Crown of Ellova, Vol. 1 (Crown of Ellova Duology)

Chapter 36

CHAPTER 36

W e barely make it back in time to prepare for the ceremony. I’m putting the finishing touches on my hair in the bathing chamber alone when I hear Nueena and Tavien come in, and then Leon’s soft laugh from behind the door at something Tav said. When I step out of the bathroom in my ceremony gown, the room goes silent except for Nueena’s delighted gasp.

Hiliyah has outdone herself.

My strapless gown is made with a golden fabric that flutters around me. It is tight on my waist and hips before flaring out, but that’s not what the three of them are staring at. The top of the gold corset is shaped like a giant crown that cages in my chest, the arch from each point sticking out. It is heavy, covered in yellow diamonds, lemon quartz, and golden garnet. The highest peak of the center presses into the space between my breasts. It would make any close dancing nearly impossible, but the visual is stunning.

Nueena comes forward, touching one of the yellow gemstones that top each arch.

“The perfect gown for the royal crown maker,” she says, smiling at me .

I laugh. “ My dress? Look at yours !”

Her gown’s base is the same fabric as mine, but that’s where the similarities end. The bodice is covered with a sheer fabric that rises up off her shoulders; strands of yellow pearls form small dangling sleeves. Across the top, gems have been sewn on so it gives the illusion her skin is sparkling. A diamond-shaped cutout under her chest leads to her waist, where gossamer layers flow down. The skirt is sewn together with yellow gemstones and gold thread so it glimmers when she walks. It is a gown strung from sunlight and highlights her dark skin beautifully.

Nueena does a happy spin, her gown shimmering in the light. “Now all I need is my crown,” she teases.

“Ladies, you both are breathtaking, but we must be leaving now,” Tavien says, coming behind Nueena with a hand on her back, leading her out of the doors. He doesn’t take his eyes off her.

I turn to face Leon, who is still staring at me, slack-jawed. His gaze flickers over the gold lining my eyes and gold dust on my cheeks and shoulders.

“You look stunning, like a queen.” His eyes have a faint shine to them.

“Thank you.” I stretch out my hand to him. He takes it, and together we head downstairs into the waiting crowd.

The ballroom where the crowning ceremony will be held has been decorated to reflect all the artistic talents that call the Gem Court home. Chandeliers hang dripping with diamonds beneath the intricate oil paintings on the ceiling with scenes from our court’s history. Yellow roses wrap around the golden columns. Those who attend tonight wear their finest clothing in every shade of yellow.

Dancers twirl with ribbons while musicians play music they wrote just for tonight to celebrate Nueena. The walls are covered in portraits of her. Watercolors and oil paintings, lifelike and abstract. Glowing glasses of sparkling wine glint in everyone’s hands as they toast to her.

Excitement is so strong I feel feverish. Many months ago I was asked to create the crown for tonight. I had hoped, of course, to be asked, to share this moment with Nu. Historically, it is done by a master artisan, one whose years using their skills exceed my own, but Lazalai showed up at the palace one night and blessed me with the task.

To create a crown worthy to be given to our future Realm Keeper on behalf of the Gem Court was one of the highest honors my Guardian could have bestowed upon me.

Lazalai said that it would mean the most to Nueena if it came from me, and judging from the scream Nueena made when I told her I would be her royal crown maker, Lazalai had been right.

“I have to go to the dais. Stay nearby,” I say to Leon over the music and head where I need to be for the ceremony, next to my crown, which sits beneath a satin cloth, waiting to be presented to Nueena.

The royal family stands at the top of the grand staircase, ready for their grand entrance. Each family member’s name announced is met with thunderous applause from the crowd as they descend one by one.

Last is Nueena.

“Future Realm Keeper and ruler of the High Ellovian Court, daughter to Nyvenah and Alachite Verrelia, Nueena Verrelia with her Zemra, Tavien Delwinn of the Ink Court.”

Nueena and Tavien walk down the golden staircase hand in hand, Tavien’s face bursting with pride for his Zemra.

The excited crowd parts to let Nueena pass, their joyous cheering endless as they toss marigold petals at her feet on the path to her throne. Nueena embraces Lazalai when she reaches her on the dais, and they both look at me as I pull off the cloth, revealing the crown I created on a plump pillow.

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that the crown was completed before my magic was overshadowed. If I had delayed or abandoned the honored responsibility, I would have disappointed Nueena, and the entire court would be asking questions.

Nu and I face each other, wearing twin smiles so wide and joyous our cheeks will ache tomorrow. We mouth, I love you, at the same time, and our laughter is drowned out by the celebration around us. Everything that makes her an amazing friend will follow her as she steps into her role as ruler of the fae realm.

Her compassion, unending loyalty, and caring heart.

Her deep wish for everyone to know happiness and a life full of joy.

Nueena loves with all of who she is, endlessly and without restraint, and her friendship is a bright light woven into my life and the future of Ellova. My devotion to her is so deep in my soul, wrapped up in who I am. Adoration and pride burst out of me, my love for her luminous in my chest. I’m so honored to stand up here with her, to stand beside her ’til the end.

The crowd goes quiet, ready for their Guardian’s words as I pick up the crown and gently hand it to Lazalai, who is giddy with excitement.

She holds my creation out to the crowd, the room erupting with cheers. “We pause our midnight amusements and salacious entanglements for a momentous occasion. Our dear Nueena Verrelia will soon be crowned our Realm Keeper. As long as she rules Ellova, we, her court of artisans and crafters, will stand beside her in support. She has always seen the value and dedication, the passion and intensity in our creativity and craft. Nueena deeply appreciates the strength and vulnerability it takes to create. She knows the significance art has on our culture and the value it plays in shaping our society. She has a vision for Ellova worth trusting. The fervor with which she will rule, the attentiveness to her court’s needs, and her glowing compassion for all will be the foundation from which she will lead us all.”

Nueena sits on the opalescent throne.

“And now, our gift to you.” Lazalai stands beside her, gently placing it upon Nueena’s curls.

As soon as it touches her head, it glows. I hold my breath as the enchantment begins, the golden crown coming to life, each closed flower blooming, as dozens of gold butterflies rise and flutter around her, leaving a bright trail behind them before they fly out around the crowd. Gold dust falls from their gilded wings to sprinkle atop everyone. The dust glides over each courtier’s hands to form a single golden band on their fingers. Their gasps of delight warm me through as surely as the relief I feel that losing touch with my magic did not affect the enchantment. Many hold up their hands to the lights above, sending a wave of twinkling lights before Nueena.

Nueena looks back at me with tears streaming down her face. I give her a small nod of understanding at the look of thankfulness in her eyes. I motion for her to hold her hands together. When she does, all the golden butterflies dance back to her, kissing her fingertips before flying up and forging their open wings to the crown.

The gleam of my gift fades and so do the enchantments. The music shifts to a fast-paced melody, and dancing starts, the lights lowering. Fae move and flow to the beat, bodies grinding on one another, as more wine is poured and passed around.

“Della, the crown is perfect.” Delight glows on Nueena’s beautiful features.

I point to the large amethyst nestled in the center of the crown.“The gem was part of Tavien’s family trove. He selected the stone himself.”

“Only the best for my Zemra,” Tavien says, coming up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close, pressing his face into her neck.

Leon stands with his hand outstretched as I walk down the stairs to him. “Let’s dance, Izadella.” He spins me around and pulls my back flush against him to avoid the spikes on the front of my gown. We join the mass of dancers on the darkened ballroom floor. Our hips move as one, shifting and flowing together. When I am not tucked against him, he is spinning me and pulling me back to him.

Every so often he kisses my shoulder or breathes deeply into my neck. His contented sighs during the slow songs and exploratory hands during the fast ones have my body alight.

I’m glistening with sweat and gasping for air when Leon finally glides us off the dance floor. “Let me get you something to drink. ”

I nod gratefully, and Leon makes his way through the crowd and out of my sight.

A hand slides around my waist, pulling me close, but instead of Leon’s sweet herb scent I am met with patchouli and black pepper.

Kole.