Page 111 of Queen of Thorns
Rev
Caelynn’s shocked expressionis almost comical.
“Rev,” she whispers. “You don’t have to...”
“No,” Zanterleisha says. “No, you will not dismiss me like this. The courts. We...” She marches forward, panic filling her eyes. “We will discuss this. We can—”
“No,” I say, not bothering to look away from Caelynn. My mate. My love. My fate.
“I will revoke the bargain. Allow you to marry her.” The queen’s eyes are frantic. Pain and fear clear in her expression. I almost pity her.
I hold up my hand. “I’m sorry,” I say. “But you were right when you said the realm is not ready to accept Caelynn. They would not accept her at my side in the High Court. And neither of us would be willing to abandon the Shadow Court, which needs her—requires her. As far as I see it, I only have two options. I can live apart from my mate, keeping our relationship a secret. Or I can join her in the Shadow Court. I choose the latter.”
“Rev,” Caelynn whispers, squeezing my hand gently, “you don’t have to make this decision now.”
“I have never been more sure of anything in my life,” I tell Caelynn. “I don’t know what will happen in the next few days, but if we manage to outlive those creatures, I want nothing more than to be the husband to the Shadow Queen.”
Caelynn releases a sharp breath. She blinks rapidly. “That’s not exactly how I’d expected to be proposed to.”
I chuckle. “It’s not a proposal. Not yet. I will give you the mated jewelry you deserve once this war is won. I will shout to the world that you are mine.”
Caelynn covers her mouth with her palm, fingers shaking. “I don’t understand.”
“I want you more than I want the realm,” I say. “It’s an easy choice, to be honest.”
She closes her eyes.
Finally, I turn my attention back to the gawking kings and queens. “Raijin, I understand if this changes your stance on defending the Shadow Court.”
Rai frowns. “It changes nothing. I’m proud of you, Reveln. And I am beginning to see what you do.” He takes in a long breath. “I will defend the Shadow Court.”
“You are all insane,” my father says.
“I quite agree,” Zanterleisha says. “This is ludicrous.”
Caelynn turns to meet her stare. “The Ancient King has agreed to fight for us. We are going now to deal with the Night Ancients. During that time, my court will be vulnerable. Anyone willing to defend my court during the battle, I will be beyond grateful. But we are going now. And when the dust settles, we can talk again.”
I nod sharply. The High Queen’s hatred sears into my back as I pull Caelynn away and we march together toward our new destiny. “I will not change my mind,” I whisper to Caelynn.
She nods, but I get the feeling she doesn’t entirely believe me. She has always had a hard time believing that she is deserving of happiness. But if we can survive this, I will ensure she is the happiest fae that ever lived.
