I knew deep within me that if we didn’t win and their lives were lost, I wouldn’t be able to live without them—I wouldn’t be able to live withouthim.
Jace clearly sensed where my mind had wandered. “No matter the outcome, I am so proud of you. Wherever this battle leads, I will never regret a single choice made since the moment I laid eyes on you. No amount of time with you will be enough, but if we meet our end in this, just know that it was the honor of my life.” His soothing voice wrapped around me like a warm embrace as it flowed down our tether.
“The honor has been mine,” I answered.
He took my hand in his and escorted me from the war chamber, out into the city streets where the citizens cheered in awe of our bravery, and straight to the fields where our soldiers awaited.
Matthias galloped alongside Jace’s stallion as we approached our troops. The lines were forming beautifully as thousands of our men prepared to march into Isla.
Stretching as far as the eye could see, our soldiers stood in disciplined order. Their armor gleamed vibrantly beneath the sun’s rays as emerald banners whipped in the wind on our catapults.
The air was filled with the resonating sound of armored boots and hooves hitting the ground. Nearly matching their rhythm was the beat of Nox’s wings as he soared overhead, circling the army.
My eyes focused in on the banners as they fluttered in the breeze, displaying an insignia I didn’t recognize. Adorning the center of the emerald, flowing fabric was a crest that beheld a design of my original dagger with giant wyvern wings wrapping around it as the Valderre name perfectly flowed through the design.
As the wind tousled my hair, my gaze flew to Jace, his horse thundering beside mine as we approached the back of our army.
“I told you we would have a new crest for you, my queen.” His voice filled my head, and an excited, booming laugh left me in answer as we raced up through the center of the lines.
As we approached the front, my court came into view. I owed everything to my loyal friends, who constantly risked their lives by leading a rebellion in my name and claim to power.
The general, Gage, Zaela, and Lynelle all stood front and center before the army, my Nyra girl sitting at their feet. My gaze drifted to where Veli stood off to the side,accompanying the twin witches. Lastly, my eyes fell upon the healers’ wagons posted separately from the troops of soldiers—Finnian stood at their front, his stance beaming with pride.
I tugged on Matthias’ reins, and his galloping slowed into a trot until his steps completely ceased before the masses.
I dismounted my horse and led him to Landon, who was in the center of the first lines. His hand reached out for the reins, his face hard as stone as he focused on the task of leading this side of the battalion.
“I will trust my horse with no one else. A stable hand turned troop leader…I am so very proud of you,” I said to him softly. A curt nod was given to me as the tiniest smile cracked his lips.
As I turned around to meet the others, Jace, ever the commander, rode his steed along the front lines, his voice carrying over the assembly as he brought their full attention to us.
Veli met me in the center as I faced the army while my mate finished his rounds. Our gazes remained looking out towards the troops.
“What you have done will be written into history, regardless of what becomes of the realm. You have made a difference without the crown properly adorned atop your head. And while I still think that you are a foolish, reckless girl…” Her whispering paused, and a grin formed on my lips. “I am honored to hold the title that you gifted to me. Thank you for trusting me in being your aide.”
I blinked as my eyes flashed down to her while she stood at my side, her face wearing a wicked smile I rarely saw. Heronce violet eyes met mine as her shadows danced around her face. “Thank you for guiding a foolish, reckless—”
“A brave, loyal, and noble queen,” she cut me off. “It has been an honor.”
A smile formed without my permission from her praise—something I never thought I would hear.
Jace brought his horse to a halt at our side and looked down at me. “They are ready to hear from their queen.”
My feet carried me forward, separating me from my court as my eyes drifted over everyone—their stares boring into me.
I lifted my hand and let out a sharp whistle into the sky, and a moment later, the ground beneath our boots rumbled as Nox landed directly behind me. His horn-covered head hovered over my shoulder only a moment later, acting as my usual guardian.
Soldiers that once cowered at the sight of my wyvern now stood proudly before us both. Not a single flinch caught my eye as he faced them all.
The tiniest smirk tilted my lips as I turned on my heel and climbed onto Nox’s back. I stood on his shoulder, my arm reaching for his neck for extra balance.
“My fearless warriors,” my voice rang out, cutting through the silent valley like a blade. “The day is upon us when we must end the brutal slaughter of the mortal race. Our enemy remains tireless and insatiable, seeking to destroy everything you have rebuilt.”
I paused, letting my gaze linger on the faces of each soldier on the front lines.
“Now, I understand that I have never had the pleasure of fighting side by side with most of you on the battlefield, and I am thankful for you giving me that opportunity today. Not only to be alongside you but trusting me to lead you there. Many of you have fought by my mate’s side for years—facing the horrors dealt from the fae that would break the spirit of lesser men. You have bled, you have suffered, and yet you stand here unbroken and unyielding.”
My gaze drifted down to Jace, who remained in the saddle of his horse directly next to Nox. “Your words mean a great deal to them…and to me.” His voice filtered to me.
