Out of the Mountain (49 page)

“I must take my spot with the others. You are to be crowned queen. You must address your public with confidence and valor.”

“I don’t want you to leave my side,” I whined, and his frown deepened. His eyes pulled together in some silent battle.

“It would appear a public declaration for us to walk together.”

“Well, they might as well get used to it. I plan to have you by my side as often as possible,” I complained, and he nodded, a small smile lifting his mouth.

“As you wish.” He nodded at the men, and they swung the doors wide. Music began, the beautiful singing of a chorus filled the air.

I held my head high as I secretly leaned on Rowan for support. I surveyed the room and smiled timidly, nodding to the people as I passed down the long aisle. Hundreds of people stood in the hall. Some faces I recognized in passing, but most I had never seen before. I felt as if all eyes were on me, but to be fair I caught more than a few on Rowan instead.

We made the long walk up to the dais that held the throne. The Council of Six stood just in front of it. They were dressed in matching robes as dark as midnight, and I blinked a few times and realized that they were in fact wearing robes, but they were white! The darkness that surrounded them like a cloud was an outpouring of dark magic. Narissa would want to be sure they were completely in her thrall. We stopped in front of them and waited for the song to end. Silence rang through the hall when it did, and Mauve stepped forward.

“Welcome all to the coronation of Vivienne Cosette Reinhold, princess of Alaris. She is the blood and bone of both royal lines and deserves her place upon the throne. Do her subjects agree?” she asked, and a resounding “Aye” filled the hall. She waited a moment before continuing.

“May it be noted that there are no formal complaints filed at the time of the princess’s coronation. Does her majesty willfully take the following oaths?” she asked me, and I cleared my throat nervously.

“I willfully take the oaths.”

“Will you solemnly swear to govern the peoples of your nation alongside the council, fairly and justly pertaining to the laws that were set and voted upon by them and theirs?”

“I solemnly swear to do so.”

“Will you swear to cause law and justice to be followed to the best of your abilities, allowing mercy but ensuring all three in all of your judgments?”

“I will swear it.”

“Will you, to the detriment of your own self, swear to uphold the crown and protect it against those who would see it fall?”

“I will.”

“Then come forth and accept your place,” Mauve said, stepping aside and offering me a clear path to the throne. It was carved from the same glistening stone as the palace walls and covered in the same intricate designs. The throne was unmovable. Rowan smiled urging me on, and I agreed that this was something I had to do alone. I walked to the top of the dais and turned, facing the people that filled the room. All eyes were on me, and I felt the weight of the oaths I had just sworn heavy on my chest. I took my seat on the throne as a small man approached from the side.

He was bent and gnarled, but power emanated from him. He carried in his hands the Royal Crown. It was ornate and used for ceremonies only; the crown was a shining gold, encrusted with rubies and diamonds. Pearls lined the bottom, and the longer I looked the more gemstones I saw. The man stopped beside me and gave me a small smile before placing the crown neatly onto my head. The room was silent for a moment before the man spoke in a booming voice that I didn’t see coming. I jumped embarrassingly and hoped no one noticed.

“Rise, Vivienne Cosette Reinhold, queen of Alaris!” he said, and when I stood, cheers rang through the room. I looked around and saw the joy and the hope a monarch could bring to people and felt an immediate responsibility. I would do my best to serve these people, my father’s people, my people.

The band began to play once more, and Rowan escorted me down the steps of the dais and through the crowd. I shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with all who came into my path. The trip to the doors was a whirlwind, and I released a long breath when they finally slipped closed behind us. Glad that part was finally done.

“It’s not over quite yet.” Rowan chuckled as the guard led us to the heavy wooden doors at the front of the palace. I wasn’t prepared for the sight when they swung open. The courtyard, the steps, and the streets beyond were full of people. Celebrations were in full swing, and when I was announced yet again, the crowd roared happily. I felt immensely overwhelmed at the sight of all these people who were here to support me. Here to catch a glimpse of their new queen, a moment that would be written in history.

I waved and smiled for what felt like an eternity before Rowan turned and pulled me along behind him. When the doors were closed, the crown was taken from me and replaced with a more practical diamond tiara. It sat easily on the top of my head. I noted the absence of people in the halls once more as I was ushered to the ball room. The ladies from this morning appeared and began primping and refreshing my hair and makeup as I walked.

“Is this really necessary?” I grumbled.

“A queen must always look her best,” Josephine chastised, and I acquiesced.

I focused on centering myself and keeping calm as we walked nearer to the ballroom. Narissa would be here soon, if she wasn’t already. The time for battle was here, and I couldn’t freeze up; I couldn’t let everyone down. All these people were depending on me.

“You are not going at this alone. You have many friends at your back, Vinnie. We will all do whatever we can to ensure this night ends as well as it can.”

Rowan squeezed my hand in his as he met my eyes. Golden drops of honey, strong and steady, gazed at me from under his long lashes. I felt his pride, his love, and his hope wash over me as he took me in.

“Are you ready, Your Majesty?”

“Yes,” I answered firmly as I held Rowan’s gaze a moment longer, drawing strength from the bond that centered us.

The door opened inward as I was announced, and the crowd gathered and bowed graciously. I tightened my grip on Rowan’s arm nervously as we made our way into the room. The ballroom was decorated in beautiful shining fabrics. Every detail was finely honed in Mauve’s master plan. The room was brightly lit, but somehow candles set the ambiance, shining from the dozens of ancient-looking chandeliers that were dripping in crystals and hanging from the high ceiling.

When we reached the front of the room I turned back to see everyone still bowed and felt awkward, unsure of what to do.

“All rise?” I choked out and nearly slapped myself before I heard a hearty chuckle from Rowan and they complied, timid smiles on their faces. All eyes were on me again, and I took a deep breath. “As most of you can tell, this is all quite new to me . . .” I started, and the light laughter from the crowd emboldened me. I smiled ruefully.

“I know that for some, seeing me crowned queen seems a farce. Although I am from the royal lines, what with the new government Alaris has in place, why would you need a queen? I have had these thoughts myself, and at first I thought it was so that I could be used as a figurehead, a show pony of sorts. Someone who is meant to be seen and not heard. I quickly decided that I was not OK with that.” I glanced around the room and saw some eyes dropping to the floor. I didn’t pause until I saw Mauve’s glare, and I quickly blinked her and the darkness surrounding her away.

“I had quite an odd upbringing, and I can understand how it is hard for you all who thought me dead to get used to the idea that I am very much alive. I led an ordinary, albeit very sheltered life prior to my journey here, and I too am still trying to get used to the idea of such great responsibilities falling on me. I was young when I was hidden away, and sadly I have no memories of my parents or my life in Alaris before.

“But much like I have heard of my father, I feel a connection to this land and to the people. A deep-seated need to learn, to help, and to grow. I want to get to know you all. I want to learn everything I can about our history and hear ideas for the future of our kingdom. I promise that I understand fully and respect the position I have been put in. I am young, but I am willing to be what you need from me,” I finished with a bow of my head that was followed by a chorus of cheers. I smiled as the music began along with the festivities.

“Perfectly said, my queen.”
Rowan purred with pride.

There was a line of people waiting to say hello, and I did my duty, mingling among them feeling happier than I imagined I would at their acceptance. This was my parents’ legacy. They had earned the trust and love of these people in surplus, enough to pass on to me. I was grateful, but I was beginning to get overwhelmed; trying to commit so many new names and faces to memory at once was difficult. I felt a tug at my arm and looked up to see a sweet smile on Rowan’s face. I was almost disappointed that it wasn’t directed at me.

“I am so sorry to interrupt, but would you mind very much if I steal our queen away for the first dance of the night?” he asked the middle aged woman I was currently talking to. Bernita, I think? I did need a break.

“Oh, certainly, dear. Have fun,” she stammered out returning Rowan’s smile fully. I latched onto him like a lifesaver as he escorted me to the dance floor. A slower song began to play, and I sighed in relief as he took me into his arms and began to lead me around gracefully.

“You are doing very well,” he complimented.

“It’s a lot at once, all the people and the names and the invitations.” I think I had been invited to as many as twenty weddings.

“It is a courtesy to extend an invitation, they do not expect you to come. They only intend to share their joy.”

“That is nice, I guess. I just feel obligated . . .”

“That is a feeling you will quickly lose. The queen has no obligation to any one person, but to the whole of her kingdom.”

“So, put the whole before the one.”

“Precisely,” he said, and I sighed.

“You make it sound so easy.”

“Take it one day at a time, one task at a time, Vinnie,” he said as he dipped to plant a kiss below my ear, electrifying me instantly.

“Don’t get me all hot and bothered in a room full of unsuspecting men,” I groused.

“I would not dream of it.” He chuckled, but his face turned serious, and he pulled me closer to him.

“The song is about to end, and I can already see the line forming to dance. I will keeping an eye on you, so do not fret. When Silas approaches you, I will signal the others. You must be careful, Vinnie. Do you understand?” His voice was pleading in my ear. A rush of emotions washed over me and almost brought tears to my eyes.

“I love you, Rowan. No matter what happens, know that I love you.” I whispered and he glared at me.

“You will survive this night. We both will. I’ve not finished with you yet,” he groaned out, and kissed me full on the mouth. It was quick, rough, and desperate. It sent an ache through my heart.

“We are tied together: mind, body, and soul. There is nowhere you will go that I won’t follow.”

“You shouldn’t say that, Rowan. If something happens to me, you have to do all you can to survive it. I am but one person, the world will go on without me.”

“There is no world for me without you in it, Vinnie. We are so tightly bond that I wouldn’t even have a choice. I wouldn’t want a choice, and I can feel how much that angers you. I want you to use that, channel that into staying alive, to saving these people and destroying the evil that will be unleashed this night.”

“You shouldn’t talk so callously of your own life, Rowan. Yours is worth just as much as mine.”

“You needn’t worry about my will to survive, Vinnie. Our lives are linked. I will fight for my life as if it is your very own. I will keep you safe.”

“And I will do the same for you.”
I glared, determined. I felt the flash of my eyes. A grin lit his face.

“There is my tigress. There is no one I would trust with my life but you, Vinnie.” He kissed my forehead as the song ended, and I was swept into the arms of another man and the dancing continued.

I had been discreetly observing the room as I danced with many different men. I had spotted everyone already close to their positions and shared smiles with Briony. The later it got, the more nerves filled my belly. I hadn’t spotted anything suspicious yet. All of the Six were seated on a dais in the front and were watching the festivities. Most seemed to be ignoring them all together, but any time I glanced their way, a thick cloud of darkness pooled around them all. A warning of what was to come.

I was happy when I switched partners and looked into Malachi’s easy grin.

“Your Majesty.” He bowed, and I rolled my eyes at him.

“Don’t start being all stuffy on me now. I need someone to completely disregard my title and status to keep me in check.”

“Well, in that case, how about a kiss, sweet cheeks?” he jibed, pulling me to him. I laughed.

“You are ridiculous.”

“You are radiant,” he replied, and I smiled halfheartedly.

“What’s going through that mind of yours?” he asked with a sigh.

“You have to be careful, OK? You all do. I am just so worried about everyone,” I complained, and he snorted.

“I think we would all prefer to make it out of this alive, babe. You don’t have to worry about caution on our end.”

“I guess you’re right. I just want you to be really, really careful,” I said squeezing his arm. I cherished the odd friendship that fell easily between Malachi and me. I couldn’t imagine life without him, without any of my new friends, really. What if something happened to Briony, to Luca?

“Turn that frown upside down. Your concern is almost insulting. We’ve got this,” he complained.

“I guess I should be more worried about what I’m going to do.”

“Yes, that would probably be the best place to focus your attention. We need you to get this job done so ours doesn’t go to waste,” he jeered.

“For some reason, your chastisement doesn’t give me the kick in the butt I need it to,” I complained, and he grinned, clearing his throat.