Page 88 of Crown of Ellova: Vol 1

The royal family stands at the top of the grand staircase, ready for their grand entrance. Each family member’s name announced is met with thunderous applause from the crowd as they descend one by one.

Last is Nueena.

“Future Realm Keeper and ruler of the High Ellovian Court, daughter to Nyvenah and Alachite Verrelia, Nueena Verrelia with her Zemra, Tavien Delwinn of the Ink Court.”

Nueena and Tavien walk down the golden staircase hand in hand, Tavien’s face bursting with pride for his Zemra.

The excited crowd parts to let Nueena pass, their joyous cheering endless as they toss marigold petals at her feet on the path to her throne. Nueena embraces Lazalai when she reaches her on the dais, and they both look at me as I pull off the cloth, revealing the crown I created on a plump pillow.

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that the crown was completed before my magic was overshadowed. If I had delayed or abandoned the honored responsibility, I would have disappointed Nueena, and the entire court would be asking questions.

Nu and I face each other, wearing twin smiles so wide and joyous our cheeks will ache tomorrow. We mouth,I love you,at thesame time, and our laughter is drowned out by the celebration around us. Everything that makes her an amazing friend will follow her as she steps into her role as ruler of the fae realm.

Her compassion, unending loyalty, and caring heart.

Her deep wish for everyone to know happiness and a life full of joy.

Nueena loves with all of who she is, endlessly and without restraint, and her friendship is a bright light woven into my life and the future of Ellova. My devotion to her is so deep in my soul, wrapped up in who I am. Adoration and pride burst out of me, my love for her luminous in my chest. I’msohonored to stand up here with her, to stand beside her ’til the end.

The crowd goes quiet, ready for their Guardian’s words as I pick up the crown and gently hand it to Lazalai, who is giddy with excitement.

She holds my creation out to the crowd, the room erupting with cheers. “We pause our midnight amusements and salacious entanglements for a momentous occasion. Our dear Nueena Verrelia will soon be crowned our Realm Keeper. As long as she rules Ellova, we, her court of artisans and crafters, will stand beside her in support. She has always seen the value and dedication, the passion and intensity in our creativity and craft. Nueena deeply appreciates the strength and vulnerability it takes to create. She knows the significance art has on our culture and the value it plays in shaping our society. She has a vision for Ellova worth trusting. The fervor with which she will rule, the attentiveness to her court’s needs, and her glowing compassion for all will be the foundation from which she will lead us all.”

Nueena sits on the opalescent throne.

“And now, our gift to you.” Lazalai stands beside her, gently placing it upon Nueena’s curls.

As soon as it touches her head, it glows. I hold my breath as the enchantment begins, the golden crown coming to life, each closed flower blooming, as dozens of gold butterflies rise and flutter around her, leaving a bright trail behind them before they fly out around the crowd. Gold dust falls from their gilded wings tosprinkle atop everyone. The dust glides over each courtier’s hands to form a single golden band on their fingers. Their gasps of delight warm me through as surely as the relief I feel that losing touch with my magic did not affect the enchantment. Many hold up their hands to the lights above, sending a wave of twinkling lights before Nueena.

Nueena looks back at me with tears streaming down her face. I give her a small nod of understanding at the look of thankfulness in her eyes. I motion for her to hold her hands together. When she does, all the golden butterflies dance back to her, kissing her fingertips before flying up and forging their open wings to the crown.

The gleam of my gift fades and so do the enchantments. The music shifts to a fast-paced melody, and dancing starts, the lights lowering. Fae move and flow to the beat, bodies grinding on one another, as more wine is poured and passed around.

“Della, the crown is perfect.” Delight glows on Nueena’s beautiful features.

I point to the large amethyst nestled in the center of the crown.“The gem was part of Tavien’s family trove. He selected the stone himself.”

“Only the best for my Zemra,” Tavien says, coming up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close, pressing his face into her neck.

Leon stands with his hand outstretched as I walk down the stairs to him. “Let’s dance, Izadella.” He spins me around and pulls my back flush against him to avoid the spikes on the front of my gown. We join the mass of dancers on the darkened ballroom floor. Our hips move as one, shifting and flowing together. When I am not tucked against him, he is spinning me and pulling me back to him.

Every so often he kisses my shoulder or breathes deeply into my neck. His contented sighs during the slow songs and exploratory hands during the fast ones have my body alight.

I’m glistening with sweat and gasping for air when Leon finally glides us off the dance floor. “Let me get you something to drink.”

I nod gratefully, and Leon makes his way through the crowd and out of my sight.

A hand slides around my waist, pulling me close, but instead of Leon’s sweet herb scent I am met with patchouli and black pepper.

Kole.

CHAPTER 37

Kole spins me around to face him. “I knew you’d save a dance just for me.” He looks far too pleased with himself and much too close as he uses his larger body to push me towards the dance floor.

Annoyance rolls through me, and I make no attempt to hide the expression from my face. Kole just smirks at me.

“You really mustaskbefore one can accept the dance, and you,” I say, shoving him away, “did not ask.”

---