Page 91 of Savage Crown
“Long live the true wolf king!”
I stood before him and did not move. He took in the din as if it were a weight he would carry forever.
When the chant eased, the crowd began to break up and flow into the reception hall, where we had food waiting for everyone. Cassian stepped onto the stage and faced Kaelric. He formally raised his right hand in a pledge that old Aerlyn houses had once used when they meant to be taken at their word.
“Aerlyn stands with Fenmyr,” he said. “We hope to have a strong alliance for generations to come.”
He then placed a fist over his chest and bowed his head in respect.
Kaelric nodded and then unexpectedly pulled Cassian in for a hug, clasping his arms around him and patting his back.
When he pulled back, Cassian looked surprised.
“I’m glad you’re here and that you are well. Fenmyr is happy to be in an alliance with Aerlyn.” Kaelric squeezed his shoulders, and I had to blink back tears. Both men standing before me were incredible. I felt so lucky to have them in my life.
“Thank you.” Cassian’s eyes were misty, then they slid over to me. “Take care of her,” he added.
Kaelric nodded, as if it were an old saying between them. “I cannot imagine a world where I’mnottaking care of her.” He winked, a subtle dig at their old rivalry perhaps.
Cassian smiled, and we all stepped into the dining hall together. Food was served. I ate first, of course, then Kaelric followed.
People came up in twos and threes to touch the hem of Kaelric’s cloak or to set their palms against his shoes, as if pledging their loyalty were a physical act. I knew it made him uncomfortable. I could see him squirming and telling them they could stand. But I could also see that it brought the people great joy to thank him for liberating the city.
They did the same to me, and I also felt uncomfortable with such behavior. These people were not beneath me in any way, but I knew it was how it was done, and I gripped the hilt of the King Killer—no longer able to call it Valkaryn since she was not there anymore. Did it make it even sadder to have my sword back, but without her? Maybe…
Maybe a tiny part of her still lived within it and wanted to be near me.
As if my very words had been heard, the hilt got warm for a second. Was I imagining it?
I let go, heart pounding as Kaelric listened to the people coming up to him and did not rush them. He took old men’s hands in both of his; he accepted toddlers who did not care what a king was; he greeted wolves who had hunted across winter and brought meat to lay at his feet.
I kept to his side, and when the worst of the rush eased, Maelis came and pressed a fig into Kaelric’s palm. A remembrance of his mother. I didn’t know where she found it this early. She kissed his cheek and hugged us both.
We left the reception table long enough to walk the front row. Kaelric wanted to meet those who had yet to greet him. He took time to thank each of them for coming.
Then the musicians struck up a tune, and the reception changed from traditional ceremony to carefree feast. Carts rolled in with sweets and mead. Children vanished under tables and reappeared with cheeks full of chocolate.
We stayed until the sun leaned west. When the light turned golden and the chill crept in through the open windows, we slipped away through the side arch, but the city kept celebrating.
Deeper inside, the corridors felt warmer. We climbed the narrow staircase to our room, which I had decorated to add a woman’s touch. It was now draped in teal and yellow for a dash of color. There were two guards waiting outside, who bowed as we passed and stepped into the room.
Kaelric stopped in the center of the room and drew a long breath. I could feel the relief settle over him.
“That went well. People seem happy, well fed,” he said, quiet.
“Yes.” I reached up behind him and threaded my arms around him as he stroked my arms. An alpha seeing his people well-fed was peak happiness. Kaelric was more obsessed with food than anyone in the Dregs ever had been.
He stood for a while with me hugging him from behind as he stroked my hands. Then he turned to me, and I stared into his endless green eyes. Green that was so wild at times, I felt like I was looking into the forest.
He smiled, shaking his head and chuckling as if to himself.
“What?” I asked, suddenly offended for no reason.
“I’m just remembering the time you said you’d take my balls if I pinned you down.”
Now I was laughing. “We had just met! You don’t pin down a lady you just met.”
His eyes went half-lidded as he ran his finger from my cheek down my collarbone to my navel. “Would you like me to pin you down now, my queen?” He leaned in and kissed my neck.
