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  “Then come, and join us in Talamh Lonrach Oll and take your place as one of our own.”

  Chapter 18

  TITANIA SNAPPED HER fingers and the undergrowth rustled as another attendant led four horses through the trees.

  Decorated with ribbons and pennants, in the colors of the Barrows, the stately Andalusians came trotting in. A white one bore the flag of the sun, and his ribbons were green and gold. He stopped by Titania’s side, as if they were old friends. The second, a black stallion, bore a flag was that of a silver star against the black background. He dipped his head to Aeval. The third, a bay stallion—golden brown with a dark mane—sported ribbons of red and white, and he came to stop by Myrddin’s side. The Merlin patted his muzzle lovingly. And the fourth—a gray horse—stepped up to me. The pennant on my horse had a deep blue background with a silver crescent moon.

  We mounted the horses, the attendant helping me up. I had learned to be comfortable on the horses in Otherworld, and this horse seemed even more compliant than Annabelle. The saddles were thickly padded, for which I was grateful, considering my underwear consisted of a thin lace panty. Titania took the lead, then Aeval, then Myrddin motioned me in line and he swung in behind me.

  As we rode onto the path leading back to the Barrows, an escort of armed guards fell in and I realized they had been waiting for us. Eight rode at the front, another eight swung in behind Myrddin. Everything was surreal. I had wings that almost nobody could see unless I let them. I had drunk the Nectar of Life. Everything that I had been building up to the past few months was suddenly very real and happening now.

  The forest buzzed with life. Frogs were croaking, insects clicked and snapped, the owls were softly hooting, and everywhere, the undergrowth rustled and rattled with the movement of small animals. The trees themselves were awake and watching, and I understood now just how alive and vibrant this sovereign land was. Aeval and Titania had established not just the Fae Nation, but they had enlivened the land as well. Everything was aware and listening.

  As we rode out to the main trail leading to the Barrows, the knot in my stomach began to dissolve. The path was lined with members of Talamh Lonrach Oll and they cheered as we passed, waving ribbons and flags at us. A number of the flags were the same standard as the pennant on my horse, and I realized that these people would be living in and around my Barrow. I would actually be holding Court. Another giddy wash of emotion slammed through me and I struggled not to laugh.

  Solemn occasion, Camille. Suck it up and don’t let your nerves win. Consider it payback for all the times you teased Menolly about being a princess. Put your game face on and stop smirking. I finally managed to calm myself and fell into the solemnity of the moment.

  We reached the courtyard in front of the Barrow of Dusk and Twilight and I flashed back to Summer Solstice two years before, when Aeval and Titania had established Talamh Lonrach Oll and reclaimed their thrones. We had been here for their coronation, and Queen Asteria had given them their crowns. Our father had been here then, and with a swift stab to the heart, I wished he could see me now—that he could be here to witness me taking the throne.

  The land sang with their energy, with the energy of the Earthside Fae and a crazy dance of joy and celebration filled the air, the currents of energy rippling through the crowd as we entered the courtyard. Eye catchers lit the cobblestone square by the hundreds, faerie lights sparkling in the night.

  Three massive barrow mounds comprised the palace of the Court of the Three Queens, each signified by the flags flying from each mound. They were covered by a thick, luxurious carpet of grasses and roses. A large dais rose in front of the palace and there, standing next to it, were my sisters and the rest of my extended family except for Hanna, who was home babysitting Maggie. Vishana was there, as well, with Amber and Luke standing beside her. Chase and Venus had joined them.

  Derisa was waiting on the dais, and Trenyth and Sharah were there as well. I could see the longing in her face as she glanced at Chase, who was holding Astrid, and my heart went out to all of them. How things would change once Chase took the spirit seal, I didn’t know, but maybe, somehow, it would be better.

  As we rode through the crowd, all eyes were on us. I began to shake, ever so slightly, and I struggled not to cry. I had made sure all of my makeup was waterproof, but the last thing I wanted was to look a mess or look vulnerable during the ceremony.

  We reached the dais and the guards encircled us as attendants moved forward to help us off the horses. I patted my horse, realizing she would probably be mine from now on, and that thought took the edge off my nerves. I had come to like horses more than I ever thought I would in the past week. They were smart, sensitive creatures. If I could keep focusing on small things, like friendly horses, instead of the fact that I was in a courtyard mobbed with people, I could make it through.

  Aeval motioned to me to get in line. Once again, Titania ascended the steps, followed by Aeval, then I came next, and finally—the Merlin. Myrddin had put on his antlered headdress and it hit me that that was his crown. He wasn’t all that friendly, in fact I found him aloof and rather snobbish, but right now, he was being supportive and that was all that mattered.

  We approached the center of the platform where Derisa, Sharah, and Trenyth waited. I gave a quick, nervous glance toward Smoky and the others. Delilah raised her hand slightly and wiggled her fingers at me, smiling. I winked at her, wanting to establish that connection. Regardless of where I was headed, she and Menolly would always be my anchors in this world.

  Sharah inclined her head. She was dressed in all the Elfin finery that Queen Asteria had worn, and the crown on her head seemed to fit more every time I saw her. Her eyes flickered as she whispered, “Congratulations, Camille.”

  Derisa stood tall, a proud look on her face. “I’m so glad to see this day,” she said in a low voice. “Lyrical sends her salutations.”

  I broke out into a dizzying smile. That was code for: Lyrical was pissed as hell and was being forced to eat crow. One of the elders of the Coterie of the Moon Mother, Lyrical had been the bane of my life back in Otherworld when I was in training. She had tried to block my initiation, calling me a half-breed and scorning every suggestion that I join the Order. Now, I had my vindication.

  “Please tell her I value her support.” Stifling a snicker, I happened to glance over at Aeval, who was staring at me, her mouth set in a stern line. But her eyes were laughing.

  Aeval turned to the crowd. “Good people of Talamh Lonrach Oll, we gather today to witness the coronation of a new Queen of Dusk and Twilight. Listen well, and remember this day, for you are all part of the living history of this sovereign land.”

  The crowd roared in return. “All hail the Queen of Shadow and Night! All hail the Queen of Light and Morning!”

  Aeval held out a long silver blade, the tip touching my breast, pointing directly at my heart. Myrddin moved behind me, blocking any chance I had of getting away. My wings twitched and I realized this was what it felt like to be a cat and sense things with whiskers.

  Then the questioning began, Aeval beginning.

  “Know that it is better to fall on the tip of my blade than give false answers, for if you knowingly bear falsehood, we will strike you down. Do you understand?”

  I straightened my shoulders, my mood sobering. She meant every word, and would have every right.

  “I understand.” I almost jumped as my voice echoed through the courtyard along with hers. Apparently someone had cast a Projection spell so that we could be heard all the way through the heart of the Fae nation.

  Titania spoke next. “Camille Sepharial te Maria D’Artigo, listen well to our words and answer from the truth of your heart. Have you been through the ritual to drink the Nectar of Life?”

  “I have.”

  After that, they alternated questions. Both Aeval and Titania seemed to rise up to tower over the crowd, and I felt like I was mirroring them. Their eyes were flashing d
ark and brilliant.

  “Have we taken you through the secret rites to bestow the mantle of Fae Queen upon your shoulders?”

  My wings twitched at that question. “Yes, you have.”

  “Have you, in your heart, given yourself over to Talamh Lonrach Oll and its people? Will you live for your people? Will you die for your people?”

  In my heart, I was flashing back to my initiation during that wild night when I was accepted by the Moon Mother. And now, she had bid me move into yet another realm, enlarging the scope of my work for her.

  “I do so pledge my life and will, under the guidance of the Moon Mother herself.”

  “Will you take the crown of the Court of Dusk and Twilight, and pledge yourself to it until the day you die? Will you take the mantle of the Queen of the Keraastar Knights and lead them into the coming battles as so prophesized?”

  I felt like I was vibrating. This wasn’t simply a swearing-in ritual. This was a binding magical pledge, and the gods themselves were listening. The Moon Mother might as well be standing here to take my oath.

  “I do so pledge. I will take the crown and wear the mantle.”

  “Kneel before me.”

  I slowly sank to my knees as Aeval sheathed her dagger. Titania was holding a crown and they moved forward. Myrddin put his hands on my shoulders and it felt as though I could barely breathe, sandwiched between the three of them.

  Aeval turned to the crowds. “Then let the people hear and take note: Camille Sepharial te Maria D’Artigo has pledged her life to this land, and to you, its people. She has pledged to rule over the Court of Dusk and Twilight. She has pledged herself to the Keraastar Knights. Let nothing put aside her pledges but death, and may death seek her out swiftly if she reneges on her oaths.”

  Again, a wild cheer went up.

  Titania waited till the crowd was silent again. “Then, by the will of the gods, by the will of the Immortals, we do so crown you Camille, Queen of Dusk and Twilight, Queen of the Keraastar Knights. Join us in leading Talamh Lonrach Oll and her people into the future, where the Sovereign Fae Nation will once again rise strong over the land.”

  As Titania placed the crown on my head, a dizzying wave rushed through me, and I realized that—for good or ill—I had just moved onto my new path and aligned myself with the Earthside Fae for the rest of my life.

  I ROSE, HELPED by Myrddin, surprised to find that I was crying. Aeval and then Titania embraced me, kissing me on the cheek. Then Aeval whispered, “You should give Chase his spirit seal now and officially declare ownership of the Keraastar Knights.”

  I had little to no idea of what I was supposed to do, and I was grateful for the coaching. “I’m not sure of what words to use…” I paused, feeling stupid.

  “Use words that people will understand. We don’t stand on pomp and circumstance except during official business. This will be most of our people’s first impression of you, even though most of them have heard you mentioned. Think about what impression you want to make.”

  I nodded, thinking quickly. Then, I turned to the crowd. “Thank you for welcoming me into your hearts, and this beautiful nation. In my first official act, I claim my Knights under my protection. Chase, Venus, Luke, Amber, please join me. Vishana, if you will?”

  Vishana led the others up to the dais. She handed me an embossed case and a shock raced up my arms. I could feel the spirit seals within. They were separated from touching by their individual boxes, but they were resonating. One slip, one chance of letting them all touch, and I could destroy the world as we knew it. The overwhelming power that rested in my possession was terrifying—and a little heady.

  I opened the case and immediately gravitated to the one I knew was the amethyst. I locked up the case and handed it to Vishana again. “You must keep this in the Dragon Reaches until I call for it. We can’t take the chance on the unattached ones being stolen.”

  She nodded. “As you will…Queen Camille.” A faint smile escaped her lips.

  “Chase Johnson, step forward.”

  With a desperate glance at Sharah, Chase moved into position in front of me, bending down on one knee. “Your Majesty.”

  I wanted to tell him to knock it off, but he was right—in public, that was my title. He was following form.

  “Do you swear yourself to me and to the Keraastar Knights? Do you willingly take this seal and vow to protect it with your life, and to lend yourself to its will?”

  “I pledge my oath to you and to the Keraastar Knights. I forsake my former life.” His voice was thick with tears, though his eyes were dry, and I knew all too well how hard this was for him. As I placed the spirit seal around his neck, there was a hush as it settled against his heart, and then, his aura flared and I knew the match was right.

  Chase rose, bowing, and then I embraced them all and took their pledges to me as their queen, and the coronation ended with a massive fireworks display, thanks to Vanzir and Rozurial, as the feasting began.

  Before joining my family and all of the Supe nobility who had attended for the feast, I retired to a private garden with Derisa. An entourage of bodyguards accompanied me and I realized this was one more thing I’d have to get used to.

  The garden was off my bedroom, deep in the Barrow. I had opted not to use the bedroom Morgaine had occupied. Somehow, the Barrow mages had managed to build me a private garden space even in the midst of the Barrow Mound. Small but open to the sky, the scent of roses hung heavy, and here were my seedlings from my witch’s garden. I slowly eased myself down onto a stone bench, all too aware of my wings. They weren’t uncomfortable, but they tickled and I could feel them moving softly in the astral wind.

  “Did you know?” I asked Derisa when she joined me. “Did you know this would happen?”

  She shrugged. “Who knows what might happen? I had visions…this was one possible future. You do know that all your advisors voted that you shouldn’t be offered initiation. But when you came before me, the Moon Mother sang to me. She alone rules my actions. And so I took you under my wing and initiated you. And…here you are. Where you are supposed to be.”

  I hesitated to tell her what was weighing heavy on my heart, but I needed to confide in her. “What if this Court…what if it conflicts with the Moon Mother’s will?”

  Derisa shook her head. “Don’t worry your head, my love. She will not let you fall into that position. What else worries you?”

  I paused again, searching through my thoughts to make certain I spoke clearly. “What if I can’t find the other Knights?”

  “Again, you would not wear the diamond if you weren’t destined to renew the knighthood. You will find them, probably where you least expect.”

  The High Priestess reached out and took my hand. “Camille, you are one of the chosen. Some have lesser journeys to walk, some even more powerful ones than you have been given. But those whom the Hags of Fate choose to invest the future in, well…this is a gift, though at times it may seem like a curse. You will help create history. You will not simply witness it, but you will forge it. Be grateful for the chance to leave your mark.”

  And with that, she stood. “You should attend your guests. Enjoy the night. Celebrate now, for I have the feeling the coming days will be rife with learning the ways of your court.”

  And with that, she led me back to the great hall, and the night passed in a blur of music and food, and as morning light brought the beginning of the waning year, I called my husbands to me, and retired to my bedroom.

  Chapter 19

  TWO WEEKS LATER, Menolly and I were sitting on the porch steps with Delilah. The house felt so empty, and a part of me longed to move back, but I knew that time was gone forever. The night sky sparkled overhead, and I stared up, realizing how much clearer it was out at Talamh Lonrach Oll. There were some perks to living in a Barrow city.

  “So…how’s Chase doing?” Delilah bit her lip. “Yugi’s been promoted to chief, but I don’t think anybody at the FH-CS
I understood why he resigned so quickly. We can’t tell them, of course, but it really left a hole there.”

  I shrugged. “He’s adapting. The spirit seal is beginning to work on him. He’s more confident, and a little more aloof. Astrid is enjoying the attention, though. She’s in the equivalent of the Fae daycare out at the Barrow and she has lots of playmates there, and loving nannies. Sharah stayed for two days to visit him. I’m not sure what went on between them, but both seemed happier by the time she had to leave.” Pausing, I motioned to Menolly. “And you? How goes it at Roman’s?”

  Menolly gave me a shake of the head. “I’ve never had to deal with so much formality in my life. But I will say this, living among vampires has helped me. I don’t feel so—alien. Nerissa is adapting. I think she could adapt to just about anything. And she has a way of winning people over. I think they like her more than me.” With that, she laughed. “Oh, trust me,” she added, leaning back against the steps and folding her hands under her head, “it’s a drastic change, but I think we’ll be okay. I’m able to spend more time with Erin, too. I have a feeling about her…she’s going to make a mark on society one day.”

  “Grandmother Coyote predicted as much, early on.” Delilah handed Maggie to me and I snuggled her to my chest.

  “I think the guys miss Rozurial. But Vanzir’s out there. He’s probably having the hardest time adjusting. He’s not only a demon among Fae, but the babydaddy of Aeval’s child. That was quite a bomb when she told her court that she was expecting.” I winced, rubbing my head as Maggie tugged on a strand of my hair. The damned crown gave me a headache.

  “Ingz…Cammy got ingz like Maggie.” Maggie pointed over my shoulders.

  I stared at her. “You can see them?”

  She giggled.

  “See what?” Delilah asked, sitting up. “What’s she talking about? You have wings? Where?”