Page 72 of A Kingdom of Magic and Rain

“Adrian Grayland Argent,” Lady May started reading from the book again. “Do you swear to rule Aubrielle to see it prosper and flourish to the utmost of your power?”

There was a beat of silence before he answered, “I do,” his deep voice echoing through the hushed throne room.

“Do you promise to uphold and enforce the laws and traditions of this land to the utmost of your ability?”

“I do.”

“Do you swear to put the best interests of this kingdom at the heart of every decision you make as its ruler?”

“I do.”

When Celestina approached with Sorin’s crown, the sapphire gems on the spikes were dull, but that changed a moment later, when she placed the crown on Adrian’s head. The silver glow returned as if Silberium in his blood was powering up the headpiece. I watched him closely as the crown’s weight settled on his head. He briefly closed his eyes and swallowed, which was the only indication that his feelings about his new title might be similar to mine.

“Emelin Elise Argent.” Stunned by my new name, I looked up at Lady May.

After I had sworn the same oath as Adrian, Celestina placed the smaller crown, which used to belong to her, on my head. Its unwelcome weight immediately pressed down on me, and for a second, I didn’t think that I would be able to stand up. With Adrian’s help, I managed to get to my feet and turn around, facing the sea of skeptical and dubious expressions in the room.

They hate this, and they hate me, I thought as I took in my new people, who looked more like statues carved out of stone than beings made of flesh and blood.

“I present to you, Adrian and Emelin Argent, the High King and Queen of Aubrielle. May the Stars guide their way,” Lady May proclaimed.

Shuddering, I made an effort to school my features, hoping that I didn’t look as miserable on the outside as I was feeling on the inside. More reserved applause ensued as Adrian reached for my hand. When I instinctively pulled away, he held on tighter and said under his breath, “We are a symbol.” My gaze darted to him, but he didn’t meet it, staring straight ahead. Clenching my teeth, I threaded my fingers through his. I wished we didn’t have to be a symbol and could simply be us, even though I didn’t know if there could still be an ‘us’.

“Today marks the day of great change,” Adrian’s voice boomed in the throne room, silencing the half-hearted cheers. “Aubrielle and Emeraldia had been cut off from each other for a hundred years, each kingdom growing weaker on its own. This changes today. Emelin and I have entered into a wedding union to bridge the gap between our worlds and take us back to the better times when the Fae and mortals lived in peace. The change we set out to accomplish starts with trust. The wards between the kingdoms will remain down as a sign of the trust we place in each other. We have discovered that, through this union, we can help both our lands. We will continue to build upon our strengths and remediate our weaknesses. Together.” One side of his mouth turned up in a tentative smile as he looked at me, but I couldn’t force myself to smile back. Not when he was speaking about trust mere weeks after betraying mine. He must have noticed the shadows in my eyes because his smile faded. “We should take our thrones,” he said low, gesturing to the small throne to my left.

Pulling my hand from his, I took a breath to steady myself, determined not to trip this time. I walked a few steps to the sturdy silver throne with dark-blue cushions. Positioning myself in front of it, I waited as Adrian strolled to his throne, which was bigger and more imposing than mine. When we took our seats at the same time, I instantly felt out of place. Perched on the throne, with my back ramrod straight, I wanted to scream, I don’t belong here!

Adrian rested his left arm on the arm of his throne in an invitation for me to take his hand if I wanted to accept it. I didn’t, clasping my hands in my lap. He balled his hand into a fist and faced forward as faeries began flocking up the dais to congratulate us on our wedding and to pledge their loyalty. After a few minutes, all the names and the flawless features became a blur until I came upon a familiar face I hadn’t seen since the day on the border two weeks ago.

Tom’s angular features were even sharper in his Fae form, making him appear harsh and unyielding. “My King, my Queen.” He bowed before Adrian and me after he had reached the top of the dais.

I couldn’t stop myself from leaning forward in my seat. “I know what you did,” I said through my teeth.

He squared his jaw. “Then you know that I will do anything for the crown.” His gaze flicked up to the top of my head. “Which you now wear, Your Majesty.”

I straightened from my lean and narrowed my eyes at him as he bowed again before descending the dais. He joined the other Fae filing out of the throne room.

“They’re going to the Banquet Hall,” Adrian informed me, following my gaze. “Once we’re finished here, we’ll join them for dinner and dancing.”

A grunt nearly escaped me because the night wouldn’t be ending any time soon. Sighing internally, I squared my shoulders and greeted yet another faerie. Not all those present decided to climb up the steps to pay homage to their new sovereigns, but I was more relieved than perturbed by the fact.

After a while, when the constant stream of faeries had trickled down, Adrian rose from his throne and offered me his hand.

We are a symbol, I reminded myself as I let him pull me up to my feet.

“We don’t have to stay long. The celebration will last well into the night,” Adrian said as we strode to the Banquet Hall.

I nodded, relieved and terrified all at the same time. I didn’t want to stay long at the celebration, but once I’d said goodbye to my family, they would return to Emeraldia, and I would remain in Aubrielle…alone.

“Emelin!” Luna’s high voice pulled me from my thoughts as soon as Adrian and I entered the Banquet Hall. “Congratulations!” My cousin gave me a quick embrace. “I’m so envious. You didn’t even want to be a queen. Say, what about the prince? Is he available?” She discreetly pointed at Tarn standing a few feet away.

“Oh, Luna, that’s a terrible idea.” I scowled at the prince’s back.

Tarn turned around and flashed a dazzling smile. “Emelin,” he drawled, walking over to me. Adrian, whose hand was still wrapped around mine, tightened his hold. “You look divine!” My scowl deepened as Tarn’s oily gaze slithered over me. “You had better be careful, Brother, or I might steal her away.”

Adrian tensed next to me, his hand squeezing mine to the point of pain, as if he was barely containing his rage.

“Dance with me.” I pulled him away from his brother.