Page 61 of A Crown of Fates
I want to ask more, but Theo cuts in again. “Great. We’re going to get bonded now. Estee will call you tomorrow. Or in a few days, if I have my way.”
“Seriously? I still have questions, like?—”
Theo hangs up, and I shake my head, my heart never happier. “She’s going to kill you for that.”
“She’ll have to get through you first.” He throws me over his shoulder, heading for the door. “Cecil is making preparations. He’ll get Sloane to perform the blessing, since we need an alpha and I can’t do it myself. We’ll be bonded within the next half hour.”
My light-hearted laughter echoes through the room as I dangle upside down. “Are you afraid I’ll change my mind?”
The air whooshes out of my lungs as I’m jerked back to my feet, suddenly standing in front of Theo. “Am I rushing you? The way you looked at me and what you said… I thought…”
I reach up, holding his face securely between my palms. “This is exactly what I want. Me and you, now and forever. Let’s do this.”
“Oh, thank gods.” This time he grabs my hand, and we exit the suite together, practically running through the castle to get back downstairs. I’m not sure where we’re going, and I don’t bother to ask.
Theo not only has my heart already, but he has my trust. Whatever happens next, it doesn’t matter as long as we’re together.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
THEO
The moment Estee said that she wanted to be officially bonded today, my mind went into overdrive. Jerome being unavailable wasn’t ideal, but I’m getting better at remembering that I’m not ruling this kingdom alone. I have people who can and even want to help. Cecil was my next thought, and I reached out to him. He’s almost always around the castle, overseeing the staff, which might actually make him perfect for what I’ve asked of him.
After, giving him instructions and asking him to prepare Sloane for the ceremony. I’m not the least bit nervous about what comes next, only eager to never let my incredible mate leave my side again.
With Estee seeming fully on board, we race through the castle, and I take her through one of the back exits. Cecil has only had minutes to prepare, but I haven’t asked for much, so I hope he’s ready.
Outside, the sun is high in the sky, its warmth spreading over my skin as if Lunara itself is blessing this moment.
Estee beams up at me as we rush across the expansive backyard. “Are you going to give me any details? Should we at least have changed clothes?”
I pause momentarily, glancing down at our outfits. While they’re presentable for day-to-day activities, she’s right. I’m rushing this. Not thinking all the details through. My enthusiasm just might ruin everything.
“We can go back and do this later,” I tell her, frowning. “Spontaneity isn’t the same as special, and you deserve a day you’ll never forget.”
She shakes her head and squeezes my hand. “I don’t need perfection, Theo. I just need you. I was only curious and because of a twisted thought that had me wondering if the gods will be displeased that we aren’t making this a spectacle for them. But the answers don’t really matter. We’re doing this now, and if for some reason, they don’t approve, we’ll go through the ceremony as many times as it takes until they do.” Her intense gaze holds me hostage as she finishes. “I will never give up on us.”
I draw her closer, breathing her in. “Thank you. I promise I’m going to be the mate you deserve. I’ll be strong and sure and protect you with my life. I just never want to disappoint you.”
“Save the mushy stuff for the ceremony,” she says lightly, pushing my chin up as she looks at me again. “We have a bond to solidify.”
This time, Estee takes the lead, and I merely point her in the right direction. We pass the old gardens and through the stone gates to the spot I’ve chosen—one I’ve grown fond of over the last year.
The tree before us is ancient, its roots spreading wide into the earth like veins carrying life to the island. Its trunk is impossibly large, with bark marked by centuries of growth and wisdom. The canopy of leaves gently sways in the breeze, casting fractured light over the red petals I’ve asked Cecil to have scattered over the grass.
The air hums with energy here, a vibrant peace that resonates deep within my chest. Each time I’ve come to visit thisplace, I’ve felt anchored to Selaris. Now, I hope it will be the same for Estee.
Cecil comes around the other side of the tree with Sloane not far behind. They wait for us by the small table stand that’s been brought out here, on it waits a bouquet of tiny maroon blossoms, native to our home.
“This is,” Estee looks up at me again, her eyes glossy, “everything I could’ve asked for.”
I kiss her forehead, smiling as any fear of disappointing her finally leaves me. “Are you ready?”
“More than.” She wraps an arm around my waist, and I tuck her into my side, keeping her close as we approach Cecil and Sloane.
“Your Majesty,” Cecil greets us first, looking pristine in his grey suit and red tie. “I hope everything is to your liking.”
I nod. “Just as I knew it would be. Thank you.”