Kane stands between Alderic and the queen, dark and stormy to their glittering gold.
As the queen mother raises her hand, the crowd falls silent, their excitement palpable.
I hold my breath. I can’t explain it, but I know whatever happens next will shape my future and the future of Pentacles.
“Today we celebrate not only the renewal of our kingdom but also the dawn of a new era,” Queen Lockhart begins, her voice carrying across the courtyard. “For too long, we have endured the shadows cast by deceit and treachery. We have faced hardship and uncertainty, and we have mourned the loss of our peace and prosperity. But no more!”
She pauses, allowing her words to sink in, her gaze sweeping over the faces before her. “Thanks to the bravery and selflessness of our heroes, we have not only survived but emerged stronger. They have reminded us of the strength we hold within, the resilience that defines us as a people. It is because of their courage, and your unwavering support, that we stand here today, ready to embrace a brighter future.
“As we move forward and rebuild and restore what was lost, let us remember that our greatest strength lies in our unity. We are a family, bound by our shared love for this land and for one another.”
Marion wraps her arm around mine and squeezes as a murmur of agreement ripples through the crowd.
Queen Lockhart smiles, warm and genuine and bright. Although she wasn’t under Four’s magick, she’s also changed since his death. Her weariness is gone. In its place is something light and airy and impossible todescribe.
“Know that as I step down from my place as Queen Mother, I do so with love in my heart for each and every one of you.”
The crowd gasps, and I do too, pressing my hand to my mouth.
Alderic steps forward, holding up his hands, palms out, his blond hair a halo in the sunlight. “It is no secret my mother wishes to retire from her duties as queen, but that is not the only change being made here today. I have long had doubts about whether I am fit to be your king. However, when I ascended to the throne, I vowed to protect and serve this kingdom until my last breath. But it has become clear to me that Pentacles needs more. It needs the strength and clarity of a hero, someone who proves time and again their dedication to its people.”
He turns to Kane, who stands tall and composed, though there’s a thin crease of confusion between his brows.
“Kane Blackthorne is that hero. He’s shown the heart and courage of a true leader, and the magick in his blood that has for too long been vilified has brought us through our darkest times. Blackthorne has shown what it means to lead with honor. He has earned our trust and our respect. I owe my life to both him and to Hannah.”
The crowd murmurs in agreement, and Alderic continues, practiced and smooth as if he’s given this speech a thousand times before. “Therefore, it is with a full heart and complete confidence that I abdicate the throne and pass the crown to Kane Blackthorne. Under his rule, Pentacles will not only recover but flourish like never before.”
Another collective gasp ripples through the crowd, and I can’t help but feel like we’re on a game show.
“Isn’t it wonderful?” Marion squeaks, jumping up and down, her excitement breaking out of the refined box where it’s been stored.
“Abdicate?” Kane’s dark eyes widen. “You’re—you’re relinquishing your throne, giving it and the kingdom away?”
“I’m giving it to a true king,” Alderic says as his mother steps forward and takes Kane’s hands in hers.
“Kane Blackthorne, will you accept this responsibility and do your duty to protect this kingdom and its people?” she asks.
Kane’s gaze sweeps over the crowd—his people, if he’ll have them—before finding mine. I smile at him, lifting onto my toes with pure pride and love for this man who was ready to die to save the people who make up his world.
“I will,” he declares, his voice strong and resolute.
McDougall steps out of the shadows of the massive doorway. He lifts the maroon velvet pillow where the crown of pentacles is perched out to the former queen mother. She takes it and gently places the crown on Kane’s head.
“People of Pentacles, join me in welcoming your new king.”
“Long live King Blackthorne!” Alderic shouts.
“Long live King Blackthorne!” the crowd echoes, erupting into a thunderous chorus of applause and cheers.
As the applause continues, Alderic leans into Kane. “No more rescuing me, brother. This is your moment.Lead them well.”
The people continue to cheer, their faith in their new king unshakable, as Alderic and the former queen step back, allowing Kane to take his place in the spotlight.
He takes a breath to address the crowd, but his gaze once again finds mine. In an instant, he’s charging down the stairs, and I’m in his arms.
“Not without you,” he whispers against my hair as his hand finds mine. “Fawn, you saved me. Stand by my side as my queen. I’m no good without you.”
The Empress card pulses against my chest, urging me toward the future that’s always been waiting for me. Tears well in my eyes, and I can barely speak past the lump in my throat. “Yes, Kane. Always.”
