Page 25 of Of Stars and Lightning (Sun and Shadows #1)

“Please tell me we can leave soon.” Alix strode up behind them, placing his arm around Nina’s shoulder.

She smiled up at him. “Bored already? Go mingle.”

He frowned. “Not really anything worth mingling with.”

Sol shook her head and smiled. “I vote we leave soon, Alix.”

“Ah, what the Princess says, the Princess gets.” He laughed and bowed in fake reverence.

Nina opened her mouth to speak, but the music below came to a sudden standstill.

Alix peered over the railing.

“My dear Wielders,” Semmena’s voice carried through the room. “It is time for the main event of the night.”

Exchanging a wary glance, Sol and Nina joined Alix at the railing.

The guests parted to let Semmena and his Court through to the dais that held his throne.

The nobles remained in a sort of semicircle before it as the King settled into the stone throne, Gina and Samara standing beside him.

Jeriyah finally decide to appear, as he stood behind the seats beside Gaven, both their expressions wholly serious.

“As you all know, the gods have finally blessed us with my niece's presence after many years of searching for her.” Semmena’s usual playful demeanor was muted, replaced by that fierce, terrifying ruler Sol had heard rumors about.

Until now, although he had been slightly hostile, he hadn’t shown the side Sawyer warned them about.

The side that built a wall to fight against “Jinn,” when in reality it blocked civilians and those seeking their temples.

The way his eyes shone now, as if they could conjure Emberdon’s flames themselves, made Sol shiver.

As if sensing her attention, he looked at her. “Following Rimemere tradition, my niece will have to Awaken her magic before being sworn into her reign.” He motioned in front of him with a wave of his hand. “Of course, after her Coronation Vows.” The crowd cheered.

“No,” Nina said breathlessly. She gripped the metal rails, her knuckles turning an icy white. “He wouldn’t.”

Semmena continued, “We have selected a total of nine prospects from all over the South to compete for godly blessings, to join the Yarrow line in their rule.”

Breathing became difficult as Sol watched the guests separate, most stepping back to leave a neat line of individuals facing the throne.

Coronation Vows.

Where—where have I heard that before?

“Of course he would.” Alix’s jaw tensed, glaring at the people below.

“On this day, we present the prospects for the fifty-third Rimemere Coronation Vows.” Semmena rose, motioning to the line of people. “Please, introduce yourselves.”

“What is this?” Sol whispered, not knowing whether to focus on the people, the guests, or the way the King smirked her way—

The first person, a man, stepped out of the line, turning his face up to Sol.

“Princess Yarrow,” the man crooned, lowering into a bow. “Ezra Sonte, eldest son of Polimende Lord Elias.” His hazel eyes shone. “A pleasure to be considered for your hand.”

Before Sol could voice her confusion, a woman stepped forward. She had to be younger than Sol, hidden behind a heavy curtain of wavy brown hair. “Zeri Zoar from Ventry, Princess,” she curtsied. “An honor.”

“Are you fucking serious?” Sawyer stepped forward from directly beneath the mezzanine, side stepping the line of people now facing Sol. “She isn’t a Rimemere native, she doesn’t have to perform the Vows.”

“Sol Yarrow is the direct heiress of the Rimemere throne, and she will adhere to the traditions that accompany that title.” Gina released a string of Shadows from her place beside the King.

Sawyer met them with a wall of smoke. “So you’re delaying her coronation another two weeks?”

“I am merely following traditions, daughter.” Semmena strode down the dais, stopping foot to foot with Sawyer. “The true delay is Irene not Awakening her.”

"Good gods,” whispered Alix, stalking to the staircase. Nina looked after him with furrowed brows and an expression that made Sol’s anxiety spike.

“What’s happening?” Sol repeated, this time grabbing Nina’s forearm.

The Earth Caller turned to her, expression was distant. “Sol... I’m so sorry.”

The next person separated from the line. “Cade Lane,” the man said, voice smooth as the sea. “Next in line for Teriopa reign.” Then the next.

“Cattya Zelaya.” The woman spun in place, winking at Sol with burning baby-blue eyes. “Lady of Stone Ledge." And the next.

“Jonah Ketar, Princess.” He inched his chin down. “Eldest son of Dianese Nobility.”

There were more left, more introductions and announcements of places she didn't know. But when the next individual stepped forward, half the size of any of the others, Sol’s head spun.

The boy bowed, low and full. He had to be no older than twelve, his clothes loose around long, lanky limbs. “P—Phil Ketar.” His voice wavered. “Youngest son of Dianese Nobility.”

A thread snapped. The mask of poise she tried to keep well fastened at least for the night melted.

Evaporated.

Sol swirled on her heel, fists clenched and chest hot with fury as she followed Alix to the chaos below.