He’d never figure out how she’d organized all of this so fast, but sometime later, he took his seat with everyone else. This was Eldritch business; the rest of them were present as witnesses and guests. A bishop in a crimson robe presided over the occasion, intoning a deeply spiritual prayer in ancient Eldritch, then the eerie human-pipe-singing began.
Finally, Thalia took the stage in slow, measured steps, bowing her head so the bishop could place a simple silver crown on her head. The corona sparkled in the early spring sun, catching the engraved flower and ivy pattern. Though it had been polished, Raff could tell the crown was incredibly old, long stored in some deep, dark vault.
She turned to the envoys from the great houses then. “Do you pledge to me?”
“With our hearts and lands, we are your true and loyal men,” they vowed.
“It is done,” the bishop said. “Behold your queen, Thalia of the Silver Throne, first of her name. Long may she reign!”
Cheers went up from the courtyard, the ramparts, everywhere their people had gathered. Later, there would be wine and feasting, but Raff could not tear his eyes away as Thalia came to him amid a flurry of dried herbs and flower petals, where she’d had him waiting at the edge of the red carpet.
“This is your Prince Consort. His word is like mine. His heart is one with mine. Love and follow him as I do. We are united in purpose, and that is to drive Tycho’s forces from all our lands, Animari and Eldritch alike. We will have peace. We will have freedom.”
Raff believed her, as they all did, but only he had the right to sweep the queen into his arms and kiss the crap out of her. He’d do that later, when the pomp and circumstance were done. No question, he already had both peace and freedom, because she loved him. For now, he played the elegant gentleman, took her hand and kissed it, bowed deftly to the jubilant crowd.
As for the rest of them, they could damn well find their own happy endings.
Author’s Note
I’m so thrilled that you read The Wolf Lord and hope you’re eager for more in the Ars Numina world. The Wolf Lord is the third book in a projected six-book series, as follows:
The Leopard King
The Demon Prince
The Wolf Lord
The Shadow Warrior
The War Priest
The Jaguar Knight
Would you like to know when the next book will be available and/or keep up with exciting news? Visit my website at www.annaguirre.com/contact and sign up for my newsletter. If you’re interested, follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/msannaguirre, or “like” my Facebook fan page at facebook.com/ann.aguirre for excerpts, contests, and fun swag.
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