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Chapter Thirty-nine

Arien

I’d thought all was lost.

I’d fought until my arm could barely muster the strength to swing and still I pressed on. I’d used my sunlight to force people away, knock them off their horses, or burn them slightly. I’d scorched myself a path through their armies until I was too depleted to summon the sun.

And yet, still more men came. Their tactic of hitting us with three different armies in waves was honestly impressive, and the General in me appreciated that, if nothing else.

But I also hated every single one of those fuckers. They chose the wrong side, and as the cowards sworn to my father ran for the hills, I still couldn’t believe we’d done it.

That she’d done it.

I’d never seen anything like Asteria’s power before. The starlight was beautiful, of course, but the power behind it was surprising.

She had to have as much power as Calix did, rivaling him for the coveted spot of the most powerful Fae in Celesterra. Or maybe they were perfectly equal, as mates should be.

They’d joined together, sending that blast of starlight and shadow at the enemy forces. The impact sent the entire regiment scrambling and retreating.

I lifted my sword in the air. “Queen Asteria!”

“Queen Asteria!” The others around me echoed as Asteria and Calix stood in the middle of the kneeling crowd. And then the strangest thing happened.

Calix kneeled before her.

I’d never imagined a Fae man would ever bow to his woman, let alone a king in his own right. By all rights, he had no need to do so. I smiled slowly, happy to see it as Calix took her hand and brought his forehead to it. Like she was blessing him.

Like she was a goddess, come to Adamah.

Asteria stood there, in her silver, black, and purple armor, strong and proud, having just fought off three armies as her powerful mate, the King of Night Kingdom, kneeled before her, along with the entirety of Day Kingdom.

Maybe she was.

* * *

“Humans, huh, brother?” Asteria’s teasing words to me were the first thing out of her mouth as I approached. I huffed a laugh at her, bringing her in for a quick hug.

“I did what you asked and told them your plans,” I explained, and she perked up immediately despite how tired she clearly was. It wasn’t only my first battle, and Asteria didn’t have years of training behind her like I did. I was impressed that she was able to hold out for so long.

“After what our father did, ripping so many humans away from their homes and families, trying to send them to their deaths… well, suffice to say, they were more than willing to help if it meant a new queen who plans to free them,” I admitted.

She’d been right about that. I’d doubted her plan, sure that the humans wouldn’t want to help, and even if they did, I didn’t imagine them being much help to us. But they’d proven me wrong on both counts. They rose up to fight with determination and anger that I wasn’t as shocked to see as I would have been before.

Before I watched Asteria nearly break as she described her past as a slave.

“That’s amazing!” Asteria squealed, looking at Calix excitedly. He gave her an indulgent smile that almost made me feel like I was intruding.

“I think we should crown you officially, Asteria,” I told her, and saw her freeze completely.

“What?” she croaked out, gripping Calix’s hand like a lifeline.

“They need to know that Aelius isn’t coming back. To feel secure in that fact. And I mean the Fae and humans both. They need to see you crowned themselves, to see the woman who just fought so hard for them installed as their queen.” I explained to her as gently as I could.

I didn’t want to push her. I never wanted to do that. But I also knew that we were on a knife edge here. It didn’t matter that they’d fought in this battle; any Fae or human could turn on us in an instant if they thought they’d chosen the losing side.

We almost lost the battle today. It was only thanks to Asteria and Calix that we hadn’t. They knew that just as well as I did.

“It’s no different than Night,” Calix murmured to her, rubbing her back. She nodded slowly, breathing deeply.

I spotted Soren heading our way and nearly groaned. I couldn’t help my lip curling up in distaste, however. Despite his efforts in saving me, his obsession with my sister was not something I’d ever approve of.

“Okay, let’s do it.” Asteria nodded once, decisively.

“What are we doing?” Soren asked, swaggering up to us like he didn’t steal that move from the Fae.

“Crowning my mate as queen,” Calix rumbled warningly. Asteria bit her lip, trying to stop her smile. I could tell that’s exactly what she was doing, enjoying the possessiveness of her mate. I just had no idea how I knew that.

“Can I talk to you, Asteria?” Soren’s emerald eyes gleamed hopefully at her. “Just for a minute; I know you’re busy.” He smiled softly, and oh , he was a manipulative little shit, wasn’t he?

Did he think he could just smile at her and charm her away from her soulmate ? The absolute delusion of this boy.

Asteria glanced at Calix, but his face was stony. She nodded, flashing a quick smile. “Sure, what’s up?”

She began walking a little distance away. Enough that Soren would feel comfortable, but not so far that Fae ears couldn’t hear. Smart girl. Calix’s little smile nearly made me laugh.

As if Soren was any kind of competition.

“Asteria.” Soren smiled, seeming somewhat dazed now that he was actually faced with her. The friend he’d grown up with who was now a Fae queen. His eyes took in her pointed ears and sky-blue eyes that shimmered with starlight with the kind of reverence I was sure my sister would have spat upon as a human.

“Soren,” she repeated impatiently, raising an eyebrow in question.

“You—uh—” Soren stuttered slightly, running a hand through his hair. “I just can’t believe it. All this time, and you’d been Fae.”

“I know.” She sighed, a complicated sound. “But I’m thankful for what it’s brought me at least.” She shot a smile at Calix that made Soren’s lip curl.

“Him?” he spat, shaking his head. “Asteria, you’re queen of Day. He’s king of Night. You know it can’t last. And now that we’re not separated by kingdoms, we could actually be together!”

Asteria’s head reared back in shock. “Excuse me?”

“Asteria, you know we had something special.” Soren went to grab her hands, but she batted him away.

“We had convenience, Soren,” she said firmly. “You were my friend, and sometimes more, but that’s it. I’m with Calix. He’s my soulmate, Soren.” Soren shook his head desperately, and Asteria looked sadly back at him.

“It was more than that. I know it was. I love you, Asteria!” he pleaded, his eyes feverishly bright. “You’ve always hated fate. You can’t tell me you’re with this Fae just because it told you to be. Unless it’s because he’s a king who can give you the kind of lifestyle I can’t. But with you as queen, you can?—”

A sharp slap rang out in the field, and everyone paused to look uncomfortably away as Soren held his hand to his cheek, lifting back up from the crouch the force of my twin’s slap had sent him down to.

Fuck was I proud of her for that.

“How dare you,” she seethed, starlight rising around her as her control on it slipped. “I turned down Cyrus when he offered me every luxury in Adamah I couldn’t access as a human. My dignity meant more to me than pointless luxury. If you knew me at all, you would know that .”

She stomped away from him, coming straight toward us. Eryx whistled as she approached, “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”

Asteria snickered but looked at him, appraising him for a moment. “Can you do me a favor, actually? If you want to stay on my good side, and all.”

Eryx chuckled, shaking his head at her. “Of course. What do you need?”

As she explained it, I nodded in agreement. It was a good idea and would definitely make a statement to the joint people of Day and Night.

“I’ll get everyone moving to the border. We can meet you there?” Eryx asked, and Asteria nodded in confirmation.

“It’s probably better to join the armies now anyway. With Calix and I leaving for the Otherworld, it’ll be safer for everyone,” she said grimly.

With that, the plan was in place. The armies would be marshaled, and then… a long-awaited crowning.

* * *

We sent word to our allied lords to move their armies toward Night. Setting up camp under the mountains would give us plenty of cover, and it was easy enough to maneuver east or west around them if needed.

But the most important part was that Asteria would finally be crowned before both kingdoms, lending her the legitimacy she needed. The Fae armies had seen her fight, and knew she had the strength to lead. The humans were behind her, knowing that she was fighting to free them. I suppose we did need to start considering them in these matters if that was the case.

Once they were free, the humans would be citizens in our kingdom like any other.

And their numbers were significant. They may not have the powers or strength a Fae possessed, but I’d seen the humans do plenty of damage on the battlefield to the unsuspecting enemy Fae soldiers.

Their rage over their enslavement was a power all its own.

It had to have been simmering under the surface for some time, and now, Asteria had lit the match and sparked the flame within them.

Eryx had gone to bring her a dress she thought would be apt for the coronation. She couldn’t wear her armor for such a momentous occasion, after all. The purple dress he’d brought her had long bell sleeves that turned to shimmering silver, with gold adornments down the front and trimming the sleeves and skirts.

She apparently wore it briefly when she was up North, but she’d had an addition added to it, and I watched as two small dragon wings were affixed to her shoulders. They were silver and purple, much like her own wings, but she lined them in gold. The dress incorporated her own colors and Day’s, making it a perfect fit for the occasion.

Mother was trying to hold back tears as she watched, incredibly emotional over seeing Asteria the way she had always imagined.

“You look beautiful, my darling.” Mother said quietly, sniffing slightly.

“Thank you,” Asteria paused, looking mother over as she bit her lip. “ Mother ,” she added, looking uncertain.

A strangled sound came from our mother then, and she flung herself at Asteria, hugging her tightly. Asteria hugged her back with wide eyes, looking at me for help. I chuckled, shaking my head at her.

“Are we doing this or what?” Titan asked as he popped his head in. He paused as he took Asteria in, and she shifted on her feet uncertainly, smiling slightly at him.

“What do you think?” she asked, fluffing her skirts slightly.

He walked over, smiling down at her, “You look like the queen Day and Night deserve. Like an Earendel ruler should be.”

I was left a bit confused by his emphasis, but it obviously meant something to Asteria, who flung her arms around him, whispering her thanks in his ear.

When she unraveled herself from him, she smiled over at me. “Ready, General?”

“Ready, my Queen,” I told her sincerely, a broad smile on my face as Mother clapped her hands together delightedly.

“It’s finally happening!” She gushed as we made our way out. “After all this time.”

“It is.” I shared her enthusiasm, taking her hand and squeezing it.

As we reached the throne room within Day’s fortress on the Etheralta Mountain, I made my way up to the dais, standing by the side of the throne. Both Day and Night’s fortresses were used for mining, but also for emergency evacuations from the cities. They were meant to hold thousands of people easily, and it provided ample space to fit the combined armies of Day and Night now.

Princes Altan and Zakat were also present, as was Calix’s chain of command. His lords and ladies had all joined us for this, too, and it was amazing to see how supportive they all were. I’d met with each of our lords individually to explain to them Asteria’s plan for the future.

Or lack of one.

She still didn’t have a plan for how to rule two kingdoms, but I didn’t doubt she’d find a way once she told me of Calix’s prophecy.

The power of two will be her crown.

This was always to be her fate. And that alone reassured our lords that there wouldn’t be an issue.

Calix himself was standing in as her guard for the occasion. I’d been shocked that he’d been willing to do such a thing, but Asteria had explained her introduction to Night. While she hadn’t been officially crowned yet, and couldn’t be until they married, he’d had her sit on his throne as he stood by her side.

Most Fae kings would never allow such a thing.

It made it hard to dislike him for defiling my sister. I was forced to admit that I found myself respecting the man. From the way he treated her, I could tell he loved and respected her. And what else could I want for my sister?

Although, they really should wed. I may have to remind him of that fact. It would help uncomplicate this a bit.

As the herald announced Asteria, I stood up straighter, my hand resting on my sword’s pommel as I stood on the opposite side of the throne from Calix. We were two bookends, ensuring Asteria would be protected.

She made her way down the aisle to the dais, and everyone bowed their heads as she passed them. She truly looked like a queen. Her dress was appropriately dramatic, especially with the dragon wings. And as she stepped up onto the dais, she came to stand before Mother.

The current queen facing the new.

“Princess Asteria Faelynn Earendel,” Mother began, her voice carried by the magic in place. “Do you come here today with a clear heart and mind, to promise yourself in service of the gods?”

“I do.” Asteria nodded regally.

“Then kneel.” Mother smiled slightly, a bright flush of excitement over her cheeks.

Asteria kneeled, adjusting her skirts, and as she did so, they created a circle around her.

“We come here today, to transition the power of Day Kingdom’s crown from the traitor King Aelius, to the next in line for the throne, the heir chosen by the gods themselves.” Mother intoned, raising her hands into the air.

“We call upon Hyperion, god of the sun, who holds dominion over Day Kingdom. If you bless this ruler to take the crown, shine your light down upon her.”

This was the part that had most of us nervous. The goddess Asteria had somehow chosen her instead of Hyperion. But Mother was sure that since the glow of the heir had appeared around her, all would be well.

As glowing beams of sunlight appeared from above, shining through the domed crystal window on the ceiling above, they fell directly on Asteria, bathing her alone in the light of the sun…

Mother was proven correct.

She opened her mouth to continue, a smile firmly in place from the moment the sunbeams appeared, when starlight suddenly shot through the window, shimmering and shining, hovering around the beams of sunlight and joining it in caressing Asteria’s skin.

The crowd murmured in wonder, having never seen such a thing. I tried to control my facial expression since everyone could see me, but shock reverberated through me.

“We give thanks to the gods for showing their approval, and blessing the chosen heir,” Mother continued once she gained her bearings over the surprise. “The time has come for the princess to become a queen.”

She looked down at Asteria instead of the crowd. “Princess Asteria, do you promise to love, protect, and serve the citizens of Day Kingdom as your own?”

“I do.” Asteria nodded her head once.

“Do you promise to honor the gods who have given you this blessing?”

“I do.”

“Do you promise to uphold and respect the tradition and laws of the land?”

There was a small pause, and I swore I could feel Asteria’s smile as she responded.

“I promise to uphold and respect the traditions and laws that deserve it, and to improve and adjust the ones that don’t.”

A cheer went up from the back, the humans present showing their appreciation for her answer. She was better at this than I’d expected, but I also knew it was entirely genuine and not any kind of political ploy. Calix’s proud smile was prominent as he watched her, and I saw similar ones on the faces of all his people.

Mother even looked proud, and I knew she struggled with Asteria’s attitude toward this. She clearly enjoyed the reaction. However, her political mind saw the benefits of having these additional bodies at her disposal. I saw several more fights coming to pass about this in the future.

“Then, as the current queen of Day Kingdom, let it be known that I renounce King Aelius on behalf of Day Kingdom and its citizens.” Mother swallowed hard, and I could tell that despite the years of planning, this was difficult for her.

Father may have never been much of one to me, but he was her mate. I knew there was no way it didn’t hurt her deeply. But Mother had always been willing to do whatever it took to protect her children.

She nodded to me, and at that signal, I turned and picked up the crown from the podium. It was one we had commissioned for Asteria, knowing the masculine crowns from previous rulers wouldn’t work for her. Instead, the craftsmen made a more feminine version that still fit the aesthetic of the traditional crowns.

It was, of course, gold, with a large golden sun in the dead center. Inside the center of the sun, a round purple jewel shone brilliantly. Clouds crafted of star opal, chosen for both the white hue and it being a major export of Day, sat on each side of the crown. Curved golden rods held up golden stars with star opals in their centers. I didn’t mention it to Mother, but I ensured the curves resembled the shape of a crescent moon. Rows of shining light blue gems were used to line the bottom and represent blue skies, and small purple jewels and golden stars hung down from the bottom and were meant to lay across her forehead.

I handed it to Mother, who held it above Asteria’s head as she tried not to cry.

“I crown you today with the blessings of all of the gods, including your ancestor, Earendel himself, one of the kings of the gods, and Hyperion, god of the sun who rules the day,” Mother paused for a moment before a small smile snuck out. “As well as Asteria, goddess of the stars, and your namesake, to be the first ruling queen of Celesterra.” She placed the crown gently on her head, and Asteria stood gracefully from her knees, turning to face the crowd.

“I now pronounce you, Asteria Faelynn Earendel, Queen of Day Kingdom!” Mother called, and the crowd cheered wildly.

“Queen Asteria!”

“The first Queen!”

“Queen of Day!”

“The Star Queen!”

On and on it went, and the brilliant smile on my twin sister’s face was a thing to behold, with tears lining her eyes and starlight rising around her and giving her a sparkling aura.

I couldn’t imagine what it must feel like to go from a slave to a queen in a matter of months. I was so proud of her it almost hurt. It would be an honor to serve as her General, in a way it had never been serving under my father.

She was a queen worth serving.