Page 133 of A Court of Fire and Frost

His excitement over technology is infectious, and he is already planning on decking out the university in all the latest tech. “We need to have the best if we want to attract people from all over Aranthium,” he had argued in front of the council last week. It had taken some convincing, but he finally got the go-ahead to order whatever he wanted from the South.

A few minutes later, Cherie and her husband use Iter Dust to arrive directly into our living room. Nathan jumps up the moment their feet land on the carpet, and he runs over and gives her a hug. It isn’t long before I’m pulled into the embrace, their arms wrapping around me tightly.

Soon, the Fae mead is flowing, and we are all seated around the fire, warm blankets tucked around us to help ward off the chill. A large evergreen tree is in the corner of the room, the silver decorations glittering in the firelight. Piles of gifts are under the tree, waiting to be opened tomorrow.

We stay up late, with the moon as our companion, laughing and sharing stories. My husband holds me close and draws mindless swirls on my arm with his free hand. Every so often, he leans in and presses his lips against mine, to the backdrops of cheers and screams from our family.

As the midnight chime strikes on the clock, I lay my head on Nathan’s lap. My eyes are closed as he brushes back my hair, sending warm sparks through my body. With each touch, my heart sings in a way I never thought possible.

Love has filled every crevice of my broken soul and melded into something new and beautiful.

I am happy.

* * *

The Winter Solstice

“Are you certain you don’t need anything else, Your Majesty?”

I shake my head, meeting the eyes of the slim Winter Fae in the mirror. Her curly brown hair is escaping its bun as she bends down, fluffing out my train behind me. She has been trying to make this monstrosity of a gown somewhat more feasible to walk in for the past thirty minutes and hasn’t gotten anywhere. At this point, I will accept that it is an impossible task.

I sigh, careful not to disturb the elaborate braids running down my back. “No, thank you, Margerie. I’ll call for you if I need anything.”

She bows before backing out of the room. My gaze flips back to the mirror. I still can’t believe this is me. I am wearing a crown made of pure ice, the spikes of the crown reaching high above my head and tapering off in snowflakes. Margerie spent hours painting my face with blends of silver and gold, and my tattoos are standing out from dark flesh. I barely recognize myself.

The gown is cumbersome and decidedly over-the-top, but I don’t have much of a choice for a Fae celebration of this magnitude.

I’m so wrapped up in adjusting this frivolous gown I miss the flicker of movement in the mirror behind me. Strong arms wrap around my middle, cinching the voluminous tulle, before Nathan embraces me. I laugh as he turns me around before pressing his lips up against mine. His kiss is languid and unhurried, his movements slow and appreciative.

He is wearing a suit made of white, the colors made to match my dress perfectly. His hair is brushed back, one side newly shaved in honor of this day. A band of silver wraps around his forehead, gleaming in the firelight.

When he pulls away, I see a glimmer in his eyes as they crawl over me.

“You look stunning,” he says, his eyes dark with desire as he watches me. This male holds my heart in his hands, and there is no one I’d rather be with on a day like today. He swallows, pressing a kiss to the corner of my lips. “Your husband is a lucky bastard.”

“He is,” I say. “But I’m fairly certain my mother-in-law will murder him if he makes me late.”

Nathan chuckles, brushing his knuckles over my cheek before bringing my hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to the back of my palm. “You’re right. We wouldn’t want to anger her.” He winks, offering me his arm. “Besides, I have a Winter Solstice gift for you. It’s in my trouser pocket.”

I gasp. “Nathan, we can’t do that right now. Everyone is waiting for us.”

He laughs, a big hearty sound that fills the room and brings a twinkle to my eye. “Darling, as much as I’d enjoy that, I do have a gift for you.” With his free hand, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a black jewelry box. “I have had this for you for a while, but today seemed like the right day to give it to you.”

He cracks open the lid, and my mouth falls open. “It’s beautiful,” I breathe before extending a hand. My fingers glide down the diamond, admiring how the carving is so lifelike. “Will you put it on me?” I ask.

“It would be my pleasure.” He goes behind me and shifts my hair before unclasping my necklace, draping his gift over my neck instead. He kisses the back of my neck before peaking over my shoulder. “It looks even better than I thought.”

“Where did you get this?” I ask, admiring the translucent diamond flame as it lays between my breasts. It hangs on a chain so fine that it can barely be seen against my skin.

“I know a guy,” he says, winking. “When I asked him if he could make something that symbolizes joining Summer and Winter together, he jumped at the chance. Do you like it?”

“I love it,” I say before turning and kissing him deeply. “I love you.”

* * *

“This is it,”Nathan says, holding onto my arm. “Are you ready?”

I breathe in deeply, taking a look around the room. The throne room is filled with guests. Humans, Vampires, Were, Mer, Angels, Daemons, and Fae have all flocked to witness our coronation. I look around the room to see if Helena is there, but my heart sinks when I don’t see her. Despite having sent multiple messengers, I haven’t heard from her.

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