AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He shakes his head defiantly. “You shouldn’t. I’m fine.”
“How did you know I was up here?”
“I didn’t,” he says, looking sternly in my direction. “When Zen came to the infirmary, I got a bad gut feeling. He was nervous and twitchy, which made me think he was up to something. Lizette wasn’t happy about me leaving, but she force-fed me a gallon of elixir.”
That explains the rush of energy, but now that the effects are wearing off, he’s starting to sway on his feet.
“You need to sit down,” I urge, hurrying to his side. “Let’s get you back downstairs.”
“I doubt I’ll make it that far,” he says, his eyes flicking toward the door. “But there’s a spare bedroom down the hall. Come. I’ll rest there.”
It isn’t ideal, but I don’t argue. As long as he lays down soon and we get away Zen’s room and motionless body, that’s good enough for me. Then, I can tell him what I found. I can confirm his suspicions and appreciate the comfort of knowing that we’re all finally safe.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
Nor
Making it to this point was more difficult than I ever imagined, and although it’s a somber event without my father’s presence, my coronation marks an important shift for our kingdom. I’ve prepared my entire life for this moment. It isn’t exactly how I imagined I would receive the crown, but as hundreds of guests settle beyond the set of doors before me, my chest swells with pride.
When I step inside and hundreds of eager eyes fall upon me, I stand up a little straighter. I might not be the terrifying leader that my father was, but these people are here because they believe in my ability to rule. They are here to pledge their allegiance to me and my reign.
My mother stands at the end of the aisle with an officiant, a glittering golden crown sitting between them on a platform.My crown.
To their left, Irissa stands in a flowing blue gown. Her hair is down, flowing behind her in a silver curtain, and my heart skips a beat when our eyes meet. This coronation changes everything from me, including our truce. After this, our agreement will be fulfilled, and she will have the option to stay here with me or leave.
Yesterday I thought I was sure of her answer, but the impending decision has me doubting everything. Will she choose me?
The pews have been removed from the hall for the occasion, but the guests still stand in perfect lines on either side of the aisle. I keep my head high and my gaze pointed directly ahead as I make my way past them. My siblings are standing at the front of the hall, accompanied by Lizette, and they grin up at me as I take my spot before the crown.
When the hall falls completely silent and still, the officiant speaks in our ancient language, his voice reverberating around the space.
“Ealiya mar hertni ei ul pri,” he chants.Our rightful king come forth.
I step toward the platform and turn to face the crown, slowly sinking to my knees as per custom. The officiant continues the scripts in language of our ancestors and moves to drape a ceremonial scarf around my shoulders. It’s silk and hangs over my bare chest to my waist. I remain stone still, eyes glued ahead as he sits the crown on my head between my horns.
“Ealiya mar seint.”Rise our king.
Fighting the swell of excitement mounting in my chest, I stand and proudly observe my people.
“All hair, King Nor Ruthok.”
The hall erupts into a steady chant of bellows before everyone in the hall kneels before me.
This. This is everything I’ve ever wanted.
Well, almost everything.
I look to my right and catch Irissa’s eye, offering her my arm to join me. She obeys, slipping up next to me and slipping her hand around my forearm, and together we head out of the hall together.
Normally there would have been a royal ball to attend after the coronation, but after the two losses our kingdom endured, no one feels much like celebrating. There will be plenty more weddings and birthdays for balls. Right now, all I want to do is get Irissa alone and ask her the questions plaguing me.
“Where are we headed, King Nor?” she asks playfully, leaning her head on my arm as we continue to make our way down the hall.
I laugh. The title will take some getting used to.
“Anywhere you like, but we need to talk first.”
She slows her steps and looks up at me skeptically, worry clear in her gaze.
