Chapter 7

CERION

Dawn’s early morning light had made its way into my bedroom. My eyes slowly fluttered open, and I found my mind at ease.

I felt as if I could conquer the world. Or at least make a life-changing decision that I wouldn’t regret.

The announcement would take place this afternoon. I decided to enjoy my leisure time before it began and allow Celen some much-needed time in the air.

Our morning glide improved our spirits. The sky was clear and free of clouds, and the air was the perfect temperature. I felt the weight of the world—or in this case, the weight of the kingdom—release from inside me. I swooped over a large grassy hill that was outlined by a bright patch of light.

A sound in the distance beyond the grassy hill caught my attention. A massive group of armed men was moving inland. They didn’t look like locals.

Celen was interested in their movements, but I convinced him that due to their distance and proximity, they’d barely make it to the edge of the hill by the next morning’s light. They would have to set up camp before the darkness crept over the land.

There wasn’t a village nearby for them to attack, so dealing with these invaders would be an activity for later—and one that I could look forward to.

Until then, I’d return to the castle for the ceremony.

***

I reached my throne and took a seat on top of the velvet-upholstered cushion. My fingers traced the intricate designs on the armrest. It was now or never.

Theodora waltzed in first, her father trailing behind her. She was confident, considering she’d given herself to me last night, and somehow still figured she’d have a chance at becoming queen.

Helen came in next, looking just as cocky as Theodora. I swear, these girls could give lessons in overconfidence.

Then there was Anya. I used to think she was dull, but I was wrong.

She was playing the game just as hard as the others.

Last but not least, Kira arrived. My heart did a little flip when I saw her, but I tried to keep it cool.

She met my eyes for a second, then bowed like the others. ~God, I wish she’d look at me like that forever~.

My mother and brother stood beside my throne, awaiting my announcement. I hadn’t yet aired my choice of queen to them. I refused to. I wanted to make the choice free of their opinions.

“Ladies, thank you for being part of this…interesting experience,” I started, trying to read their faces. Helen and Theodora’s expressions were almost celebratory, while Anya was poised and controlled, and Kira…well, Kira looked like she’d rather be anywhere else.

“I’d like to offer a piece of advice to several of you: A queen does not offer herself before she has been chosen.”

Helen, Anya, and Theodora’s expressions turned from confident to alarmed. I continued, “That goes for Helen, Anya, and Theodora. While it was pleasant, it is not befitting for a queen to behave in that way.”

Theodora let out a dramatic gasp. I couldn’t help but laugh.

Helen was doing her best statue impression, and Anya finally showed some emotion other than boredom. Progress, I guess.

I turned to look at Kira, and her jaw was practically on the floor. ~Surprise, sweetheart~.

“That brings me to my next point. The only woman who did not offer herself to me was Princess Kira of Valon. While she may be young, she is the embodiment of what a queen should be.”

Kira looked like she’d seen a ghost. She was frozen in place, staring at me with these huge eyes. ~Finally, she can’t look away~. Not exactly how I’d planned it, but I’d take it.

Helen lost it. “Her? That little girl?” she practically screamed. Theodora was trying to hide behind her father, who looked ready to disown her on the spot.

Anya was glaring daggers at Kira, and Kira…well, Kira looked like she was about to explode—and not in a good way. Her father, on the other hand, couldn’t have been happier. He was political and desperate to have our dynasties intertwined.

“Silence! Princess Kira of Valon, you will be my queen. You will represent the Danis, and you will birth Dani heirs,” I announced.

Kira started shaking, tears welling up in her eyes. Before I could say anything else, she bolted out of the room. Her father offered me a hurried bow and chased after her.

The other princesses and their fathers stormed out too, leaving me to face my mother’s disapproving look and my brother laughing his ass off.

“Cerion!” My mom’s voice could’ve cut glass. “Those women are still princesses.”

I couldn’t help but smirk. “And that’s exactly why they shouldn’t offer themselves to me if they wish to find a king, correct?”

My mother shook her head. “Cerion, I understand your choice in choosing none of the three, based on their poor decisions. You are right; their behavior was not right for a queen. But those women are humiliated now.”

“Mother, I did not choose to humiliate them. They did it to themselves, and I will differentiate Kira from the rest of them. She was the only one who had any dignity,” I replied.

“She’s nineteen, Cerion. And from Valon, the middle of nowhere. Are you sure you’ve thought this through?” my mother asked, meeting my gaze.

“I have thought this through for days, since I first saw her. She’s the one I want,” I said, disregarding her sentiment.

“The one you want, or the right choice for the position of queen?”

I couldn’t help but smile at my mother’s question. ~Both~, I wanted to say.

“She will make an excellent queen after a few years, I’m sure. She will also make an excellent mother, and we’ll be able to have a large family due to her age,” I assured my mother, trying to convince her—and maybe myself—that I was making the right choice.

My mother’s eyes narrowed, and her lips pursed in that way that always made me feel like a little boy again. “That girl cannot bear the sight of you, Cerion.”

I felt a smirk tugging at the corners of my mouth. “She’ll learn,” I said, my voice dripping with confidence I wasn’t sure I felt.

My mother sighed, her hand coming to rest on my back. “Very well, if she doesn’t refuse,” she replied, her tone a mix of resignation and concern.

I glanced over at my brother, who couldn’t seem to contain his amusement. His laughter echoed through the room, clearly enjoying my scolding a bit too much.

~Two can play this game~, I thought to myself. “Be careful; otherwise I’ll marry you off to Theodora. She was good,” I said, laughing as I watched his face change.

The glare he shot me could have melted steel. Without another word, he turned on his heel and left the room.

Now, back to more important matters. I had to somehow convince Kira not to loathe the very sight of me. But I knew as well as she did that hate was still an emotion, and sooner or later it’d develop into passion—or even worse, love.