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Hours later, dressed in our royal finery, Victor and I stood before the citizens of Carcerem. Drazen waited beside us with Kronk at the center of the dais, both looking rather noble themselves. In Kronk’s beefy hands was the crown he waited to place on Victor’s noble head.

Carcerem’s sacred tree rose tall and proud at our backs. Gone were the blackened roots. The starved foundation nestled deep within the earth, nurtured by its kingdom. Instead of languishing under the influence of Idris’s rot and decay, its bronze leaves shimmered with a celestial light, radiating a healthy glow.

The citizens gathered before us glowed with health and vitality as well.

Along with hope. They had faith that their new monarch would lead them into prosperous times.

The only thing that would have made the moment any better would have been if Yaga had been able to join us. Words couldn’t describe the joy I’d experienced when she’d sent a messenger to Slyborn with news that she was alive and healthy. Unfortunately, she’d written saying she was unable to attend the ceremony—though she was loath to miss a good party. She’d claimed the fates had big plans for her and her presence was needed elsewhere. My mate had failed to hide his relief at her absence. Still, I hoped she’d visit us soon.

Victor took a knee before the patiently waiting athos, and Kronk placed his crown on his head. The golden halo ofgleaming branches sparkled against his silver-white hair. The fit—perfect.

A matching crown already rested on my head. My mate insisted his queen be presented first.

As Victor regained his feet, Kronk made the official announcement. “Stand, Victor Custodis. Savior of the Kingdom. Guardian of the sacred arbor. Divine Child of the Gods. Unworthy mate of Runa Starborn.”

At this last bit, the newly crowned king arched a brow at me, and I coughed a laugh in return.

Ah, Kronk. Apparently, not even a king was worthy of his sister.

“Good people of Carcerem.” Kronk spread his massive arms. “I present to you your king. Long may he reign.”

Cheers exploded. Drazen raised his hands as well, launching harmless bursts of fiery sparkles into the air.

In lieu of posturing for his worshippers, King Custodis swept me into his embrace, forgoing formality.

“It was sweet of you to crown me first.” I rested my hand against his noble cheek.

“It was the least I could do for the little thief who’d stolen my heart.”

I wiggled in his grasp, eager to start the festivities. “Come and let us live in the moment.”

“Together,” he readily agreed.

“Together.”

Chapter Forty-Three

YAGA

Yaga’smystical essence floated beside that of the temple guardian. Side by side, they watched as Carcerem’s lost king swept his newly crowned queen into his arms. The sacred arbor’s new custodians really did make a striking couple.

“Would you look at that? Never thought I’d see the day that our frigid vampire king acted like a fool in love.” Yaga cackled.

“Yes. They both appear quite besotted with each other. It’s good he’s finally focused on therightmission,” the child with the fiery hair answered.

Yaga snorted. “I thought the dunderhead would never figure it out. Nice ass.” She poked a gnarled finger at her temple. “Thick skull.”

“He did prove more challenging than most,” the ancient child said. “There were several times I believed I’d lose him on the snowy trail to the temple. Once, I almost kicked him off myself.”

The old hag’s cackle rent the air. “I thought for sure pairing him with his fated mate the moment he returned would have sethim on the right path. Some just need a bit more guidance than most.”

“You did well, raising the young sorceress and her protectors.”

Yaga sighed. “I did, didn’t I? I’m going to miss those rapscallions, but my mission in Carcerem is over. It’s time I turned my attention to the rest of my flock. Starting with that handsome dragon fellow. I’ve been mentoring a young lady who will surely knock him on his keester. And none too soon, either. Something big is on the horizon. The realm will need all of Hathor’s chosen guardians to play their parts. As well as her sacred trees. There are so few of them left.”

“Don’t worry. If Runa and Victor are truly committed to fulfilling their duty to Hathor, they will do their part.”

“Their path won’t be an easy one. Do you think they can do it?” Yaga asked the childlike deity.

“I believetheycan.” The child turned to her, a smile tugging his lips. “I have faith.”