Page 44 of Thorn & Ash

“You seem lost in thought,” Trivia observed.

“Just nervous,” Prue said, her hand immediately going to the pomegranate necklace around her throat. Trivia eyed the necklace, something dark stirring in her gaze.

This wasn’t the first time she’d looked at the necklace like that—as if she knew what power it held.

“Do you like it?” Prue asked, holding it up for her to see.

Trivia’s expression went taut, her eyes flashing before she schooled her features into something neutral. “It’s a bit plain for my taste.” She dropped her gaze, smoothing her palms along her skirts.

Prue pressed her lips together. Interesting. Trivia was pretending to dislike the piece of jewelry, but Prue knew better. She would just have to work harder to get the truth out of the goddess.

Rising to her feet, Prue adjusted her dress, ensuring one of her breasts wasn’t exposed, before facing Trivia. “Do I look queenly enough?”

Trivia looked her over before smiling deviously. “You look perfectly regal.”

Prue nodded, steeling herself as Trivia led her from the chambers and into the hallway. The corridor was completely empty, and Prue distracted herself from her anxiety by scrutinizing the intricate carvings on the vases lining the walls.

You can do this, she told herself. You are the queen.

And yet… she felt like an imposter. Someone assuming the role of ruler when she didn’t deserve or earn it. She had tricked Cyrus into marrying her. It didn’t seem fair that now she shared the throne of his domain.

You’re all this realm has left, she thought. With Kronos in control of Cyrus, these people need you to protect them.

The thought sobered her, melting away her fears, and she lifted her chin as Trivia led her down the grand staircase and toward the throne room.

A crowd of demons stood before the throne, which was empty. Prue’s heart sank. A small part of her had been hoping Cyrus would be present, though she knew that would’ve been disastrous. What if Kronos had been in control?

No, it was better that Prue represented them both at this ceremony.

In front of the throne, on bended knee, was Lagos. He wore an immaculate suit, and Prue had to admit it made him look quite handsome. Even the bull’s face did not taint his elegant persona. His head was bowed as if in reverence. In some ways, he seemed more suited for the throne than Prue did. He looked like he belonged here.

Stay calm, Prue thought. You can do this.

She took a steadying breath, her steps echoing in the vast chamber. She sent a silent prayer of thanks to the Goddess that Trivia had found flat slippers for her to wear instead of those high-heeled death traps she’d worn before. Prue was accustomed to running around Krenia barefoot, so the more complex shoes would surely make her trip.

Trivia peeled away from her and vanished in the crowd. At Prue’s entrance, the crowd hushed and immediately parted to form an aisle toward the throne. Prue kept her hands at her sides, willing herself not to tremble. Instead, she reminded herself she was the Maiden of the coven of Krenia. She had played a role of authority before.

She could do it again.

Summoning that same courage and confidence, Prue stepped firmly down the aisle, her head held high as she met the curious gazes of the demons closest to her. Several bowed their heads to her in respect, but most of them looked at her with wary hostility.

This transition certainly won’t be easy, Prue thought.

When she reached the throne, she turned and sat on the edge of it, her back straight and her chin still lifted. Her mouth felt completely dry, and she knew she should speak. But she had no idea what to say.

A resonant clapping sounded from the back of the crowd. Prue stiffened and found Trivia applauding her wildly. Gradually, several other demons joined in, offering polite applause for Prue’s entrance.

Trivia’s show of encouragement bolstered Prue’s confidence once more. She took a deep breath and said loudly, “Welcome. I thank you for joining us today on this momentous occasion. Not only is it the first instance of a blood bargain forged between demon and goddess… but it is also my first act as Queen of the Underworld.”

Someone scoffed in the crowd, and Prue went rigid. She knew she would have to handle this carefully. What was it Lagos had said to her? Some of the more rebellious subjects need a firm hand.

Her nostrils flared as she stared hard at the crowd. “Would someone like to object to that?” She put as much ice into her tone as possible.

A few demons shifted uncomfortably. One cleared their throat. In front of her, still kneeling, Lagos merely blinked, his dark eyes fixed on the crowd. But Prue could tell by the stiffness of his shoulders that he was uneasy.

“Well?” Prue snapped. “Don’t be shy. Please make your grievances known.”

“This realm has never had a queen,” said a voice. “And it doesn’t need one now.”

---