Page 119 of Destined for the Fae King

“If it wasn’t the Unseelie, whoever did it wanted us to believe it was.”

He nods again.

“And they likely knew that the king would not be one to sit idly by and not react to such a tragedy.”

Another nod.

“So, who would benefit from such a thing? From inspiring war?”

When I don’t continue, he says, “Someone who wanted one?”

“Memnon?” It’s the first name that pops to mind. He was so adamant at the council sessions about the need to go on the offensive to defend the court before the Unseelie could gain more power. “But he was injured in the attack. Gravely so. He didn’t appear to have done it to himself, did he?”

“No. But what better way to avoid blame than to be a victim yourself?”

I roll onto my back, blinking. “If it was him, he had help.” Multiple traitors. Members of the court moving to force things to go the way they wanted them. I turn my head back to Lysandir. “How do we find out if you’re right?”

He takes my hand in his and squeezes it. “I have an idea.”

Chapter 46

With a last sweepof the brush across my cheeks, Fia steps back and smiles at her work. “There.” She smiles at me in the mirror. “What do you think?”

“Perfect, as always.”

Fia arrived just after dawn this morning to help me get ready for the day. I once read that makeup was a woman’s body armor, and I believe it in this moment. Between her cosmetics, the way she’s styled my hair, and the beautiful gown I’m about to step in to, I feel stronger—more confident.

She steps behind me and places one hand on either shoulder. “You will make a wonderful queen.”

I suck in a deep breath. “I hope so.”

“I know it. I’ve believed it since the beginning.” She leans in, giving me a sort of hug. “And I’m honored to be here, to help you in whatever little way I can.”

“You’re a huge help. More than you know.” Tears burn at the corners of my eyes as I stare at our reflection in the mirror.

In minutes, I’ll come before the dowager queen to be anointed as the next via the ceremonial passing of the spear. Hundreds of fae will be in attendance. Some humans too. According to whatFia told me earlier, Selena will be there with my aunt and uncle too. If only Mom could come, but she’s a literal world away from all of this.

“None of that.” Fia releases me and pats my shoulders. “Wouldn’t want to ruin all my work.” She winks.

Another deep breath fills my lungs. “Of course not.”

“Let’s get you dressed and on your way.”

Minutes later, I stand just outside the massive throne room as the doors are pulled wide. This is where it all started weeks ago, where I entered The Choosing and was bound to the king as a potential bride. It was always going to end this way for someone. I yearned for it to be me. Oh, how things have changed since then. What a strange and curving path I’ve walked to end up at this moment.

The room is packed to the gills, but an empty pathway runs from the doors to the dais at the far end where Elaine waits, the spear lying in her lap. Lysandir will be off to the side somewhere, waiting and watching. This moment isn’t a time for kings but queens alone.

Silence falls as those assembled wait for me.

Like a bride, I start my march down the aisle, but no one escorts me. This walk is one I make alone, my head held high, all my focus on the destination. It’s a long walk, but it passes quickly. I pull up hem of my dress and ascend the stairs before dropping to the ground in front of the queen. I kneel there, head bowed.

Elaine rises from her seat, the spear extended to its full length clutched in her hand. “Mira Rivera, Chosen of the King of Fire, I anoint you the future queen of our court. May you bring prosperity to our people.”

She touches the spear to my shoulder, like a monarch naming a knight.

On a pedestal by her chair looms a golden band spotted with rubies. She lifts it and places it upon my head. My whole body nearly vibrates with emotion as it settles on my head. The crown is dainty, light, yet the weight of it isn’t lost on me.

“Rise and take the spear,” Elaine orders.

---