“What happened?” Asher panted at the same time, helping Imogen to her feet.
It took a moment for my wildly thumping heart to settle, my piercing gaze travelling to the golden crown now lodged into the far wall.
“I heard them,” I rasped. “I heard them all.”
“Your family?”
“The Elders?” Both Evie and my mentor asked, stunned by the possibility.
Still distraught, I slowly nodded. My arms tightened around Evanna, an unnerving tremor coursing through my spine.
“Why was that bad?” Asher added, and I dragged my attention away from the Dragon Crown, my eyes boring into his instead.
“Because I heard no words… Only their tortured screams in the dark.”
21
“I rise in happiness and health for the Skyborne Princess and the Dragon Master!” The heartfelt wish came from a woman at the back of the dining room, and many joined it, cheering for us and lifting their wine cups in celebration.
“Thank you!” I offered in return, lifting my cup too while Evie smiled next to me, her hand resting on my thigh.
“I rise in prosperity and abundance for our princess and the Harbinger’s son!” A man added, joining many others who had expressed their “rising wishes” along the course of our lunch.
It was the first time I’d ever heard someone share their well wishes for a couple that way, and it was beautiful. In essence, the sentiment expressed our happiness, prosperity, or whatever they wished for us, would uplift their soul, because seeing us receive those gifts was a blessing to them.
“Yeah, well. I rise in healthy bellies and plenty of babes running around for the Skyborne Princess and the Dragon Master!” A young woman offered from the left side of the hall, making everyone laugh.
The other thing about “rising wishes” was that they became playful bets in a way. A friendly competition, so everyone tried to one-up each other in what they were wishing us. The best wish won.
Chuckling too, I glanced at Evie, grateful we could actually be ourselves out in the public now because everyone knew who I was, and that we loved each other. Hooking a finger under her chin, I pulled her closer and claimed her lips before the entire room, causing a new wave of cheers, hollers, and playful whistles to spread through the hall.
Our sisters and brothers clinked cups in celebration around us, wine spilling from them and splashing onto the wood table. Well, everyone except Willow and Kingston, who hadn’t been seen yet today.
Grinning, Evie stole one more kiss and leaned away enough to search my eyes. “Are you sure you are alright?”
The question brought back the phantom screams of horror that haunted me since I wore the Dragon Crown, and an involuntary shudder rocked my spine.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to remind you. I just—”
Shaking my head, I took her hand in mine and squeezed it. “It’s fine. I’m fine,” I lied, but I would be. I had to be. Anyone would be shaken by experiencing something like that. By tonight, though, I was sure I’d be totally fine.
“I just wanted to make sure you are okay. It was unnerving to see you like that,” she confessed.
“I know. I’m sorry.” Lifting her hand to my lips, I placed a calming kiss on her knuckles. “I’m sure that next time it won’t be that way.”
Her eyes widened in horror. “Next time?”
“I have to keep trying, Evie…”
“It’s okay to doubt this path,” she offered, the back of her fingers caressing my stomach while I still held her pinky.
Could I, though? The invisible, ticking clock in my core said time wasn’t on our side.
“Their souls were so distraught,” I whispered, my jaw clenching as the echo of their screams bounced around in my head. “They are trapped in there, Evie. For some of them that has been a prison for the last two centuries, and instead of finding a way to wield my magic to free them, here I am, expecting they will help me and lend me their power.” I shook my head. “That doesn’t exactly make me seem better than him.”
Understanding and complexity danced in her gaze as she sighed, her hand leaving mine to cradle my cheek. “You didn’t steal their power, Brax. You didn’t imprison them there. Raithian used the Elders' magic to control and subjugate our people; you will use it to help me set this world free instead. That is how you are better than him.” Pausing, she took a settling breath. “If it still disturbs you, then we will find another way.”
“We have another way,” I reminded. “Not that it’s any easier… I have to master my Devenish magic.” And, for that, I need the very monster I’m trying to destroy. I didn’t say the last part out loud, of course. It was too early in the day to give my mate a heart attack. “After we leave here. I’m going to train with Asher—”
“No, you won’t. After what happened to you with Azazel and the crown, all you need to do is rest. I do not care if Tharion’s blood infusion left you as healthy as a newborn; you are not going anywhere but straight back to our quarters,” Evanna ordered, the tone in her voice saying she would strangle me herself if I even thought about defying her.
Lifting a hand to my temple, I gave her a military salute. “Yes, ma’am.”
The room erupted after another rising wish, and Evie lifted her cup to them, sending me a side glare just in case. Sexy…
I supposed the world wouldn’t go up in flames just because I took one day off to recuperate. Hopefully.
The walk back to our room took much longer than we anticipated since our people couldn’t help but gather around us with every step. Some congratulated us on our pairing. Others asked if a formal ceremony would be performed, but we didn’t have an answer. Willow wasn’t there, and she was the one to get excited and take care of those kinds of things.
Honestly, Evie and I would appreciate anything Willow wanted to do or not do. We had already given our hearts to each other, and ceremony or not, that would never change.
Many approached me to make a point and exalt my father’s name, which I truly appreciated. Especially now that I knew every mention of his name in honor actually offered his soul peace in the Lake of Tranquility.
“I rise in true joy, peace, and many years of love for the Skyborne Princess and our Dragon Master,” Nikau offered with a full bow to us, his men instantly echoing his wishes.
“Thank you, Nikau.” Evie smiled at him, her gaze flickering to the movement several steps behind him.
Lachlan and his cronies remained by the opposite wall, his murderous gaze focused on me and the way Evanna’s hand fit perfectly in mine for everyone to see. Part of me wanted to walk up to him and punch his face in, but I knew the worst punishment for him was seeing Evie and me together.
I wasn’t even sure if he’d attended the jubilee yesterday, my big reveal as the Harbinger’s son, and my unexpected introduction as the Dragon Master. Still, if there was ever a way to put him in his place, it had to be him witnessing Evanna say yes to me after she rejected him. Seeing us together while our entire kingdom welcomed my true self and rejoiced for our union must be killing him.
“Please allow me to apologize for my cousin’s behavior. He shall come around in time.” Nikau added, glancing at Lachlan over his shoulder and pinning him with a potent look. “I am certain he does not mean to be so blatantly disrespectful towards our princess and yourself.”