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“You look so beautiful, Halls.” She breathed out and I looked at myself in the mirror.
The emerald green dress flowed down to the ground, lacey flowers adorning the silk material. The color made my hair stand out, seeming redder against the hue. My curls fell naturally against my shoulders, wild and free, just like my men liked. My eyes were bright with happiness, stark against my long, dark lashes.
I had never worn something this extravagant, but today was a special day. The elders had decided that it was finally time for our coronation ceremony. The five Heirs would officially be elected as leaders.
Stepping out of the room with Kalani at my side, as she would always be, I strolled through the halls, butterflies in my stomach. I couldn’t wait to see my men, excited for this next step in our journey.
Over the past six months, we had gone through our own struggles. Madden had to adapt to life with only one arm. I knew he was still frustrated some days, especially when he shifted and had to relearn how to run without a limb. But I was there for him every step of the way, cheering him on. Eli still had nightmares, the Darkness controlling him once more, but this time he had finished the job of killing his loved ones. On those nights, he would always climb into my bed, needing the reassurance that I was okay. Knox still put too much on his shoulders, sometimes buckling under the pressure, but I was always there to ease some of the weight, reminding him he didn’t have to do it alone. And Wilder and I mourned together. With each exciting new moment, we mourned the lives our parents could have had. Wished that they could be there with us. But together, the five of us made it through, our relationships only growing stronger with each day.
Standing at the doors headed to the outside of the castle, I took a deep breath, knowing that this was truly the start to my future. After this day, I would be one of the rulers of Agrum Di Vinum. I would be promising my life to the wellbeing of this realm. A year ago, if someone had told me I was a Divine, I would have laughed in their face. And if they told me I would be standing here, a family and friends at my back? I would have told them they were describing my wildest dream. And yet, here I was. All my dreams coming true.
“I’m so proud to call you my best friend.” Kalani told me before pulling me into one more tight hug. She exited the doors, taking her place among the crowd that had gathered for the event. And then with a smile on my face, I stepped through the door, taking in the four men that stood before me.
My eyes found Knox first, his face no longer stoic these days, but instead blinding me with a smile. His cream-colored suit highlighted his dark skin, his brown eyes bright underneath the sunlight. As I took him in, I couldn’t help but think that he looked like the leader he was born to be.
Moving my eyes to the left, I spotted Eli, his grin beaming as usual. His blonde waves were tousled, eyes filled with glee, reminding me of the first day I had met him. He wore a blue suit, the color matching his eyes. As his gaze met mine, I watched as he mouthed,I love you.
Next to Eli, Wilder stood, the smile that had once vanished from his life, a constant these days. His dark black suit fit him perfectly; his lithe muscles straining against the fabric. He had cut his hair recently, the white strands now closely trimmed to his head, making his facial features even more sharp.
And lastly, the man who had brought me here. The start of my journey. Madden was dressed in a maroon suit, his long hair tied back in a bun, wisps coming free. He could never tame his wild nature completely.
Walking towards my men, I watched as their stares heated, taking in my dress. I didn’t need words in that moment, I could feel how beautiful I was, simply by the way they looked. Reaching them, I took my place in the center, the five of us standing before five thrones seated behind us.
An elderly Enchantress, Johanna, who had taken it upon herself to teach me, stood before us, several crowns by her side. She gave me a warm smile as I took my place before turning towards the crowd.
“Today, we have the honor of crowning the true Heirs of Agrum Di Vinum.” She called out and the crowd cheered. Their excitement made my heart warm, knowing that all our hard work was paying off, as we had a realm of Divines that trusted us to rule them.
Turning back to us, Johanna continued. “As the rulers of the realm, you are swearing to protect your people, your land, your legacy. You swear to lead with dignity and truth. And you swear to give Agrum Di Vinum your power, your energy, as you live a fruitful life.”
“I swear.” The five of us recited, the truth radiating through our voices.
After our words, one by one, Johanna grabbed a crown, placing it on our heads.
The men were first, each of their crowns a simple gold band that wrapped around their heads. Johanna stepped up to me last, my golden crown dotted with onyxes, the rays of the sun hitting them just right, causing them to shine. Leaning down slightly, I felt the weight of the crown rest on my head, and I knew this was where I was meant to be. Forever.
“Long live thediciludus!”Johanna called.
“Long live thediciludus!”The crowd cheered, hollers of excitement rolling over me.
And as I took my throne, among the men who had given me the family I had always craved, I felt a sense of peace that had been missing for too long. And then I recited the words to myself, hoping they were true.
Long live the diciludus. Long live the Distinct.
Epilogue
Eli
I stood excitedly at the altar, my foot tapping impatiently. Knox nudged my side, silently urging me to stop, but it was hard to contain my happiness. Knox, Madden, and Wilder stood by my side, wearing the same suits as we had at our coronation. It had been almost two years since the day we had officially taken our roles of rulers of the realm. And in those two years, prosperity had flourished.
Agrum Di Vinum was continuing to grow, the land sprouting trees and fields that had been destroyed. Communities were developing, more school houses popping up as more children were born. Everything was almost perfect, there was only one thing we had been waiting on. And today, we would have to wait no more.
The music started, and my eyes snapped to the aisle, knowing the moment was here. My eyes refused to budge as I waited for my beautiful woman to step forward. And then she was there, the most gorgeous sight I had ever seen.
Her white gown flowed around her, layers of fabric creating the skirt. Lace flowers decorated the skirt, moving up in a pattern to form the bodice entirely. The top dipped low, showcasing her creamy skin dotted in freckles, begging to be kissed. Her sleeves were dripped in lace flowers, hanging off her shoulders, baring them.
But as beautiful as her dress looked, nothing could diminish the beauty of her alone. Her red curls were wild around her face, her bronze eyes dancing with the happiness I had promised to bring her every day. Her lips were luscious, drawing my attention as they spread in a smile, and I couldn’t wait to kiss her.
But first, she needed to make it down the aisle. And as she walked towards the four of us, a mix of love and pride filled me, wondering how I ever got so lucky to have this woman by my side. As she reached us, her eyes met each of ours, love in her gaze.
