Keryth’s heart would never stray, and fate doesn’t make mistakes. Who the strike is this woman to think she knows better than destiny?

I’d never describe myself as cruel, but I’m imagining scenarios of punishing her. I don’t even know what she looks like, but I envision her wrists wrapped with iron shackles. Blisters and blood. Agony.

And suddenly, I understand my father a little better. I’ve only been bonded for a short time, but I’m already changing. I’m wrathful in a way I’ve never been before. If anyone ever tried to take Keryth from me, I wouldn’t hesitate to gut them with my own fingernails.

My unsettling thoughts are interrupted when a man with a stick-straight spine appears and announces, “Queen Zella, it is time.”

“You look lovely.” Hyla fluffs the curls in my hair one more time. With an encouraging smile, she gives me a pat on the back with a slight push forward.

Oh, right. I’m supposed to be walking.

You’re a princess. No, a queen. You’re bonded to the king. You belong here.

My little pep talk helps with some of my nerves, and I put one foot in front of the other. With every step I take, I close the distance between Keryth and me. I can’t see him yet, but I can feel him.

As soon as I make it through the doorway, I realize a few things. Keryth isn’t on the second-story balcony I stand on—he’s below, sitting on his throne next to Silas. A beautiful honey-haired woman is in the ornate chair next to the prince. Tehya, I conclude. There’s a vacant throne for me on Keryth’s other side.

The ballroom is much larger than I anticipated, and it’s full of people. The Night Realm is bigger than the Day Realm so it makes sense that there would be more citizens. Therefore, more guests.

It wouldn’t be so intimidating if everyone looked happy to see me.

They don’t. At all. When I scan the crowd, I see narrowed eyes, crossed arms, and frowns.

It seems the optimistic gentleman who was supportive of my presence here is in the minority.

Well, I’ll just have to prove myself then. I stand tall, squaring my shoulders as the announcer rattles off my new official title.

No one cheers. I actually think I hear a cricket chirp.

Heart pounding, I look out at the elegance before me. The balcony goes all the way around the large, oval-shaped room. On the lower level, there’s a harp and an area where the musicians will be set up to play songs for dancing. A long table is covered in food and beverages. Steaming meats, desserts, and wine.

Too bad I no longer feel like partying and my appetite is gone.

Getting to his feet, Keryth’s expression is dark. Lightning flashes outside, startling several guests.