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Mother can’t presume why Kirnon has taken to such aggression against us, but a personal vendetta from her not marrying him can’t be ruled out. Everything seems to be in a holding pattern, waiting to learn more or waiting for something else to happen seems to be the way of things. But this is one less thing everyone will need to wait for.

“I know what will help you relax,” Nina says. “Grand Mama is having Etherlee prepared for us. We’re leaving in two days.”

I shake my head. “We cannot take our week at the shore with everything going on.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to become a bore now that you’re the heir.”

I roll my eyes at my sister.

“You all need it,” Mother says. “You should go.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes, darling. The kingdom’s problems will keep, and you aren’t queen yet. Enjoy the time. You’ll be bored to tears when you have to be my shadow afterwards.”

Not long ago, I thought this year’s week at the shore would be the finale of my love affair with Tomas. Then I was certain I’d never be able to step foot in the Valnora estate again without plunging into misery. Instead, it’ll barely be the beginning of my life’s romance—a joy I couldn’t have hoped to experience in the midst of our mayhem. Perhaps Nina and Mother are right. The idea makes me feel better already.

The three of us make our way down to the palace’s main level, and Father lights up when we appear at the top of the stairs. “Arabella, you are a vision.”

I embrace him and glance at my brothers over his shoulder. Marcus looks content. This wasn’t his initial goal, but enough has worked out in everyone’s favor, I suppose. Rylan avoids looking at me. We’ll see how long that lasts.

Tomas keeps a reserved smile, but his eyes sparkle as they look me over. I offer him my hand, and he lays a tender kiss on my knuckles then loops my arm through his. We bring up the rear of the family procession to the stage in front of the palace.

I look up at him with satisfaction wrapping around me—I don’t have to hide any of our looks, touches, or words. At least not around our families. Soon enough it’ll be widely known. “You are about to be betrothed to the Heir of Alchos.”

“Are you going to ask me if I’ve changed my mind again?”

I smirk. “No, it’s much too late for that. You are quite stuck.”

“It’s my own fault. I had my chance.”

“Indeed. Would you like to mourn the lost opportunity for a week at Etherlee?”

His eyes light up. “Are we still doing that?”

“Apparently.”

“Well, since this invitation to the shore isn’t written in blood, it sounds delightful.”

We stop short of where my family is gathered, and I turn to look at Tomas one last time before our lives change forever. He takes my shoulders softly. “You’re going to do great things, Bell.”

“We are going to do great things.”

He gives me a light kiss. “Congratulations, my love.” He walks away to join his family in a nearby place of honor in the audience as I nod and turn to my family.

“Right then,” Mother says. “It’s time.”

She leads us up the steps and takes center stage with Father. The twins stand side-by-side off to Father’s right, Rylan and I to Mother’s left. The roar of the crowd washes over us. A sea of people who look to us for protection, guidance, peace. They’ll look to me, and I will not fail them. I glance down to see the Coyles front and center, beaming. I blink back tears, but this time, they’re joyful ones.

Despite Grandmother’s assertion, Mother addresses our kingdom with the regality of someone born for her role. They think I was, too. I’ll have a lot to learn from her—the way she can enrapture thousands, the balance of showing love while maintaining authority. To be but an echo of the queen she is would be an accomplishment.

“It is with great pleasure that we present to you the future of our kingdom.” My heart picks up at Mother’s words. “The heir to the throne and next ruler of Alchos is Arabella, Princess of Air.”

The excitement would be palpable even without my particular sensitivity to the air. The volume is enough to shake the trees as I step forward. To cheers and applause, I lower to my knees for the second-to-last time in my life. Queens only kneel to be crowned, then never again.

Mother steps forward, holding out the ethereal diadem. Metal twists and swirls as if blowing in the wind, and a perfectly clear diamond reflects light in rainbows in the front. “Do you, Arabella of House Exos, pledge yourself to the kingdom of Alchos, to keep her safe, just, and prosperous?”

“I do.”