It’s my first time stepping out of Mémé’s shadow. I need to make it memorable. Now isn’t the time to hold back or let someone else take the reins. “I think we have moved too far from our magical roots. We need to rekindle that connection while maintaining an open mind. Things have changed. Modernization is forcing us to adapt. To survive, we must step out of the Dark Ages. I want to build a bridge between the old and the new, honoring our origins while showing where the future lies. We all need to remember the way our families came together. Our council was created for the greater good, and we’ve all got our roles to play. Losing sight of that would be detrimental. This isn’t just my day. It should be our day, celebrating not only my new position but the bonds we’ve forged.”
“This is the way a woman who leads speaks. Remember you speak for all of us, and those without voices now in every decision you make.”
The heaviness settles over me like a wet blanket. How could I forget?
“Bring me the books that contain the history of all the houses. We’re going to flip everything and create something brand new out of the old ways and the new ones.” Armed with a plan of attack, I am ready to plot out my battle.
***
My jaw aches from the effort of holding the fake smile in place as I see the elders out of the house. The poking, prodding, and haggling of planning is ended for the day. I made leeway, but it was no less exhausting.
“Thank you all for coming and helping me with this momentous occasion.” I give a slight bow as they leave the house one after the other. I close the
door carefully, lean against it, and exhale. The quiet, stillness of the house washes over me. I close my eyes and soak up the calming energy. The refreshing essence of the court reinvigorates me after being stuffed in a room full of power and strong opinions.
“Are you okay?”
I pry open eyelids that feel like they weight a ton and manage a small smile for Larkin. His brow is furrowed, and his dark eyes are full of concern. The brotherly vibe pouring off him is downright adorable. I’ve progressed leaps and bounds with my new family over the past year.
“I’m fine. Exhausted, and sick to death of all things coronation related, but hanging in there.”
He smiles, and it takes layers off his dark countenance. Quiet, brooding, and immensely intelligent, with a sharp tongue, he’s a modern-day Mr. Darcy.
“The best part is you’ll only have to go through it once … well twice a piece, but you know what I mean.”
“I do. Let’s hope the city and everyone in it survive both ceremonies. It’s a lot of powerful people in one place who don’t always agree.”
“Are you concerned about problems?”
“We’re the supernatural Romeo and Juliette. Aren’t we all expecting things to go wrong?”
Larkin shakes his head. “We’re all expecting a good show. You rattled a lot of cages and knocked people down a peg who’ve long needed a reality check.”
“You know me, pissing people off, and smashing age-old traditions to smithereens like a punk rocker from the 80’s in their prime.”
“It’ll settle.”
“Not soon enough.”
“You’ve never had a taste for the spotlight. It’s part of what makes you a shoe-in for being a good queen. You care more about the people than the title. I look forward to you stepping into the role of a lady. We’ve lacked a certain balance for too long. I think it’ll be a change for the better.”
“Are you done boring her and sucking up, Lark? What Lou needs is a stiff drink and some relaxation,” Renee says as he comes down the hall. He flashes me a devilish grin, and I melt. The proverbial baby of the group, the mocha-skinned man with the irresistible smile and soft doe-brown eyes is a trouble magnet. “Isn’t that right?” He throws an arm around my shoulders.
“You’re incorrigible,” I mumble, unable to hold back my smile.
Renee preens like a peacock. “Notice she never denied the truth in my words.”
“I didn’t confirm them either,” I point out.
“She’s got your number, Renee. You let your head swell anymore, and it’ll be too heavy for your neck to support,” Larkin says dryly. “A drink does seem in order.”
“This court never needs an occasion to drink,” I retort.
I let them both sweep me into the study where one of the numerous liquor cabinets is located. As we slip inside, I’m stunned to see Percy and Fel seated at a table—side by side with their heads close together. They’re speaking softly to one another, wholly engrossed in a conversation. When did she slip away with him? What are they talking about?
Percival glances up. “I see we aren’t the only people looking to get away after all that.”
“They just left,” I say with a smile. The happiness visible in his dark gaze twists my guts into a knot. “How did you manage to escape early?”