Chapter 199
Annalise
The palace shone like molten gold under the morning sun, the highest towers crowned in wreaths of celestial silk, fluttering like whispers of light in the wind. The air was thick with celebration, sweet with blooming solstice roses and echoing with the joy of a kingdom that had nearly lost its Queen—only to have her returned to them, stronger, crowned not just in duty but in motherhood.
It had been a week since I woke from the edge of death. A week since I cradled Dimitri in my arms for the first time.
Today, Lucarius roared with life.
I stood at the center balcony of the Royal Hall, flanked by my mates—Dane on my right, Sylus to my left, and Cassian slightly behind, each of them draped in ceremonial regalia that shimmered under the sun like the armor of gods. The
