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“That’s because I’m the only one who feels no pressure to succeed. I know this is stressful for you.”

“Perhaps it’s good practice. Securing the crown can’t be half as stressful as ruling the kingdom.”

“Yes, but even that you don’t have to do alone. You’ll have support and assistance as king.”

He nods absentmindedly.

“You’ll be an excellent king, Ry.”

“That’s not my concern.”

The effort not to roll my eyes is stronger. I’m willing to bolster him when he’s feeling downcast, but I don’t need to fan his ego if it’s still so strong.

“It’s that I can’t imagine what I could do or be if I’m not king. This has always been the only plan for me, the only future. Without it…”

“It’s still your future.” This is a worry I can sympathize with. He had a defined plan, and the potential erasure of it would be unnerving for anyone. I mostly lacked a plan when my life suddenly took on one I didn’t expect, and that was jarring enough. “The path to it is just different than you anticipated.” I pat his arm, and he responds with a slight grin. “Shall I assume you won’t be around tomorrow in preparation for the trial?”

He narrows his eyes at me. “I will want to make sure I’m well rested.”

“I doubt you and Ossana will be resting much, but have no fear—I’ll cover for you if anyone asks.” I flash him a cheeky smile, which he only counters with a shrug.

“You’ll understand someday.”

I take a bite of the tartlet, certain any flushing on my part will look like I’m embarrassed to talk about me having sex someday. Really though, I don’t know that part of it. To be relieved and relaxed afterwards is a foreign concept to me. Or at least fleeting. Those feelings are quickly replaced by sadness over the impermanence of it, knowing it’ll be taken away from me.

Not anymore, though. Soon, the act of making love will fortify the stable bond between my husband and me. I’ll be able to count on him always being there. Life will be easier and happier like that.

Until then, I’ll have to get my relaxation by lounging about, like the angel I’m meant to be.

Chapter twenty-seven

It’s quieter in the holding room under the stands than it has any right to be. Above, thousands crowd in to watch the first trial as my sister and I have our last private moments before the spectacle begins.

Nina stretches her legs, her black leather leggings like oil over her skin. “Ara, I can’t believe you.”

“I am proved right with every passing moment. Every word from my mouth should be regarded as prophecy.” I lie on the stone floor next to her, not doing much of anything.

“I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re talking about.”

“Wasn’t it me who said if we put on some good shows, no one would remember anything other than how much they adore us?” I drop the permeable shield to let the full volume of sound hit us. “I’ll admit, this is a rather different show than I had anticipated, but the theory is still correct. Weddings and coronations shall be boring now, I suppose.”

My fiery sister hops up to her feet and tightens the leather strip around the end of her long, dark braid. She smooths her burgundy tunic and bounces on the balls of her feet. “Your nonchalance is unsettling.”

“Your own worrying is what’s unsettling you.” Tomas was silly for thinking he had to do my worrying for me. Everyone is doing plenty of it.

Mother and Father enter, flanked by Rylan and Marcus, and Mother glances at me. Before she asks, I shield us from the cacophony above.

“Thank you,” she says.

Nina offers me a hand to help me up, her palm hot enough to sear my skin. As I tug down my alabaster tunic, I fan her with a cool breeze, and a small smile offers me her silent thanks.

“The four of you are doing an incredible thing for Alchos,” Father says. “This has sparked great excitement for people from every walk of life. We know you will make us proud.”

Mother nods. “Enjoy the freedom to flaunt your powers. We live so much of our time restrained—have some fun. Do not maim or kill each other, however.” She grins, but I wonder if such a rule might actually be necessary. “Best of luck, my loves.”

The shield dissipates to let the Queen and King out to start the event. Marcus and Nina are the only ones to make eye contact as tension ripples through the air.

Rylan addresses us, cutting through the silence. “You should all know I do not resent you for making me work for the crown. This should not come between us. We are still brothers and sisters, regardless of what happens in this arena.”