The aisle is slightly patchy from being walked on. Vacant grass on either side of it is a vibrant green. If this were a traditional ceremony, the area would be filled with chairs for our guests. Petals from the pink blooms on the branches overhead occasionally drift through the air.

A petal falls into Zella’s hair. I leave it, because she looks so beautiful.

Ahead, a bare trellis stands where the vows are exchanged. I imagine it decorated with flowers representing the realm where the couple is from. For us, it would be a mashup of golden lilies or midnight roses.

“I’ve only been here three times before,” I tell Zella, slipping her hand into the crook of my elbow as we walk forward. “The last was when my brother Silas married his fated mate three years ago. The other mating ceremonies were for two of my soldiers. Those were bittersweet days for me. While I was happy to see my men find their other half, I was sad to lose them from my military.”

Zella tilts her head to the side. “Why would you let them leave your service?”

“Once a man becomes tethered to his soul mate, it’s unfair to send him into war where he could be killed. Because his life isn’t his own anymore. If he dies, so does his wife. Maybe not right away, but eventually. And then what would happen to their children? I refuse to inflict that on anyone, so I always encourage fated pairs to settle down and raise a family.” I smile wryly. “Besides, mated men make terrible soldiers. They’re distracted and have much more to lose than someone who’s on his own.”

Her eyes lower to the ground. “You’re a good ruler. You’re much kinder to your people than my parents ever were to theirs.”

Lifting her chin, I force her to look over at me. “Stop referring to the Night Realm citizens as my people. They’re ours. Yours and mine. Together, we’ll always try to do the right thing for our kingdom, even if it means losing a warrior every now and then.”

I want nothing more than to be one of those ex-warriors, but I’m the king. I have duties and obligations. The thought of ever leaving Zella makes me sick with worry, but right now, I’m the leader. I’ve always fought my own battles, and I don’t intend to stop now.

Silas has been itching to get his hands on the crown for some time now. I’m pretty sure he thought he’d have it once he married Tehya. After all, a king is stronger with a queen at his side—and even more so when it’s his fated mate. Fae powers increase once the soul connection is complete.

He thought me weak because I was alone.