Page 109 of Of Kings and Thieves

Laney’s face softened, and she reached out to take my hand, the green scales on her arms glinting in the sunlight. The warmth in her words brought tears to my eyes, and I pulled her into a tight embrace. In that moment, I was grateful that Moredanea had never managed to harm her physically, but the nightmares that haunted my sister’s sleep were a constant reminder of the emotional scars that remained. She had yet to speak of the death of our father and the attack on our village, and I hoped someday she would open up to me about it.

I stroked her hair. “I’m glad you’re safe,” I whispered, choking back tears. Nightmares of what she’d endured still haunted my dreams, a reminder of how close I’d come to losing her.

Laney peered up at me with eyes far too knowing for her age. “You’re sad again.”

I forced a smile. “Just worried about the kingdom. But it will pass.”

“You’re worried you won’t be a good queen.” Her insight startled me. “Don’t be. You’re the best sister ever. You’ll be the best queen too.”

Her simple faith in me eased my doubts, reminding me of all I’d endured and overcome. I had faced down much worse than being queen, I told myself. And I had Col. He would help me.

As if summoned by my thoughts, he entered the room. Taking in my expression, he strode over and wrapped me in his arms. “What troubles you, love?”

Laney gave Col a smile and then went back to her doll.

I hesitated, then decided to bare my heart to him. “I... I’m worried. Worried that I won’t be the queen you need. That my half-breed status will only bring shame upon your kingdom.”

“Our kingdom,” he corrected gently. “And I don’t need a queen. I want a queen. I want you. And if you can’t be my queen, then I still want you, do you understand?”

I drew a shaky breath, and he lifted my chin so that I looked him in the eyes. “The restored Iron Deep will be a place where all are accepted and loved, regardless of their backgrounds. You’ve already shown your strength and wisdom time and time again. You will be a fair and just queen. And I’ll be there to remind you of your strengths whenever doubts arise. But I suspect,” he continued, wiping a tear that rolled down my cheek, “that it’s your heritage and what you’ve endured that will make you exactly the queen this kingdom needs. Your passion and sense of justice are better attributes for a ruler than anything I might have inherited… Except for maybe my charm.”

I smiled up at him, standing on tiptoe to brush my lips against his. “What would you do without me to keep your ego in check?”

“Perish, most likely.” His eyes gleamed with humor. “Now, shall we continue this discussion in private? I find myself eager to lavish you with affection.”

Heat rose in my cheeks, thoughts drifting to intimate moments we often stole together. My gaze flicked to Laney, watching us with a curious expression. While we couldn’t indulge Col’s suggestion just then, through our mental connection, we could share far more scandalous ideas.

The day of the coronation arrived, the castle bustling with activity. Servants rushed to prepare the great hall while guards oversaw final security sweeps. I found myself torn between excitement and anxiety.

Col sensed my turmoil and drew me into an alcove, away from prying eyes. He cupped my face, hazel eyes glowing with love. “Today, I claim my throne. And in a few more weeks, I claim you as my wife, my partner, my queen in all things. Never forget that.”

His words chased away the shadows lurking in my mind. I surged up on my toes, crushing my lips to his. “I love you,” I whispered against his mouth, heart swelling with joy and gratitude for this man who had stormed into my life and claimed it as his own.

“And I you, always.”

The coronation passed in a blur of color and sound. Watching Col accept the ancient crown of Iron Deep, a symbol of the immense duty and power now entrusted to him—this time without the interference of a usurper—filled me with pride. He would be a king beloved by his people, wise, just, and fierce.

“Long live the king!” the crowd roared as King Andris sat on his restored throne with Bloodsong gleaming across his knees.

He officially recognized the efforts of the restored Ironguard, giving gifts and titles to each one, even Silvius the bard, who bowed low and winked at Scarlet. And then, to my surprise, Col held out his hand to me and formally thanked me for my contribution.

“Without which,” he said, his deep voice heard in every corner of the hall, “none of this would be possible. We are here because Samara summoned the Iron Raven and defeated the worst Deviant of our age.”

I swallowed hard, afraid to look out at the crowd. Most had heard of me at this point, but it only intensified the interest. I smiled at Col, who kissed my hand and officially announced our wedding plans, which sent a new wave of anticipation and happiness through the gathered onlookers.

Desiring a celebration that bore no resemblance to Moredanea’s twisted banquets, the Ironguard proposed a different kind of festivity in our honor after the coronation.

And so we found ourselves gathered around a roaring bonfire in the main courtyard, drinks passed around and laughter ringing out as glasses were raised high in toast to our future.

“May your love be as fierce as this fire, and may your reign bring peace and light to Iron Deep!” Scarlet declared, her voice full of warmth and more than a little goblin whiskey.

The festivities stretched long into the night, ale and mead flowing freely as revelers danced around bonfires. Laney laughed and ran among the Ironguard, who had all taken her under their wing, spoiling her with presents and sweets and love. Though her nightmares persisted, I hoped with time the family we had found would help her heal.

As the celebration continued, Scarlet pulled Col aside, her expression more serious. “My king, orcs have been spotted massing in Ravenfell Pass.”

Col frowned, concern flickering across his features. For a moment, I could see the weight of his new crown heavy upon him. Then he shook his head slightly.

“Tonight, we celebrate our love and the hope for a brighter future,” he told Scarlet. “We’ll deal with this news in the morning.”

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