Page 215 of The Witch Queen

Or what’s left of it. Wind groans through the mangled windows, glass shining like jagged teeth in the empty frames. The decorations for Papa’s macabre celebration are in shambles. Garlands of white roses hang at odd angles. The tables of food have been upended or are spattered with blood. More blood puddles on the floor, the bodies of those killed in battle pushed to the sides of the room until they can be collected. I stand at the front, Papa’s throne behind me, looking out at the confused and terrified faces of the courtiers and having absolutely no idea what I’m doing. My heartbeat pounds in my ears, drowning out the thrum of hostile mutterings, most of which are directed at me.

“You cannot expect us to accept her as queen.”

Lord Warbeck’s voice rises above the rest. He’s been shouting since the courtyard, his face reddened with rage. I haven’t seen Gavin again, though. Where did he go? Back to his estate? I suppose I can’t blame him. I’d rather be anywhere than here.

“Of course she’s your queen,” Aunt Margaret returns, annoyed. “Callen is dead. She’s his heir. And you all saw what Blodwyn can do.”

“Is that supposed to sway us?” Lord Warbeck barks a laugh. “Look at her. The girl’s a witch. She’sglowing,for goodness’—”

“If she is a witch, then so are the rest of you.”

This time, it’s Ayleth who speaks. She stands at the base of the dais, the court giving her a healthy distance.

“You,” Lord Warbeck sneers. “You should be arrested. Guards!”

Men start to tromp forward, but I hold up a hand. “Leave her.”

They obey. Probably because they’re worried I’ll flatten them with my power otherwise. They needn’t be. That force shivers inside me again, but I still have no clue what to do with it, or even how I used itwith Aunt Margaret. The guards don’t need to know that, though. I stand taller and fix them with a menacing glare. They shrink farther back.

“Go on,” I say to Ayleth. “What did you mean?”

Because I would very much like to know myself.

“The princess’s power was gifted by an Ancient,” Ayleth continues. “One who chose Blodwyn because the princess understands that in order to heal this realm, we must come together. And that’s exactly what we did tonight. Mortals, witches, and Dwarves put aside our differences and bound our magic for the first time in Riven’s history.Thatis the source of the princess’s abilities. And that is why she is queen. Thetruequeen.”

My throat tightens at hearing her say those words. Knowing what it means for her to give up her place—for me. The same way my own mother did.

“I don’t know what kind of sorcery this is,” Lord Warbeck continues, “but it ends here. Riven is a realm that relies onlaw.And the law states that a new ruler cannot be crowned until the trials are complete. There’s still another challenge remaining and—”

“I withdraw!”

Gasps ricochet through the chamber. My own jaw drops, watching asGavincuts his way through the audience. Lord Warbeck looks like he might explode.

“What are youdoing,boy? This—”

“Is what I should have done a long time ago,” Gavin says. “As far as I’m concerned, thisisthe final trial. That of justice. And the princess has more than proven herself the victor of that challenge tonight. She used her power to save her aunt, even after the duchess schemed against her for the throne.”

Aunt Margaret shifts on her feet.

“And even with her father’s swords pointed at her,” Gavin continues. “shestilloffered him mercy. Would he have done the same for any of you?”

The court trades uncertain glances, no doubt recalling that—just hours ago—Papa vowed to put their hearts into mirrors.

“And, most surprising,” Gavin adds, his gaze fixed on mine, “the princess forgave me, a complete imbecile, who should have recognized her for what she is the moment we met: fair and kind and true. A far better ruler than I ever could be.”

My heart beats harder as Gavin approaches the dais and kneels. He holds his sword flat in both hands and lifts it.

“I pledge my loyalty to you, Queen Blodwyn,” he says, the flecks of gold in his eyes standing out as he looks up at me. “From this day until my last, I will follow you anywhere.”

And this time, I know he’s telling the truth. A piece clicks into place inside me, one I didn’t fully realize was missing until I feel it settle. I’m still not certain exactly what it is—friendship, or something deeper. But I know in my bones that I have finally found my home. My family. That Ibelong.

“Long live Queen Blodwyn!” someone else shouts.

It’s Verity. She glances at Gavin and then back to me, waggling her eyebrows and mouthing:I told you.

A smile twitches at the corners of my lips. Still…Queen Blodwyn.That name feels awkward and foreign, but I tell myself to stand taller. To be the person Mother would want me to be. Fulfill the promise she made. The promiseImade. That place on my palm prickles.

“I accept your service,” I say, my attention traveling the crowd. “Along with that of all who will join me. I cannot pretend to know what the future holds, though I’m certain there will be a fair amount of difficulty. But I can promise you this: I will not be the ruler my father was, or the White Kings before him. The throne is not only mine—but ours. Together, we can create a new Riven. A home for everyone. As it should have been all along.”