IT IS MY CORONATION DAY and Blackfire Castle is putting even Solys to shame.
My family is here along with most of our lords and ladies. Arkain has kept his word and today signifies the beginning of a new union between our people. The road to forgiveness is long, but can only begin by taking the first step.
As I wait outside to be called forward, I look down at my gold gown and smile. My mother had it specially made for today. Sitting at my vanity in the queen’s room, my mother expertly twisted and curled my hair, just as she had before the night the ball that changed everything.
“You look beautiful, my dear. A true—”
“Queen this time.” Her soft laughter tickles my ears. “Look at us. Two queens.”
“But still mother and daughter,” she said. “And as a good mother I am required to ask, you are still being safe, aren’t you?”
“Mother!”
“I know you are married now but from the way you two stare at each other–”
“MOTHER!”
“Your father and I were the same way, believe me, sometimes I could scarcely bathe before the male was—”
“I am not having this conversation with you. I am being safe. I love him very much. That is all.”
“And you are happy?”
I smile softly. “The happiest I have ever been.”
The truth of that statement warms me. Life seemed so cut and dry for me before but with Arkain, everyday is an adventure. A chance to learn about something new. Visit someplace new. That’s my first royal act as queen, to open the bridge to all.
The orchestra swells and I know it is time. The oak doors pull open and reveal quite the sight. The throne room is packed, dark and light elves mixed together. Both of our kinds turning to face me as I walk down the red carpet towards the dias. The throne room is decorated in red and gold candles, as well as dozens of wildflower arrangements from the royal garden. It’s perfect.
I continue forward, my gold dress and red cape that matches Arkain’s dragging behind me. Speaking of my mate, he looks very handsome in his black armor. He came inside me barely over an hour ago and already I hunger for him again. He smiles as I approach him, no doubt thinking the same thing, and helps me onto the dais.
Behind him I see something that makes me gasp.
A second throne, identical to his. I am speechless, so I do something that requires no words. I plant a kiss on his lips as the crowd below cheers for us. I see the love I have for him shining back at me. This double throne is a sign that I am a permanent fixture here. That we will rule Myrkorvin together.
A new age for our people starts today, and I cannot wait for it.
A few words from a priest are recited and before long, Arkain is slipping a pointed black crown on my head. Identical to the one he wears. Not exactly my style but I guess I can work with it.
We turn and face the crowd as another cheer goes up. Raising our clasped hands, streamers and dried flowers are tossed into the air. My family is smiling. Even Garren. It truly is a miracle.
Arkain leads me from the dais and we make our way through the throne room and out the side door. We walk along the stone path as the roar of the crowd inside quiets down. I am not even aware of where we are going until I find myself at the base of the glowing willow tree.
“What are we doing out here?”
“I thought for our first time together now that you are officially queen, we could spend it where I first fell in love with you.”
I’m speechless, so I kiss him instead of saying anything. He deepens it, pushing my front against him. The hunger I always feel for him comes roaring to the surface and I bite down on his lip. He chuckles, grinding his cock against me.
“Any requests on how I take you this first time, my queen?”
“Only one,” I say and he raises an eyebrow.
“Let’s leave the crowns on,” I say before pulling him down on top of me.
