“I have.”
After that, they alternated questions. Both Aeval and Titania seemed to rise up to tower over the crowd, and I felt like I was mirroring them. Their eyes were flashing dark and brilliant.
“Have we taken you through the secret rites to bestow the mantle of Fae Queen upon your shoulders?”
My wings twitched at that question. “Yes, you have.”
“Have you, in your heart, given yourself over to Talamh Lonrach Oll and its people? Will you live for your people? Will you die for your people?”
In my heart, I was flashing back to my initiation during that wild night when I was accepted by the Moon Mother. And now, she had bid me move into yet another realm, enlarging the scope of my work for her.
“I do so pledge my life and will, under the guidance of the Moon Mother herself.”
“Will you take the crown of the Court of Dusk and Twilight, and pledge yourself to it until the day you die? Will you take the mantle of the Queen of the Keraastar Knights and lead them into the coming battles as so prophesized?”
I felt like I was vibrating. This wasn’t simply a swearing-in ritual. This was a binding magical pledge, and the gods themselves were listening. The Moon Mother might as well be standing here to take my oath.
“I do so pledge. I will take the crown and wear the mantle.”
“Kneel before me.”
I slowly sank to my knees as Aeval sheathed her dagger. Titania was holding a crown and they moved forward. Myrddin put his hands on my shoulders and it felt as though I could barely breathe, sandwiched between the three of them.
Aeval turned to the crowds. “Then let the people hear and take note: Camille Sepharial te Maria D’Artigo has pledged her life to this land, and to you, its people. She has pledged to rule over the Court of Dusk and Twilight. She has pledged herself to the Keraastar Knights. Let nothing put aside her pledges but death, and may death seek her out swiftly if she reneges on her oaths.”
Again, a wild cheer went up.
Titania waited till the crowd was silent again. “Then, by the will of the gods, by the will of the Immortals, we do so crown you Camille, Queen of Dusk and Twilight, Queen of the Keraastar Knights. Join us in leading Talamh Lonrach Oll and her people into the future, where the Sovereign Fae Nation will once again rise strong over the land.”
As Titania placed the crown on my head, a dizzying wave rushed through me, and I realized that—for good or ill—I had just moved onto my new path and aligned myself with the Earthside Fae for the rest of my life.
I ROSE, HELPED by Myrddin, surprised to find that I was crying. Aeval and then Titania embraced me, kissing me on the cheek. Then Aeval whispered, “You should give Chase his spirit seal now and officially declare ownership of the Keraastar Knights.”
I had little to no idea of what I was supposed to do, and I was grateful for the coaching. “I’m not sure of what words to use…” I paused, feeling stupid.
“Use words that people will understand. We don’t stand on pomp and circumstance except during official business. This will be most of our people’s first impression of you, even though most of them have heard you mentioned. Think about what impression you want to make.”
I nodded, thinking quickly. Then, I turned to the crowd. “Thank you for welcoming me into your hearts, and this beautiful nation. In my first official act, I claim my Knights under my protection. Chase, Venus, Luke, Amber, please join me. Vishana, if you will?”
Vishana led the others up to the dais. She handed me an embossed case and a shock raced up my arms. I could feel the spirit seals within. They were separated from touching by their individual boxes, but they were resonating. One slip, one chance of letting them all touch, and I could destroy the world as we knew it. The overwhelming power that rested in my possession was terrifying—and a little heady.
I opened the case and immediately gravitated to the one I knew was the amethyst. I locked up the case and handed it to Vishana again. “You must keep this in the Dragon Reaches until I call for it. We can’t take the chance on the unattached ones being stolen.”
She nodded. “As you will…Queen Camille.” A faint smile escaped her lips.
“Chase Johnson, step forward.”
With a desperate glance at Sharah, Chase moved into position in front of me, bending down on one knee. “Your Majesty.”
I wanted to tell him to knock it off, but he was right—in public, that was my title. He was following form.
“Do you swear yourself to me and to the Keraastar Knights? Do you willingly take this seal and vow to protect it with your life, and to lend yourself to its will?”
“I pledge my oath to you and to the Keraastar Knights. I forsake my former life.” His voice was thick with tears, though his eyes were dry, and I knew all too well how hard this was for him. As I placed the spirit seal around his neck, there was a hush as it settled against his heart, and then, his aura flared and I knew the match was right.