Page 61

Chapter Forty-Two

RUNA

I worshipped Carcerem’s new king with all the heavenly rapture he deserved.

Fangs in my branded throat, my fated mate uttered a groan that had me spiraling to the stars.

I collapsed against his chest. Both of us were slick with sweat.

It had been this way for hours. Turned out, having a divine vampire king as my mate came with many perks.

Victor tucked an arm under his head, pulling me into his side.

“I think we should continue to host the Fallen Trials,” he said, as though I hadn’t just given him the most earth-shattering orgasm he’d ever received. The scorched sheets I gathered over the top of us proved my point.

Glancing up and noting his lack of smile, I tensed. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am always serious.”

While this was once the truth, my mate had developed a sense of humor during his time here in Carcerem.

“Veto,” I declared, making use of my queenly rights.

“Hear me out. We could include the other kingdoms, providing an opportunity to make connections and improve commerce. We could turn the event into a spans-long festival. With dancing, arm wrestling, and vendors who sell candied fire zapples.”

Carcerem had a long way to go before we were on the same level as many of the other sacred arbor kingdoms.

“Okay then. We will present your proposal to our advisers.”

Kronk and Drazen were quite proud of their elevated status from common criminals to trusted royals. They acted as civilian liaisons, making sure the needs of people were heard by the monarch. Although, much of their work took place in the local pubs.

We’d tried to enlist Thorne, but he’d politely declined, claiming he and his mysterious dragon had personal matters they needed to handle.

“We could use Idris’s former soldiers as competitors. Allow them to earn Carcerem’s forgiveness.”

“It isn’t a terrible idea,” I admitted. “Since they helped the false king subjugate the villages, it only makes sense that they help rebuild Carcerem’s economy.”

Once Idris fell, his control over his men vanished. Apparently, only a couple hundred were actually loyal to the crown. The others surrendered the moment Idris’s spell was broken.

“And what of your former home? The mortal world,” I hesitated to say but didn’t want to leave anything unresolved between us. “What about that Magister Tiberius fellow you wanted to destroy?”

“I’ve a feeling there are others there whom he has wronged, eager to interfere in his plans. Let him rot in his sad little world. I’ve a kingdom to rule and citizens who worship me.”

If I thought my mate was arrogant before, the love of an entire kingdom had completely gone to his head. It was a good thing he had me here to keep him grounded .

“Speaking of your citizens, we are overdue for the coronation ceremony.”

“They can wait,” Victor growled, rolling me beneath him. “I’ve more important matters claiming my attention and a bit of worshipping of my own to attend to.”

At least he had his priorities straight.

“Yes, you do, my king.” I curled my leg over his hip. “Yes, you do.”

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 of gleaming 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.”