Embers to Flames (Fates Entwined #1)

Chapter Thirty-Six

My chest swells with emotion as I stare into Theo’s eyes. “Theo… I…” I take a shaky breath, trying to find the words to express the intensity of my feelings. A tear escapes my eye, but it’s one of relief and happiness. “You’re my light in the darkness, Theo. I can’t imagine my life without you either.”

His hands caress my face, gently wiping away my tears with his thumbs. “Then you’ll say yes?” he asks, a hopeful edge in his voice. “You’ll be my wife?”

“Yes,” I whisper, his proposal finally sinking in. “Yes, Theo. Yes, I’ll marry you!”

A radiant grin spreads across his face as I roll on top of him, my mouth finding his in a searing kiss. Our tongues dance together, our passion suddenly reignited by our new-found commitment. His hands roam over my body and I feel his erection hardening once more between my thighs. I tremble in anticipation as he takes his time to remind me exactly what forever is going to feel like.

We eventually break apart for air, both panting heavily. Theo grins like a schoolboy with a secret. “How should we tell the others?”

Oh boy, I hadn’t thought of that. “Maybe we shouldn’t tell everyone just yet.”

Theo’s expression changes and his eyes soften. “Oh?”

“Well… it’s just… my separation from Mikyl is still… fresh.” I say, hoping he understands my concern. “And with everything we have all been through, it just seems like too much to take in.”

Theo’s face falls slightly at my words, but he nods in understanding. I can still see the disappointment in his eyes. “Of course, you’re right,” he says.

I reach out and take his hand, interlacing our fingers. “It’s not that I don’t want to tell them, my love. I just think we should wait for the right moment. When things have settled, and it doesn’t feel quite so… complicated.”

Theo lifts our joined hands and presses a soft kiss to my knuckles. “I know,” he says gently. “I don’t want to cause you any more pain or put you in an awkward position. We’ll tell the others when the time is right.”

The ease of his acceptance and understanding makes my heart swell. I lean in and kiss him tenderly. “Thank you for being so patient with me,” I whisper against his lips. “I know this isn’t exactly how you pictured it being.”

Theo chuckles and pulls me close. “The only thing that matters is that you said yes.”

Theo and I make our way downstairs, hand in hand, unable to keep the smiles off our faces. As we near the dining hall, the smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling sausages makes my stomach rumble.

We round the corner and find Lords Ailwin, Erhorn, Phirel, and Klaern seated around the large wooden dining table, passing platters of food and chatting amiably. Lenna and Alyndra are notably absent. Before we can take our seats, the dining hall doors swing open behind us as they both enter, giggling and whispering to each other.

My eyes go wide as I take in their disheveled hair and rumpled clothes. They both flush crimson when they see us, mouths snapping shut mid-laugh. Understanding dawns on me immediately. They had spent the night together.

Theo raises an eyebrow at me, a soulful question travels from his gaze into my mind. “Wait… Did they…?”

I give him a subtle nod. I can’t help the knowing smile that spreads across my face. It seems Theo and I aren’t the only ones who have found solace in each other during this chaos. Theo squeezes my hand supportively as we make our way to the table, beckoning Lenna and Alyndra to join us. They avoid eye contact, cheeks still flushed, but relief shines in their eyes at our silent acceptance.

Mikyl enters the dining hall with trepidation, unsure of the reception he will receive after last night’s dramatic escape from Mt. Ero and the Fortress of Silence. Despite my reassurances, I can still see the doubt gnawing at him as he approaches the long wooden table. Heads turn in unison at his arrival, conversations dying mid-sentence. Mikyl forces himself to meet their gazes head-on, shoulders back and chin up. The silence is stretched taut as a bowstring.

Theo is surprisingly the first to move, half-rising from his chair with a hesitant smile. “Mikyl,” he says softly, “won’t you join us?” His gentle welcome breaks the spell of taciturnity throughout the room.

Lord Erhorn pulls out the chair beside him with a wink. “We’ve saved you the best seat, right by the sausages.” Laughter ripples around the table, the tension dissolving.

Mikyl sinks into the proffered chair, and I can see his shoulders relax as the tension leaks from his body. As I sip my tea, I feel a gentle kick under the table. I look up to see Theo gazing at me, his striking golden eyes full of warmth. He gives me a sly wink and my heart flutters. I still can’t believe he’s mine. After everything we’ve endured, our love has only grown stronger.

Just then, the doors fly open with a resounding bang. We all jump in our seats as an Elven guard enters the room, his face flushed from exertion. “My lords,” he gasps, struggling to catch his breath. “King Varitan approaches the gates!”

Every person seated at the grand table slowly rises to their feet, anticipation rippling through the air as we prepare for the arrival of The King—my father. The room falls into a reverent hush, the murmurs and clinking of cutlery ceasing abruptly. All eyes turn towards the towering double doors, awaiting the regal entrance that commands such profound reverence.

At last, King Varitan strides into the dining hall. His measured footfalls ring out in the silence. In unison, we all drop to one knee, heads bowed in deference to our king. His sharp gaze sweeps over each of us, coming to rest on me.

He gestures for me to rise, then turns to address the others. “My friends, we have much to discuss, but please, continue with your morning meals.”

Echoes of “Your Majesty” drift around the room as we resume our seats. King Varitan sits at the head of the table, Theo on one side and myself on the other. As we eat, a tense anticipation hangs in the air. The King speaks little, observing each of us in turn as he consumes his breakfast. Finally, he pushes his plate away. The room falls silent .

“There is a matter of grave importance I must share with you all,” he says heavily. “Prince Ruvyn has made contact. He demands the surrender of our lands or else prepare for imminent invasion at the hands of his Obscuro army.” The room falls silent as the gravity of the situation sinks in, and all eyes turn to him once more, waiting for his next words.

“There’s something else,” he says, his gaze dropping to the ground. “He is also demanding for the timely execution of Princess Rosanhi for fear of even the slightest possibility she may plot to seize the throne and take his power for herself.”

“Your Majesty,” Lord Erhorn starts, “You aren’t possibly considering this… are you?”

The King is hesitant to respond. Telling me all I need to know. I glare at the man who claims to be my father, my fists clench at my sides in a mix of rage and disbelief. He sits stoically, refusing to meet my gaze or acknowledge my presence. The room erupts with gasps and angry whispers from the lords gathered around the table.

“But I don’t want your gods-damned throne!” I shout, rising from my seat with such force that the chair topples over behind me. A tense silence falls over the hall as all eyes turn to me. “You would have me executed to appease this… this tyrant?” I demand, my voice echoing off the stone walls. “I am supposed to be your daughter! Your own flesh and blood!”

“And he is my son.” He replies impassively. I can see a flicker of regret in his eyes .

“I saw my mother in that mountain.” The King finally meets my fiery gaze, his expression unreadable. “She said you loved her. She said you wanted me.”

“Rosanhi,” he begins, but I cut him off.

“Ruvyn knows nothing of who I am or what I want. His ridiculous demands are merely a desperate attempt to eliminate potential foes, real or imagined.” I turn my gaze to each Lord seated around the table. “He underestimates the strength and courage contained in this room. United, we can withstand any assault. But we must stand together—Human, Elf, Dragon, all races and creeds.”

“Princess Rosanhi speaks wisdom beyond her years,” Lord Klaern declares. “We shall not acquiesce to Ruvyn’s bullying. He wants a war? We will give him one!”

The King sits back in his chair, his stern face unreadable as he considers my impassioned words. The Lords murmur amongst themselves, nodding their heads in agreement.

Lord Phirel pounds his fist on the table. “The princess is right. We cannot surrender to Ruvyn’s demands.” His voice rings out strong and clear.

Theo stands, his eyes blazing. “I will fight to defend this kingdom, and the woman I love.” He moves to stand beside me, gripping my hand, “Always.” My heart swells with emotion.

The King rises slowly, his piercing gaze moving across each face. My posture relaxes and my shoulders drop as I lower myself to one knee beside the worn, wooden chair where he sits. “Father…” I begin, my voice trembling slightly. The King’s eyes soften as they look into mine. “I am not a mere girl. I am your daughter. Royal blood runs in my veins, and I have a duty to protect this realm.”

The King regards me with an unreadable expression. For a long moment, the room is silent. He reaches down and cups my cheek in his palm. “You look so much like your mother. I have seen her in your eyes. And now I see her in your strength.” A twinkling of tears hints at his eyes, his voice wavering with emotion.

He turns to address the room. “My friends, The Princess is right. Ruvyn may be my son by blood. But he has shown great treason in his acts against Quillyan. He threatens the sovereignty of these lands and the safety of all the people who live here; Elf and Human alike.”

Murmurs of assent ripple around the room. The King raises his hand to calm the commotion and then takes a deep breath before continuing. “Rosanhi, my child, your wisdom and courage give me hope for the future of Quillyan. Though Ruvyn is my eldest son, he has proven himself unfit to rule. His hunger for power blinds him to what is just and good.” My father’s words wash over me.

“Though you did not ask for it, I would like to name you as heir to the throne. I need someone who embodies the values of a true leader. Someone who will put the needs of the people first.” A stunned silence falls across the hall. I stand, motionless, scarcely believing the words I have just heard. Me?

“But… I… I just told you. I don’t want it.” I respond.

The King takes a deep breath, “I know it is much to take in, but the realm needs you. I need you.”

My breath catches in my throat, the weight of his words crashing over me. The idea of ruling has never crossed my mind; it is an unwanted burden. But rejecting the offer could throw the kingdom into turmoil. My gaze flits to Theo, whose subtle nod—a barely noticeable dip of his chin—conveys his silent encouragement.

“Father, if it truly is your desire, then I accept.” My voice wavers slightly.

The room erupts into raucous cheers. The King stands and embraces me, pride shining in his eyes. “You shall make a fine queen, my daughter.” Then he whispers softly in my ear, “Your mother would be proud.”

I pull away to look him in the eye. “She is.” Is all I say.

The King nods slowly, a bittersweet smile on his face. “Then it is decided. We shall prepare the ceremony!” He turns to address the room once more. “My friends, dark times are ahead but united we can overcome them. Tonight, we celebrate Rosanhi’s ascension as heir to the throne.”

Applause and cheers erupt around the hall.