Garrett, Former King of Unwanted Beasts. Sentenced to Death by beheading, by the blade of the High King of the Nine Realms, crowned King of Dragons, Knox Karnavious. Crime: Touched the Queen of Hearts, Aria Hecate Prometheus Karnavious.
My eyes pricked with unshed tears. Most people got flowers or jewels, but not me. My guy brought me the skulls of those who’d trespassed against me. Knox knew the way to my heart, that much was certain.
“When?” I asked, spinning to look at the men.
“He hunted him down the week before Lore was captured. Knox said he wouldn’t allow anyone who’d promised you harm to remain in any of the Nine Realms. There are more, but if we’re to strike, we need to crown you and announce it to the people.” Killian answered, smirking when he noticed the smile I couldn’t hide, which spread across my face. “He said you’d be pleased with his offering.”
“More than pleased,” I admitted softly, then glanced once more at the bastard who’d tried to rape me.
“I know you’d like to wait for Knox, Aria. But we don’t have time to wait for him to wake up. Zyion reported movement within the citadel. Hecate’s about to make a move. She’s not wasting time. Only the Queen of Dragons can lead us into battle. We cannot follow the Queen of Phoenixes, it’s against the laws of our sovereignty. Until Knox changes it, our hands are tied. We’re willing to follow you into battle. You’re literally Knox, but with very nice tits.” Brander stated.
“Knox intended to make you his queen when you returned,” Mateo stated, his dark eyes roaming over my face slowly. “I see no reason not to crown you now. When he wakes up and he’s finally worn you down and made an honest woman out of you, we’ll do the formal ascent.” My heartbeat increased as I moved to the queen’s throne, running my fingers over the smooth, off-white skulls.
“Your mind works like Knox’s does. Everything you do is strategic and thought out entirely. You don’t lead people into battles you don’t intend to win. You’re always five steps ahead of your adversaries. None of us have the ability to wage war as efficiently as you can. We are able to fight, or dominate on a battlefield. But the fine-tuned parts that need to be planned out? That’s always been Knox. He’s not here to plan for the unexpected. Knox always has one way in and five ways out. That’s where you come in on this one. I have a map of the citadel, as well as the surrounding area. I can get us in, but if shit goes sideways? We’re going with it, Aria. Unless you choose to lead and allow me to do what I do best.” Brander’s eyes held mine, a silent plea burning within them.
“Fine. Tell me how to do it.” The moment I said it, a crown landed atop my head.
“I think this one suits you best, Your Majesty,” Greer stated, forcing my lips to twitch.
“Is there a crown of dicks on my head, Meat Suit?”
“Would I do such a thing?” he asked innocently.
“Yes,” I replied.
“You’re right, I would. Unfortunately, you needed an actual crown to rise to the Queen of Dragons. This one seemed like the best fit for you,” he informed. “The material is black steel, mined from Dorcha. It’s rock that has melted beneath the dragon’s flame. Not much of it remains nowadays, but there was enough in the vault to create this one. The diamonds set into the black steel are mined right here in Norvalla. Knox filed the points, himself. He wanted it to be perfect and trusted no one else to do it.” Greer pushed wayward strands of my hair behind my ear, smiling as he wiped away the tear that tipped over my lashes. “He’d want you to lead his brethren against Hecate. You know her weaknesses. He also knew that no one else would ensure they return here safely once the battle was over, except you.”
“Thank you, Greer.”
“You’ll have to wear his mantle. We didn’t have time to have one made for you,” he informed. Wrapping the obsidian mantle over my shoulders, he clasped the raven heads together, smiling proudly. “I always knew you’d be his queen. At first, I hated that it would steal your innocence. You had such a beautiful soul, and were so soft when we first met. I knew you’d have to kill that girl in order to survive this world.”
“Are you trying to turn me into a blubbering mess?” I asked pointedly, smiling as he kissed my cheek.
“No, you shouldn’t cry. Tears are for later, My Queen. Right now, I need your ruthlessness, and that chaos you bring so freely upon those you destroy. You hit her for me, at least once.”
I stared at the throne, hating that Knox wasn’t here to approve my ascension. I’d never dared to even imagine sitting on the throne of Norvalla. Even when I’d been his wife, it had seemed pointless. Now, he wasn’t here, and I was about to agree to protect and defend his people in his absence. Taking the step toward it, I sucked in air as I read the inscription on the back.
Aria, beloved Queen of Dragons, Queen of Phoenixes, and rightful ruler of the Nine Realms.
“Who—”
“He did,” Brander stated. “Knox would want you to be his queen, we all know it, probably even knew you were before he did. Knox doesn’t do anything without thought, which means he wanted you to become queen. You already were, even without the crown to back your claim.”
I stood there, staring at the throne he’d built for me, breathlessly wishing he were here to ease the worry. Knox always forced the world to go silent around me. As if nothing else existed other than the two of us within the universe. I craved that with him, the ability to shut off the world and just exist with him beside me.
A hand touched my shoulder. It made head turn, finding Brander beside me. His eyes, beaming with pride slowly moved over my face. “I am proud of you, Aria. If you’d have asked me when I’d first met you if I saw you ascending the throne to rule beside my own brother? I’d have laughed at you. You’ve come so far, and matured into a beautiful, chaotic woman. There’s no one else I’d want to sit beside Knox to rule our kingdom.” Grabbing my hand, he brushed his lips over my knuckles. “Long may you reign beside your king.”
Lore stepped into Brander’s spot once he’d stepped back. Golden eyes sparkled as a wide grin spread over his face. “You know how I feel. I’m always here for whatever you need. I joke around a lot.” He shoved his fingers through his platinum hair, frowning. “You know that as well. But really, Knox has been through hell. When he’s with you, he smiles, Aria. He fucking laughs. He raised me. Before he met you? I could probably count how many times he’d laughed throughout my life on one hand. You make him happy, which is all I’ve ever wanted for him, really. It’s what we’ve all wanted . . . I mean, other than an extending jaw. Obviously, any man would want a girl with one of those. You’re going to be the best queen this realm has ever had. I know that because I know you. You’re kindhearted, and you’re . . . well . . . you’re you. I’m going to be proud to say you’re our queen. Knox would be too, if he could.” Leaning over, he kissed my forehead. “If he doesn’t wake up? I’m willing to be their daddy. I won’t make you call me daddy, either.” Killian swatted him, which caused the men to chuckle. “Hey, the girl needs to know she has options.”