to ask her about it later. “Our future queen’s magic will reveal itself in less than five minutes. Hadley, if you will?”

I swallow against my sudden nervousness, glancing back at Hunter when I feel him squeeze my hand.

“You’ve got this, princess. Just keep your head up, show them you’re the queen that I know you can be. There’s nothing like that first moment that the magic rushes through you. Enjoy this.”

I can only stare at him in shock. Since when did Hunter become one of my supporters? It makes me suspicious, but isn’t that what I’ve wanted? Fuck, I can’t deal with this right now.

Without saying a word, I make my way to Grace with my head held high as people step away to allow me through. Hunter’s words reverberate through me and I realize just how much I needed to hear them—even if they were from him.

My name is Hadley Dubois-Corbin and I’m the next Fae Queen.

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