Page 167 of The Reaping Rose

The ceremony ends, and we move into another grand hall for celebrations. When I step through the door, I’m still dressed in my royal tunic, but the top buttons are undone, and I’ve left the sword on the dais in the royal hall.

“The great king.” Atlas grins as I approach. He bows almost in half, making a show of it. “It’s good to see you, Your Majesty.”

“Don’t pretend you’re going to start being respectful now.”

“Not a chance.” He laughs, and I turn to Perame, who is seated at a table. Seren is beside her, holding a chilled cloth to the back of her neck.

“Thank you for being here.” I take her hand, kissing the back of it.

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything. Even death.” Her smile is faint.

“How about you hold off on the death part for all our sakes.”

“If you wish, my king.” She grins, and it’s more of a tease than anything as she shoos me away. “I’ll be fine. You don’t need to stand over me and worry. Go do something royal.”

Her eyes track Elorie, who stops beside me. The moment she’s within reach, my hands find her waist, pulling her to my side.

“On that note, if you don’t mind, I’m going to call it an early evening.” Perame tries to stand, and Atlas is there to help her.

When she tries to shove him off, he refuses, sweeping her into his arms to carry his sister from the room. Seren doesn’t follow, but her eyes stay on them.

Elorie’s gaze darts between them, noting the scene, until Letia moves to sit beside Seren, whispering in her ear. Letia’s gold dress matches the veins that stretch from her fingertips to her temple.

“Would you like to stay with your friends?” I ask Elorie, who is glowing brighter than any star. “I should probably make my rounds, and I guarantee it will be endlessly boring.”

She slips her arm through mine, clutching her fingers tightly. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than at your side. Show me what it means for you to be king.”

Gods, she’s perfect.

Loving.

Accepting.

I lean close, pressing my lips to her forehead. “I’ll show you exactly what it means to be king later.”

She shivers as I lead her through the room.

Elorie stays at my side while I meet with each of the leaders of the territories. They pledge their devotion to the Crown and promise to support the needs of Vaelier.

It takes half the night to make our way through the room, and by the time I’ve met with each of them individually, I have a better understanding of my mother’s irritation by the end of evenings like this.

I wait for Elorie to get bored or tired and pull away, but she stays at my side, whispering jokes through the thread that keep me interested. When we finally have a moment to ourselves, I spin us into a private corner so I can breathe her in.

“This is quite a night.” She sighs against me. “I didn’t realize how exhausting it is. I’m surprised you’re still standing.”

“Regretting sticking around yet?”

“No.” Her fingers clutch my shirt, silver glinting in her eyes. “You’ll do great things for your people, King Riven.”

“You think?”

“I know.”

I hum, eyes narrowing.

“What?”

“I was just thinking… before I do all those great things for my people, I’d like to do something for you.” Her eyebrows pinch as I lift my hand to open a Gate. A drift of the night wisps through as I lower my lips to hers. “I want to show you something.”