The jeweller nodded eagerly. “Yes. Do you have any ideas about what you’d like? Your mother chose—”
“I don’t want anything like hers,” Ash barked, then flushed at his outburst. “Sorry. I think I’d… So I can have anything?”
“Yes, my king.” The jeweller courteously ignored Ash’s interruption. “Anything at all.”
Ash pursed his lips in thought, then shot me another glance. I saw a tiny smile curve his lips.
“I want oak leaves.”
I held back my smile, fingers twitching behind my back with the intense urge to grab Ash and kiss him senseless.
The jeweller paused. “Oak leaves?”
Ash nodded. “Yeah. Just oak leaves. In… whatever metal you want to use.”
“Gold, I think.” The driath’s eyes were already twitching with ideas as he asked, “Any jewels?”
“No jewels. Just the leaves.”
The jeweller smiled and dipped his head in a nod. “That sounds wonderful. Nice and understated. I’ll get started right away.”
Ash gave him a smile. “I appreciate it very much.”
“It’s an honour, King Ash. If that’s all—”
“Wait,” Ash blurted. “Do you know who we could ask to make another throne?”
The driath’s eyes darted to me, but I didn’t see any malice or disdain in them. He nodded once. “Yes, my king. Either the carpenter or the blacksmith.”
Ash’s lips curved into a smile. “The blacksmith, I think.”
The jeweller nodded again. “I’ll tell him to come and see you immediately.”
“I appreciate it.”
After he left, Ash jumped up out of his throne and cupped my face to give me a deep kiss. “We’ll give you a scary metal throne to make you look imposing.”
I huffed. “I don’t need a metal throne to look imposing.”
Ash burst out laughing and kissed me again. “You’re right. You’re already scary to everyone but me, butIknow what you look like when you’re—”
“Ash.” I cleared my throat and tipped my head towards Jora, who had just entered the throne room.
“Apologies for interrupting, King Ash.” She flushed. “The jeweller asked on his way out whether next week was too late for your crown.”
“Next week?” His eyes darted to me. “Um…”
“When would you like your coronation?” She gave him a hesitant smile. “The sooner the better, I think. If that’s not too bold of me to say.”
“Um, yeah. I guess… next week is fine.”
She nodded. “The blacksmith is on his way.”
After she left, Ash turned back to face me and clenched his hands in my shirt.
“I’m so nervous just making these stupid little decisions. Not that your throne is stupid,” he added quickly. “That’s important.”
My lips twitched, and I raised a hand to thread it through his wild curls. “Don’t be nervous. You’re doing fine.”