Page 71 of Secrets of Avalon
I don't take my eyes off Melinda, my gaze locked on the whiskey-brown depths of her own, those mesmerizing orbs that seem to glow with an otherworldly light. I drink in every detail of her, from the full curve of her lips to the graceful lines of her collarbones, the way the dress hugs her body like a second skin, a enticing promise of the treasure that lies beneath.
"If you so much as touch her, I'll rip your arms from your body." My voice is a low growl, a warning that tolerates no argument. The beast within me snarls, ready to tear apart anyone who dares to lay a hand on what is mine. Even a man I consider a brother.
I take a step forward, drawn to Melinda like a moth to a flame, a helpless slave to the magnetic pull of her presence. The world around me fades away, the murmur of the others around us, all of it insignificant in comparison.
She is everything. My beginning and my end, my salvation and my damnation. I would lay down my life for her and tear apart the very fabric of the universe to keep her safe.
I close the distance between us, my hand outstretched, ready to take hers and never let go. A sense of rightness settles over me.
I draw Melinda close to my body, reveling in the warmth of her presence, the soft curves of her form molding perfectly against the hard planes of my own. Leaning down, I whisper in her ear, my voice low and intimate. "You are exquisite. Words fail to capture the depth of your beauty in this moment, Melinda."
She shivers in my arms, a delicate tremor that resonates through my very being. The racing of her heart and the hitch in her breath only serves to fuel the fire that burns within me.
Kellan takes up his place directly behind us, with my brother and brothers in arms falling into formation behind him. My parents stand before us, ready to lead the procession.
Together, we begin our descent down the ancient stone steps. My parents lead, with Melinda and I following closely behind. Kellan and my brothers in arms form a protective line behind us on the way towards the main corridor of the castle.
A mixture of anticipation and pride swells within me while we walk. Melinda's hand in mine is both delicate and strong. My parents aren’t fighting me anymore and that is a huge weight lifted from my shoulders.
The usual Fae guards lining the walls have been replaced by Upir soldiers in their bright silver armor, signaling that the changing of the guard has already begun. The sight fills me with a shadow of bitterness. We shouldn’t be leaving. Ever.
As we progress, the sounds of music, laughter, and merriment grow louder. My heartbeat quickens with each step, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through me. This is the moment when Melinda will be truly introduced to our world, and I find myself both eager and concerned. I have my parents support, but that doesn’t keep her safe completely. Not yet.
Upon entering the grand space, we're enveloped by the lively atmosphere. The room is arranged with eight long tables forming a sprawling U-shape, each one laden with a feast fit for royalty. At the head of this arrangement stands a separate table, adorned with the finest linens and glittering place settings, flanked by high-backed, throne-like chairs.
Tonight we feast. We drink. And tomorrow my people will bid Camelot goodbye and return to Vandimoor. At least I will have Melinda this time. And I will have my soon-to-be duties as king to distract me from the fact that we’re not in charge of Camelot.
Past the main table set up the rest of the room is filled with rows and rows of tables for the many guests that each royal family brings with them. The tables are decorated in the colors and crests of each family. The walls also bear finery from each of the eight worlds.
My parents lead us to the head table. They take their seats at the center. And I guide Melinda toward our seats at my father’s right hand. I pull out the chair for her with a gentle flourish. She graces me with a radiant smile, her gown draped around her body like a cascade of liquid gold. I take my place beside her, gazing with pride and love upon the woman I will claim tonight if she will have me.
My brother Destrien appears from the crowd and takes a seat at my mother's left, his expression an odd mix of irritation and solemnity. His usually immaculate appearance seems slightly disheveled, as if he's been in a rush. He should’ve walked in with the rest of us. Why was he already here? But it’s been a chaotic day and I push away the fleeting sense of unease.
Kellan takes position behind Melinda's chair. My knights excuse themselves, each one making their way to join their own people at the various tables scattered throughout the hall.
My parents, King Theon and Queen Isolde, rise to their feet, their regal bearing commanding the attention of all present. A hush falls and all eyes turn to the head table.
My father clears his throat. "My dear friends. Tonight, we gather to celebrate the Changing of the Guard. The Upir will take over as caretakers of Camelot.”
A cheer rises in the room. He's never been one to lavish praise on the Upir so openly. Perhaps recent events with Melinda have shifted his perspective more than I realized.
He pauses, his gaze sweeping over the sea of faces before him, waiting for the noise to die down once again. "It is with great pride and even greater joy that I announce the engagement of my son, Prince Hawke Stormblood, to the Lady Melinda Mayweather."
I blink, momentarily stunned. I knew I had my parents support, but I hadn't expected him to announce it himself. I’d assumed he’d make me announce it, not stand and give his absolute blessing.
A ripple of surprise and excitement runs through the crowd, a buzz of whispers and murmurs that quickly gives way to a swell of applause and cheers. Melinda's hand slips into mine beneath the table. I squeeze them gently, warmth and gratefulness spreading through my chest.
"In three days' time, they will be wed in Vandimoor, in a ceremony that will coincide with Prince Hawke's coronation and ascension to the Fae throne."
Another wave of whispers sweeps through the hall at the revelation of my impending coronation. The weight of the crown settling upon my head has never felt more real, yet it pales in comparison to the lightness and hope in my heart. With Melinda by my side the challenges ahead seem less daunting.
"Yes, my friends," my father continues, his voice softening with emotion, "the time has come for me to step down, to pass the mantle of leadership to the next generation. And there is no one more worthy, more capable of guiding our people through the challenges that lie ahead than my son, Hawke."
He turns to me, his eyes shining with pride and love. "Hawke, my boy, you have proven yourself time and again to be a leader of unparalleled strength, wisdom, and compassion. You have faced trials that would break lesser men, and emerged all the stronger for it. And now, with the Lady Melinda, I have no doubt that you will lead our people to an even brighter future."
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. A lump forms in my throat and I struggle to find the words to express the depth of my gratitude. I rise to my feet, gently pulling Melinda up beside me. Her cheeks flush a delicate pink, and she takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders slightly as if bracing herself. Despite her evident anxiety, there's a glimmer of strength in her eyes that makes my heart swell with pride. She stands tall beside me, her hand still firmly in mine, a united front before the assembled crowd.
"I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me, Father, and by the support of all those gathered here tonight." I scan the crowd, searching for signs of disapproval or confusion. To my surprise, I see only excitement on the faces before me. "I pledge to you, to all of you, that I will do everything in my power to be worthy of that trust, to lead our people with the same courage, compassion, and wisdom that my father has shown throughout his reign."