The land sang with their energy, with the energy of the Earthside Fae and a crazy dance of joy and celebration filled the air, the currents of energy rippling through the crowd as we entered the courtyard. Eye catchers lit the cobblestone square by the hundreds, faerie lights sparkling in the night.
Three massive barrow mounds comprised the palace of the Court of the Three Queens, each signified by the flags flying from each mound. They were covered by a thick, luxurious carpet of grasses and roses. A large dais rose in front of the palace and there, standing next to it, were my sisters and the rest of my extended family except for Hanna, who was home babysitting Maggie. Vishana was there, as well, with Amber and Luke standing beside her. Chase and Venus had joined them.
Derisa was waiting on the dais, and Trenyth and Sharah were there as well. I could see the longing in her face as she glanced at Chase, who was holding Astrid, and my heart went out to all of them. How things would change once Chase took the spirit seal, I didn’t know, but maybe, somehow, it would be better.
As we rode through the crowd, all eyes were on us. I began to shake, ever so slightly, and I struggled not to cry. I had made sure all of my makeup was waterproof, but the last thing I wanted was to look a mess or look vulnerable during the ceremony.
We reached the dais and the guards encircled us as attendants moved forward to help us off the horses. I patted my horse, realizing she would probably be mine from now on, and that thought took the edge off my nerves. I had come to like horses more than I ever thought I would in the past week. They were smart, sensitive creatures. If I could keep focusing on small things, like friendly horses, instead of the fact that I was in a courtyard mobbed with people, I could make it through.
Aeval motioned to me to get in line. Once again, Titania ascended the steps, followed by Aeval, then I came next, and finally—the Merlin. Myrddin had put on his antlered headdress and it hit me that that was his crown. He wasn’t all that friendly, in fact I found him aloof and rather snobbish, but right now, he was being supportive and that was all that mattered.
We approached the center of the platform where Derisa, Sharah, and Trenyth waited. I gave a quick, nervous glance toward Smoky and the others. Delilah raised her hand slightly and wiggled her fingers at me, smiling. I winked at her, wanting to establish that connection. Regardless of where I was headed, she and Menolly would always be my anchors in this world.
Sharah inclined her head. She was dressed in all the Elfin finery that Queen Asteria had worn, and the crown on her head seemed to fit more every time I saw her. Her eyes flickered as she whispered, “Congratulations, Camille.”
Derisa stood tall, a proud look on her face. “I’m so glad to see this day,” she said in a low voice. “Lyrical sends her salutations.”
I broke out into a dizzying smile. That was code for: Lyrical was pissed as hell and was being forced to eat crow. One of the elders of the Coterie of the Moon Mother, Lyrical had been the bane of my life back in Otherworld when I was in training. She had tried to block my initiation, calling me a half-breed and scorning every suggestion that I join the Order. Now, I had my vindication.
“Please tell her I value her support.” Stifling a snicker, I happened to glance over at Aeval, who was staring at me, her mouth set in a stern line. But her eyes were laughing.
Aeval turned to the crowd. “Good people of Talamh Lonrach Oll, we gather today to witness the coronation of a new Queen of Dusk and Twilight. Listen well, and remember this day, for you are all part of the living history of this sovereign land.”
The crowd roared in return. “All hail the Queen of Shadow and Night! All hail the Queen of Light and Morning!”
Aeval held out a long silver blade, the tip touching my breast, pointing directly at my heart. Myrddin moved behind me, blocking any chance I had of getting away. My wings twitched and I realized this was what it felt like to be a cat and sense things with whiskers.
Then the questioning began, Aeval beginning.
“Know that it is better to fall on the tip of my blade than give false answers, for if you knowingly bear falsehood, we will strike you down. Do you understand?”
I straightened my shoulders, my mood sobering. She meant every word, and would have every right.
“I understand.” I almost jumped as my voice echoed through the courtyard along with hers. Apparently someone had cast a Projection spell so that we could be heard all the way through the heart of the Fae nation.
Titania spoke next. “Camille Sepharial te Maria D’Artigo, listen well to our words and answer from the truth of your heart. Have you been through the ritual to drink the Nectar of Life?”