We hold each other like that and eventually begin dancing. One song blends into another, and my grief and gratitude for what Sebastian did swell in my chest.
I look up at Finn through my lashes, and he’s grinning. “What are you thinking about?” I ask.
“I’m thinking about how you’re the most amazing creature I have ever met.” He buries his face in my neck, and I can feel his smile. “And I’m thinking how good it feels to be right.”
“Right about what?” I ask.
“About you being the queen this realm needs.”
Epilogue
“Abriella, you look amazing,” Jas says, scanning me with bright eyes.
But to me, she’s the one who looks amazing. Her last six months in Faerie have been good for her.
Her face has filled out and her eyes shine bright with good health, and though she still jumps at shadows and doesn’t trust the fae easily, she’s improving.
In the months that have passed, I’ve learned a lot about being queen of a strife-filled land. I’ve learned about how people—even the kindest, wisest among them—buck against change, and I’ve learned that those same people will happily take credit for the same innovations they fought you on.
But most of all, I’ve learned that I’m my happiest, best self when my sister’s around.
“You’re sure it’s not too much?” I ask, looking down at the black leather dress Jas made for me.
It’s a bit . . . wicked. But I like it. It’s long-sleeved but off-the-shoulder, and the skirt is slit high on each of my hips so that I can still run if need be—something I unapologetically demand in anything I wear. Not that there’s a lot of running these days. Mostly, there’s a lot of sitting. Meeting after meeting. Listening to heartbreaking stories from distant parts of our lands and sometimes listening to ridiculous whining from the overprivileged. This job has it all, but most of it is done from the safety of my throne room, with Finn standing by my side.
“So sure,” Jas says.
Pretha nods in agreement. “Finn will definitely appreciate the way it shows you off.”
I grin and look over my shoulder to see the back of the dress in the mirror. I haven’t let all the meetings and throne sitting get in the way of my training. I’m faster and stronger than ever and enjoying every minute of it. I don’t mind these results either, though I know Finn can’t keep his hands off me either way.
“Are you nervous?” Pretha asks.
I shake my head. “Not even a little.”
Tonight, Finn and I will complete the bonding ceremony. We’ll get married too someday, but for now the bond will allow us to share power both ways, which, as I’ve told him repeatedly, is important to me. But the truth is, I simply crave this additional connection to the male I love.
“The last time I did this, I was looking for the wrong things,” I tell Jas. “The Banshee had scared the pants off me, and I wanted the bond with Sebastian so he could protect me. I thought it would be fine, because I loved him, but it was a mistake, and I think we both knew that.”
“It’s not too late to change your mind,” Misha says, pushing into my chambers as if he owns the place.
He’d gone home to the Wild Fae Lands after we celebrated my taking the throne, but he visits often. Sometimes I think he’s afraid that Pretha will take his spot as my best friend if he doesn’t see me frequently.
“Why are you here?” I ask. “We’re not doing a public ceremony.”
He clutches my hand to his chest. “I’m here just in case you decided you’d rather have me.”
I snort. “Maybe next time, Misha.”
“Can’t blame me for trying.” Dropping my hand, he kisses each cheek. “You look stunning. He’s a very lucky male.”
“I’m the lucky one,” I say, grinning.
Kane is next to stick his head in the door. “Is the party in here?” he asks before pushing in. He spots me and stops in his tracks. “Gods above and below, look at that dress.”
I blush. “Thank you.”
Kane looks at Jas and gives her an uncharacteristically charming smile. “You’re still gonna make something for me next, right?”
Pretha grunts. “You realize she’s not your seamstress, right?”
“I don’t mind,” Jas says, and my heart swells a little. It feels so good to see my sister finding her place in this world. “It gives me something to do.”
Finally, when Jas and Pretha are done fussing over me, Finn appears, and his eyes are all over me —hungry, lustful, loving, and grateful all at once.