Page 134 of A Court of Fire and Frost

I will have to find out what is going on with her. Our sources tell us that King Phelix has returned to the Ice Mer lands, but we haven’t heard from Helena since Henrick’s death.

Shouldn’t the Crown Princess of the Ice Mer be easily accessible? Something tingles in the back of my mind to check in on my oldest friend. We may have gotten into a spat over Nathan, but she is still my best friend. I tuck this away in the back of my head as I look ahead of me.

Straight ahead of us, at the end of the long red carpet laid out on the floor, are two new thrones made of ice. Behind them is a large blue banner embroidered with our new emblem. The snowy owl and osprey, entangled in flight over the sea. I had it commissioned as soon as we began planning the coronation, and I couldn't be happier to see how it turned out.

Evergreen wreaths hang all over the room, and silver streamers and baubles hang from the dozens of trees brought inside to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Hundreds of gifts are resting in mountainous piles under trees. I made sure that there was one for each guest, wanting everyone to stay happy.

An incredible aroma is coming from the banquet hall, and my stomach grumbles in anticipation. I’ve already made certain there will be plenty of chocolate cake for every single guest and hopefully, leftovers as well.

I thought I’d be nervous, but all I am is excited. Standing in the front of the throne room is my father, in a place of honor. Beside him is Nathan’s family, their grins so exuberant that they seem almost to glow. It’s the sun in their skins, I think to myself.

There is a camera at the back of the hall, live-streaming the coronation throughout the Winter courts. Nathan ordered special TVs to spread throughout the kingdom so we could share our special day with everyone.

Because of thoughtful gestures like this, I know he will be an amazing consort for our people.

The opening ceremony passes by in a blur as we stand next to each other on the dais, facing the gathered crowd.

Soon, it is my turn to speak. I step forward, gazing into the eyes of the people gathered before me. They are silent as my voice echoes through the throne room.

“Thank you, honored guests of the Northern and Southern Courts, for gracing us with your presence today. I stand before you, a humble Fae, here to claim my place as your Queen. I don't claim this position lightly, but do so with the desire to see the Winter Court become everything I know it can be.”

Closing my eyes briefly, I inhale deeply. Now the anxiety is hitting.

"Will you, as representatives of the Winter Court, accept me as your Queen and my husband as my consort?"

Silence.

My heart is pounding, and Nathan tugs on the bond between us, his fingers running down mine as we wait.

A moment passes.

Then two.

Then the crowd speaks as one, "We will."

Snowflakes begin swirling from the ceiling as dozens of tiny owls and ospreys made of snow fly through the room. They all land on us, their wings beating the air momentarily before they explode, showering us in snowflakes. They melt instantly, disappearing into our skin.

Tingles spread through my entire body, and when I look at Nathan, I know he feels the same. His eyes fill with absolute wonder as he grabs my hand and pulls me in for a kiss, his tongue sweeping my mouth as we stand before our subjects. Behind us, cheers erupt through the room.

My father steps forward, a look of intense pride on his face.

"Please welcome, for the first time, the Winter Court Queen Elva and her consort, Prince Nathaniel."

Riotous cheers and applause fill the air as we step off the dais, hand in hand.Nathan leans into me and brushes his lips against my ear.

"I would do it all again for you," he whispers. "I love you, my Queen."

I turn to him, my eyes swimming with joyous tears. "I love you too. You make me whole."

We grin at each other and walk forward into the future. It feels so right. I don’t know if Fortuna wove this path for us, but I’ll light a candle for her the next time I visit her temple. I’ll do anything to keep Nathan at my side.

Epilogue

One Year Later

“Nathan, if you don’t get out here, I will steal your baby!”Cherie calls through the door. I groan and roll over, untangling myself from my wife. Elva is wearing a silky blue nightgown, and her eyes are closed tight with sleep.

From beyond the door, I hear Cherie croon. “You are the most perfect little princess in the world, right? Aren’t you? You’ll make your auntie prove all those human talestrue.” She draws out the last word, and I roll my eyes.

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