Matthew pulled back as Briar came over and pushed him out of the way. He smiled, raising his hands in apology as he made eye contact with me in the mirror. A quick wink had me going weak at the knees, and I was instantly grateful for the distraction.
“Now, let’s hurry. The meeting will start soon. You’re to meet your father in the adjoining room.” With one last glance in the mirror, Briar ushered Matthew and me out of the room and down the hall. His hand brushed up against mine as we walked. Those small touches were the only thing keeping me centered.
We quickly made it to the small room where my father sat in an armchair, his head in his hands. As we entered, he rose and cleared his throat. His gaze was scrutinizing. Luka walked in after us, closing the door and giving thanks to Briar for getting us here so quickly.
“You look wonderful, my dear. Regal.” He bowed his head. “Your mother would be so proud of you.”
My father knew how his words would affect me, but it felt like a slap in the face to bring her up now. I stared at him, trying to see what the others saw—an alcoholic, a failing father, a crippled ruler—but I saw nothing of the sort.
I only saw the kindness of a king and the compassion of a father trying to make things right for his daughter and his kingdom. The skin around his stormy eyes crinkled from years of love and laughter. Moments come and gone were immortalized on his face.
“How is this going to work?” I asked, crossing my arms.
“An announcement will be made regarding the coronation. Which, by the way, will take place in a week.” Luka looked pleased with himself. He was proud of his new line of work, and he had assumed the role with careful confidence and consideration.
Matthew looked as if he wanted to protest, but the trumpets sounded. There was no time left for discussion.
The doors to the chamber opened, and I followed my father in. The Helian council members dropped to their knees, bowing. As my father took the throne, the other rulers bowed their heads.
I stood beside him, Matthew taking his place next to me. Luka assumed his position on the other side. From the outside, I was sure we looked like a formidable force, but it felt like anything but.
Kalen and Renai were in the front row, both of them smiling up at us in encouragement. I was sure Matthew had told them what was going to happen.
“Thank you all for joining us today on such short notice. I realize many of you surely had to rearrange your schedule, and that is not lost on us.” He paused, drumming his fingers on the arm of the throne. “The past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for my family and the people of Helia. I must confess that I have not handled the situation as I should have. Losing one’s mate and daughter is enough to turn even the most level-headed man into a mindless brute.”
I looked out at the grouping of people before us. Many I knew, and many I did not. They would be my companions. People I could turn to for guidance and instruction. Ciena met my gaze as if she knew what I was thinking and gave a confident smile.
“The time has come to move in a new direction. For many moons, I have struggled with the decision of what would be the best path. Not only for Helia, no, but for Aethion as well.”
Murmurs reached my ears as the crowd whispered to one another. Questions of uncertainty and some of praise. Many knew what was coming before the words left my father’s mouth.
“As of today, I am officially stepping down from the throne. Princess Evalyne Chevalier will take her place on the throne and become queen of Helia.”
He motioned me forward, and I moved on unsteady legs. Some of the council members looked at me in outrage, whispering to one another indignantly. I knelt before these people, my father, and my throne. Preparing to take my place as ruler of this kingdom, and I was fucking terrified.
Terrified of making a mistake, of leading these people down a path we could not recover from. I bowed my head, keeping my eyes trained on the floor as my father removed the crown from his graying head and placed it atop mine. The diadem I wore fit perfectly behind it, my experiences as a princess perfectly hidden within this new identity. Complete with all the trials and sorrows and knowledge handed down to me from my parents before, the larger crown signified I was ready to take on this new responsibility as the leader of Helia.
My father stepped back, but I did not budge. Already the crown weighed heavily on my head, the fate of our people resting on my shoulders like never before. I felt the gentle tap of fingers underneath my chin and lifted to stare into my father’s eyes.
“Rise, Queen Evalyne of Helia, and look upon your realm with new vision.”
Matthew stepped forward and held out his hand for me to take. I placed mine inside. The feeling of his warm skin and calloused palm kept me centered as I rose. He offered a soft smile, pride shining in his eyes. As I turned around, the crowd of faces stared up at me. Queen Ciena rose to her feet before placing a fist above her heart.
“All hail the queen of Helia!” she shouted.
Others around followed her. One by one, they stood and repeated the gesture and the chant until it was all I heard. It echoed off the walls, ringing in my ears. I turned to Luka and my father, who stood off to the side and watched Matthew and I. One by one, they both dropped to their knees and bowed. My father kissed the ground below before he raised up and placed his fist over his heart.
“This is the dawning of a new age,” my father boomed, raising his hands to the sky and looking around the room. “A day that has been set in stone since the moment my daughter took her first breath. And now, I could not be more proud. She has fought valiantly to stand here today. At times, those foes were family and friends. But she is not so easily broken, nor will she ever be.” He rose to his feet and looked out at the crowd of people. “I pity the armies that face us. All of us. We will show them that the true spirit of Aethion lies in those of us who carry her flame in our hearts. Let them come, for we will take their heads as payment!”
His speech was met by loud whoops and hollers of agreement. Men and women clapped each other on the back as if they were marching out the doors to battle at the current moment. Only a few had the nerve to look unsettled by his words.
“Now! To the banquet room. A feast awaits us.”
Chapter18
Renai
Iwas bone weary, dreading the trek to Damien’s tower even more than usual. Days had passed since the announcement of Eva’s ascension, and I could still feel the exhaustion in every part of my body. We’d stayed up too late, drinking in the banquet hall until the early hours of the morning. I knew I shouldn’t have done it, that I had important things to do which would require my full attention, but seeing the carefree look on Eva and Matthew’s faces was worth more than any amount of sleep I could muster.
