Page 103 of Faeling
“My good people!” he proclaimed, voice booming across the basilica.
As one, the court took a breath and held it.
“Thank you for coming today. It is with great pleasure that I announce to you—I have chosen my bride, your queen.”
Murmurs darted amongst the crowd, but to a one, they stared up at him, breath bated.
“She is Lady Ravenna Broch, and she is my mate.” Sweeping his arm to the side, the crowd’s gaze followed.
Trumpets and flutes played a celebratory tune, and from the small door leading back into his personal wing, beneath burgundy banners and golden flags, came Ravenna. She stepped forth into the light of the basilica, a vision in red and gold. She seemed to catch flame the further she came, the late-morning sun sparkling against her skin and jewels.
Hair rippling behind her, she descended the shallow steps to him. Holding her skirts with all the grace of a trained courtly lady, her little slippers peeked beneath the hem. She took measured, graceful steps, and the closer she drew, the harder Vallek’s heart beat in his chest.
Pride lanced him through, and when he offered her his hand, he nearly shuddered to feel her cool hand slip into his.
Drawing her closer, he smiled down at her.
He could see the nervousness gathered at the corners of her mouth, but she stared up at him, her jaw set in that defiant little way she had.
My brave girl.
Together, they turned to face the shocked court. Scores of wide eyes stared back at them, and more than a few mouths dangled open.
Offering Ravenna’s hand a small squeeze of support, he told the orc-kin gathered and all the world, “The beast has chosen a mate, and your king his queen.”
His declaration was met with only silence, although this one seemed far cooler than the one of a few moments ago. The eager anticipation had bled from the crowd; now, many seemed confused, baffled even. But not angry. Vallek would take it.
He heard Ravenna take a deep breath, and beside him, she made the vows they had practiced over the past three days.
“I, Ravenna Broch, swear loyalty to the throne of Balmirra, the kin of Balmirra, and the heart of Vallek Far-Sight. The protection of the realm shall be my sworn duty, and service to its people my honor. I am Ravenna Broch, mate to Vallek Far-Sight, and it will be my honor to be your queen.”
Two heads shorter than all the orcs, lilac skin stark against his green hide, she stood tall, making her declaration proudly, loud enough for every ancient stone of the basilica to hear.
Gods, he loved this woman. He might demand she say all this for him again, in the privacy of their bed later tonight.
Her declaration was met with more silence. It seemed he had truly shocked them.
“Some of you may already know Lady Ravenna as thekonein my service. She has aided me these past years in bringing prosperity and unification to our kingdom. With her beside me, Balmirra will lead the way into our new age.” Gesturing for Eydis to step forward with the box she bore, Vallek said, “It is a gift to have found my mate and an honor to be claimed by her.”
Opening the box, Eydis offered Ravenna the gold torque laid on a bed of velvet inside. It was a piece he’d had designed well over a decade ago, in anticipation of finding his mate. Years had gone by without cause to wear it, and it’d been at least sevensince Vallek had last opened the box.
The smooth surface of the torque gleamed brightly, a large ruby inset on either end winking up from the velvet. Ravenna lifted it from the box, Eydis backing away to leave the two of them atop the dais.
When Ravenna looked up at him again, a genuine smile wreathed her lips. He relished the covetous glint in her eyes—it pleased her to claim him before everyone.
I’m yours,he mouthed to her.
She lifted onto her toes as he bent to meet her—
“This is a farce!”
The crowd gasped and muttered, backing away from the orc who’d spoken. It was Grogar, an impetuous young orc of noble blood. He’d become the scion of his house far too young, and he was far too proud of the wealth and prestige his family—not him—had accumulated.
Vallek turned to curl his lip at the impudent whelp when another stepped forward.
“Is it true she’sfae?” demanded Lady Silvia.
More gasps from the kin, outraged this time.
