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“Terrified,” I admitted. “And ecstatic.”
“The best combination there is,” she whispered with a smile.
The doors opened, and music started as Vanya and Hazel appeared at the door. Everyone turned to look at them, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Hazel.
She wore a lilac dress with a bodice that accentuated her full chest and her tiny waist. It was decorated with diamonds that ran down the skirt, as if stars had fallen and dripped the diamonds all over her.
The skirt was wide and light and shimmered as she moved. Across her chest, she had a golden sash that matched mine. On her head, she wore a diamond tiara, and her makeup was elegant and tasteful.
She held Vanya’s hand as they walked to me, but her eyes locked on mine, and neither of us saw anyone else in the room.
“Hi,” she said with a shy smile when she reached me.
“You’re beautiful,” I said, squeezing her hand.
“You’re everything,” she breathed in return.
I turned to Vanya.
“Thank you,” I told her. “For everything. You have no idea how much it all means to me.”
“You’re more than welcome,” Vanya answered with a smile. “From now on, call me Mom.”
I beamed at her, and she hugged me.
When I looked over her shoulder, I caught my mom’s eye, and she smiled at me, just before wiping a tear that slipped from her eye. Agatha looked just as pleased next to her.
In the last couple of weeks, my sister and Hazel had become very close. It was so good to be able to have them all with me, and to not have to fear for their safety as I had for so, so long.
We turned to Nylah, and Vanya joined Zita at the front of the crowd.
“We’re gathered here today,” Nylah started, smiling warmly at both of us, “to celebrate the mated union between two individuals who have found each other against all odds. Terra has already solidified and approved of their bond, but this ceremony is twofold. Not only are we celebrating the union, we are also watching their ascension to the throne of Palgia.”
She nodded to Rainier, who walked up the steps and stood next to me.
“You have proved yourself a worthy king,” he said. “Not only were you willing to lay down your life for your people, but you also gave them what’s best for them, and you fought for their freedom. A better king could not be asked for, and it is with great pride that I officially hand you the Kingdom of Palgia. Long live the King!”
“Long live the King!” everyone in the room echoed.
Rainier turned to Hazel. “You’ve proven that you are a wise woman with the strength to support your mate and your king through every adversity. You are loyal to your people, and you are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. A king always needs a good partner by his side to guide him, to support him, to be his strength in times of weakness, and his biggest ally in his victory. You are worthy of the throne. Long live the Queen!”
“Long live the Queen!” the crowd repeated.
A servant stepped forward, holding a velvet pillow with a crown on it. Nylah took the crown and lifted it into the air.
“With this, I bestow upon you the burden, the responsibility, and the honor of being the King of Palgia.” She lowered the crown onto my head. It was heavy, and I had to focus on keeping it on. “You are now, and will be until your death, the King of Palgia, the start of a royal bloodline. Your offspring will follow in your footsteps as rulers, and you will be remembered in history as the king who laid it all down for his people. Erol the Brave. Erol the Selfless. King Erol of Palgia.”
“Kind Erol of Palgia! Queen Hazel of Palgia!” the multitude cried out, and the whole room fell to one knee with their heads bowed.
I looked out over my people, and a lump rose in my throat. Their loyalty was moving.
Hazel took my hand and squeezed it, sensing my emotions. She poured love and support through our bond. She was happy for me, and I felt it.
“I love you,” I mouthed to her.
“I love you, more,” she mouthed back, and I smiled at her.
When the men and women in the room stood again, it was done. Hazel was my mate, and we were the official King and Queen of Palgia.
