Page 62 of A Crown of Fates
“You’re most welcome, Sire.” He bows once more. “I’ll work on notifying the pack of the meeting taking place next.”
As he leaves, I make a mental note to speak with Jerome about adding Cecil to my advisory council—one I haven’t actually had since becoming king but could certainly use.
Queen Sloane steps forward, her regal presence commanding attention. She’s changed into a gown of shimmering silver that matches her crown. Though, even her powerful energy can’t tear my gaze from Estee’s for long.
“You two continue to surprise me,” she says, her face managing to hide her emotions almost too well. “Now, let’s see what the gods think, shall we?”
“Please,” Estee says. The bright rays of the sun make her golden eyes sparkle, and the longer she stares at me, the more confident I am that every day after this will only be better than the last.
Sloane glances around and grins. “Normally, there’s an audience to speak to when I’m doing this ceremony, and I have more time to plan, but this might actually be better.” She clasps her hands together and stands taller. “Gods, we come before you, accepting the fate that has brought these two shifters together. King Theo Northcroft and Princess Estee Blackwood wish to accept the gift they’ve been given and ask for their souls to be bound together, now and for all eternity.”
There’s a pause, and my shoulders tense, waiting for any sort of sign that we’re being heard. When there is none, Sloane proceeds.
“This bonding will not only strengthen these two individuals but will also bring unity to Selaris,” she declares as if she knows more than we’ve shared. “This moment is more than tradition. With your blessing, this will be the beginning of a foundation on which to build this kingdom’s future. One that will bring peace to many.”
Sloane’s words hold significance, the power behind them pressing in and around us, but my focus remains on my mate. Our eyes stay locked as we hold each other’s hands, the intensity of our connection growing bright within my chest as the seconds pass.
Wind kicks up around us, swaying the branches above our heads. The ground vibrates with energy that feels as though the ancient tree is offering her approval of the vows being spoken.
“Do you feel it?” Estee whispers, the rapid beat of her pulse calling to me.
I forget her question nearly as quickly as she asks, lost in the depths of her golden eyes.
“I believe he does,” Sloane answers for me with a wry grin before continuing. “Your bond is sacred. Through hardship, through love, through the trials that await you, this connection will be your home. It is your responsibility to treat it as such,showing one another the respect and care you need. Now it is your turn to speak your vows not only to your mate, but to let the gods bear witness to the commitment you make.”
I draw a deep breath, the words having formed in my heart long before they ever leave my lips. “Estee, my Starlight, from the moment you arrived, you turned my world upside down. You’ve challenged me, changed me, and made me better. I vow to protect you, to fight for you, and to love you as you are and as you will be, with every part of who I am, from this moment forward and for every lifetime after.”
Estee’s smile widens, her cheeks flushed as she clears the emotion from her throat. “Theo, in our short time together, you’ve shown me what it means to trust, to believe in something greater than ourselves, and to open my heart. Most importantly, you’ve been my light in the darkest of moments. I vow to stand by your side, to protect this kingdom alongside you, and to love all parts of you with all that I am, now and always.”
My chest tightens, and the tether that leads from my heart to Estee grows hotter as the energy that draws me to her becomes blinding.
Sloane wraps her fingers around our joined hands, her touch surprisingly warm. “Do the gods bless this bond? Do you accept that the promises made here today by these two beings will be upheld for the rest of their lifetimes?”
We wait with bated breath, the only sound for several seconds being the hum of power radiating from the tree beside us. Estee holds onto me tighter, but I don’t lose focus. We belong together, and after all that’s happened, I have to believe that the gods know this to be true.
Her lips part, but then the air cracks with thunder. We look toward the sun and mesmerizing light rips through the sky, striking the ground where we stand.
Energy explodes within my body then the sweetest sound floats through my mind.
Estee’s voice.“Theo?”
“I’m right here.”
She throws her arms around me, and I hold her just as tightly as a sense of peace seems to surround us, tying us together with a bond that will forever remain unbreakable.
Estee is mine, and I am hers.
No god or power will ever be able to take that from us. More importantly, we won’t let them.
Sloane steps back, pride on her face. “It seems the gods approve. Congratulations.”
Howls echo around us. Even though the people of Selaris aren’t here to bear direct witness, they already appear aware of what’s happened.
“I’ll leave you two to handle the pack,” Sloane says. “That was one of the most power-struck blessings I’ve ever been part of. I would be ready for Orix to make an appearance at any time. With an energy like the one you now share, he’d be a fool to allow you more time to prepare for whatever he has planned.”
I take note of her warning, knowing she’s most likely right, but before I let any darkness into this day, I lean forward, capturing Estee’s lips in a kiss that feels like a vow all its own. She grips my arms as she pushes higher up on her toes, deepening the kiss.
With the pulse of our bond complete, her love radiates through me, showing me that while her words of promise and love mean the world to me, feeling them is something I’ll never take for granted.