“I’m ready,” I interrupt, self-consciously smoothing down my rumpled hair. “Not now. Tomorrow.”

“Are you sure?” Pacing over to me, Keryth picks up my hand.

I appreciate that he’s so concerned about my well-being, but I’m not weak. Yes, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this time alone with him and I’m still adjusting to this new life, but Silas is right. It’s unfair to let the people panic about a war that isn’t even happening.

“Yes.” I add some conviction to my answer. “Tomorrow.”

CHAPTER 12

Zella

My head feels naked without my crown.

Not for long, though.

The official coronation will take place at the ball tonight, and Keryth offered to give me his mother’s crown. As new queen of the Night Realm, it’s rightfully mine. I accepted. It won’t be the same as my old one, but this one will have sentimental value, too. It belonged to the woman who birthed Keryth, who raised him, turned him into the man he is today.

I just hope I can live up to Queen Veena’s legacy.

“You’re going to wear a hole in the carpet, Your Majesty.” Giving me an understanding smile, Hyla puts herself in front of me to stop my pacing.

I look down at my feet. They’re comfortable in dark blue slippers. They match my gown. Gold thread is embroidered throughout the bottom of the hem, the corseted waist, and the sweetheart neckline. My breasts are pushed up, and a necklace—a hollow jewel glowing with stardust—sits in my cleavage.

I’ve never worn such dark clothing before, but these are the Night Realm colors. For a first introduction, I felt it was appropriate to show my loyalty. Plus, Keryth will be wearing a matching suit.

Speaking of my mate, I think about him now.

He’s on the other side of the double doors just ten feet away. He, along with all the Night Realm nobles, wait for me in the great hall for my grand entrance.

It’s funny, we’ve only been apart for a couple of hours while Hyla helped me get ready, but I already feel a sense of wrongness after being separated from him. It’s a disturbing empty sensation I can’t quite explain. The feeling has eased somewhat now that I’m near Keryth, but it won’t be gone until I’m touching him.

There’s a quiet click, and the hum of voices in the hall get louder as the door cracks open.

My hearing picks up a few comments here and there. One man is glad I’m Keryth’s fated mate—after all, I am royalty. Another is peeved about it—I come from a rival realm. And one woman laments about the fact that she isn’t Keryth’s soul mate—she thinks she’d have been a better fit for him.

That last one really gets to me.