Chapter 212 Coronation

• The girls, unfortunately, would not be here to witness this day with me the way I had once dreamed. War had scattered us like seeds across the realms, rooting us into duties and titles in each of our sects. They had grown into leaders and commanders, guardians of their people. And though the thought still ached, they had promised me they would be here before the night was over. We had spoken earlier this morning. I clung to that promise like a tether.
• Sargis had left before dawn, dragged out by Lupercus, both of them bound by custom and tradition. It demanded we walk into the throne room separately, as if the gods themselves must witness us not as lovers but as sovereigns first. I missed him already, hence why I stood on the balcony long after my bath, wrapped in my robe, staring into the pale horizon reminiscing.
• Avaline and Hasmik were supposed to come and dress me, and I waited for them like a child waits for the first light of a festival. I groaned inwardly when I picked up their chatter before they even reached the floor, the elevator carrying their voices upward like a silver bell. Without even seeing them, their excitement was palpable.