It makes sense. The Dokhalls’ weapons make them more of a threat, but the Zintas know this planet. They know who’s allied with who, where the Dokhalls are most likely to be in danger, and how to evade Dragix’s excellent nose. Spoiler alert: it involves covering themselves with dirt and poop.
Keeping the Zintas from allying with the Dokhalls could be critical in winning this war.
Sarissa leans against the wall. “We said we’d talk about this later, Viv. This is your mating ceremony. You need to focus on yourself.”
I open my mouth, but Cauri tuts, sliding one last jeweled pin into my hair. Unlike the usual complicated updo, this style is relatively simple by design. After all, I need to leave enough room for my crown. My stomach flutters at the thought, and all I can hear is my mother’s voice in my head.
She didn’t even think I was smart enough to go to college; what would she say if she knew I was about to help rule a kingdom? And I will be ruling. Arix made it clear I will be more than just a figurehead.
“I would be an idiot if I didn’t use your conniving, brilliant, resourceful brain,” he told me. “And I am many things, but I am not an idiot.” I may not have much faith in myself, but apparently, Arix has enough faith for both of us.
Cauri steps away, pronouncing me ready. I get to my feet, and Sarissa gives me a shaky smile. “You look beautiful,” she says. “You’re gonna be one hell of a queen, cuz.”
I blink back tears, and she laughs, wrapping me in a bear hug. “I’m going to go take my place downstairs,” she says. “Unless you need me to help you make a quick getaway?” She raises her eyebrow, her eyes laughing at me, and I shake my head.
“Thanks for being so good about this.”
“Hey, you want to rule a kingdom on an alien planet? Who am I to get in your way?” She winks at me and then saunters out the door, likely about to make every man waiting in the ballroom downstairs swallow his tongue. Well, every man except one, I hope.
I take one last glance in the mirror and nod. Cauri smiles at me, and her hard face is suddenly beautiful. “I was the queen’s maid, you know,” she murmurs. “She loved her mate and her son more than anything. She never treated me like just a maid. We were close friends, and when she died, I swore I’d help protect her boy. Kilza would like you. She also had a quick wit and a smart mouth, although not many people got to see it. She was brave too. She’d be so proud of both of you.”
This time, a tear escapes my eye, and Cauri shakes her head in mock disapproval before wiping it away. “Your king is waiting for you,” she says, and I nod.
“I’m ready.”
She smiles at me again, and I feel a little like I’m in the twilight zone. I’m tempted to ask her if she’s drunk, but ever since I nearly died and she saw exactly what it did to Arix, she’s been surprisingly nice. In fact, she hasn’t called me a trollop once. The last time my contraceptive tonic arrived, she remarked that I surely wouldn’t need it for much longer.
It’s more than a little weird.
I make my way downstairs, feeling like I’m floating on air. While the dinner, dancing, and general festivities will take place in the grand ballroom, the first part of the ceremony will be in the throne room.
I suck in a breath as I arrive, and the guards on either side of the doors throw them open, revealing the room itself, which is packed with more people than I could’ve imagined.
But my gaze goes past them to Arix. He’s dressed formally, wearing a black crown, and his midnight-blue eyes are burning into mine as if I’m the only thing he sees.
The feeling is mutual.
Our eyes stay locked together as I walk toward him. I may have been nervous until I saw him, but now I’m consumed with joy and delight.
I feel as if every single moment of my life has been leading to this one. Korzyn stands on Arix’s left, and my mind flashes back to the first time I saw Arix, in this very room. I was so nervous, wondering if we could trust him, and yet I was intrigued and hopelessly attracted despite myself.
I come to a stop in front of him, and we share a grin. I don’t know about him, but I feel as if we’ve gotten away with something. After all, neither of us is dead, and instead, we get our very own happily ever after.
The commander steps close, turning to a guard who presents him with a cushion. My stomach flushes at the sight of the crown on that cushion, and I catch Sarissa’s eye. She grins at me, giving me a tiny thumbs-up, and I almost laugh.
The commander takes the crown, and I bow my head. Arix’s voice washes over me. Somehow still low and intimate even as it carries over the crowd. “Do you, Vivian, swear to give your life to your king, your people, and your crown?”
“I swear.” The crown is heavier than I ever imagined, but I manage to lift my head without it falling off, and I count that as a win as the crowd cheers.
I meet Arix’s gaze, and I blink back tears at the joy I see there. After everything he’s been through, he deserves whatever happiness he can find, and I’m the lucky girl who gets to give it to him.
He leans down and takes my mouth, and from the gasps that sound, I’m guessing this is rather unusual.
And from the way his hands cup my face, I’m guessing he doesn’t care.
I laugh against his mouth, and he pulls back, grinning at me. “Congratulations, Your Majesty.”
I blink at the title, and he offers me
