Page 102 of Faeling
Ravenna’s breath caught in her throat. He was magnificent.
Adorned in a ruby tunic with golden thread, Vallek wore a gorget studded with rubies just below his throat, etched with the symbols of Balmirra. Ceremonial robes draped from his shoulders, denoting his rank as chieftain, gathered at his wrists by gold bands. Fine leather trou and boots polished to a high shine clad his legs. A belt spanned his thick waist, the elaborate steel buckle so bright it nearly shone like silver. Everywhere little details gleamed in the morning light—gold-threaded embroidering on his collar, iron epaulets at his shoulder, gold hoops in his ears, and rubies in his hair.
He looked for all the world a king, and most importantly, he wore the regalia with all the confidence as though he’d been born to it. That confidence buoyed her spirits.
Such a man wasn’t to be defied. Such a man commanded kingdoms with an iron will.
A lascivious smile spread between his tusks, also capped in gold. “Look at you, love. My queen.” He offered his hand to help her carefully step down from the low table.
Her steps made no sound in the cushioned, pearl-studded slippers as she was pulled into the curve of his body. Vallek dipped down to nuzzle her—
“Don’t youdaresmudge or wrinkle anything!” Hilde screeched.
Vallek’s sigh buffeted Ravenna’s cheek instead of his kiss. He chuckled before pressing a kiss to her forehead.
“You are a woman who deserves the world placed at her feet. Today, I intend to do it.”
“I don’t want the world. Just you.”
Eyes glittering, Vallek raised her hand to his lips to kiss herpalm. “Come, then, my queen. Let me show the people my good fortune.”
Vallek offered his arm, and together, they strode down the hall to the doors, the orcesses chattering behind them. The doors opened, the guards on either side bowing low, and then down the stairs they went, headed for Ninevar’s Basilica.
Ravenna was quickly breathless, and not just from their steady pace and her heavy regalia.
This is it. It’s happening.She wasn’t sure how her parents would feel about all this, but at least they’d sought to prepare her as best they could.
Stealing a glance at the handsome profile of herazai,Ravenna smiled to herself. They would’ve liked Vallek. And not just because he meant to bend an entire kingdom to his will for her.
A familiar nudge pressed against her mind as they walked, Oberon seeking a word.
Good luck today, Crow. I know you will make us proud.
Thank you, Obi. For everything.
Anything for my favorite foal. Oh, and mother says to bite anyone who looks at you too long. To assert dominance.
Vallek stood alone before his throne, staring down the hundreds, if not thousands of kin packed within the high walls of the basilica. Horns trumpeted the beginning of the event, and bodies pressed forward, the central aisle of open space collapsing as kin stepped forward, all wanting the best view of whatever it was to be announced.
Looking out at all the curious faces, Vallek ensured every guard was in position. From her place to his left, Asta winked beneath the brim of her helm. On his right, Eydis nodded from her usual place to the side of the dais.
Excitement prowled inside him, barely caged within his ribs. Perhaps another chieftain, one more careful, might dread what was about to happen, but Vallek could hardly wait.
Just wait until they see.
She would be a secret no longer.
Although orc-kin were jealous over their mates, he would have to share her with the people. At least a little. It seemed a small price to pay. Soon, in mere moments, they too would see what he saw, know what he knew.
Together, he and his faeling were destined for greatness.
Raising his open hand above his head, the horns blew a final time, bringing forth a buzzing silence. Every orc-kin within the basilica leaned forward, eager to hear the news.
Vallek Far-Sight wasn’t one to stand on ceremony, even for official duties. But here he stood, every inch of him clad in the regalia of his forebearers.
This announcement was important.
Indeed, he didn’t want to look like he didn’t belong beside his magnificent new queen.
