Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 129912 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129912 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
When the time comes, I wave goodbye to the tribe as the ship departs. Caz holds me closely, stroking my shoulder as he waves too. This isn’t a permanent goodbye, but seeing them go makes our reality much clearer.
We’re the beings in charge now. We’re the protectors of this world. And, by The Regals, we’ll do everything in our power to restore the peace.
I look up at Caz as he looks down at me. “You ready to take this new journey with me?” he asks, stroking my chin.
I smile, craning my neck to kiss his soft lips. “You better believe I am.”
NINETY-SIX
WILLOW
As Caz and I drift through the corridors, the golden sunlight of Vanora causes our brooches to spark.
Pinned into our capes and custom made by Maeve (who decided to name us The Imperials now that we have Regal abilities), they’re like badges of honor.
I have no idea where she got that name from, but she insisted that we needed a title that made us sound equally as important as The Regals.
The brooches are a swirl of black and silver with a cursive I in the center. She made two more for Minka and Maia that we’re to give to them the next time we see them.
Though Caz is this so-called Imperial now, he hasn’t changed a bit. He still wears his caps and coats (though he had to have them fitted now that he’s, like, six inches taller), and smoking blooms is still his favorite pastime. He smiles down at me, squeezing my hand as we follow Alora’s guards to the throne room.
When we enter, I spot Alora first. Next to her is Valden who wears a green tunic and leather pants, and off in the distance is Devlin dressed in brown leather armor. He’s decided to assist Valden and the Turi Tribe now. Both have made an agreement to rebuild Ripple Hills and coexist.
I had no doubts about Alora surviving, though she took a few scars with her. Apparently it took her three days to replenish her energy.
As for Valden, well, he didn’t get off so easily. He now wears an eyepatch to cover his left eye.
Devlin came out of the war nearly unscathed. The only show that he was involved is the deep, red scar dragging from his temple to his chin.
“You’re late,” Alora quips, sauntering toward us in an ivory gown. “The people are waiting for the new leaders of Vakeeli to speak.”
“Are they?” Caz asks, as if bored. “I hope they weren’t expecting a show.”
“Of course not. This gathering is a good idea. Almost everyone from all territories is here and waiting in the courts to hear you.”
“I still don’t think the look suits you,” Devlin says, appearing at Alora’s side. He cracks a smile, and Caz chuckles.
“I believe you might be a little jealous there, Devlin,” my fiancé says.
“Jealous?” he scoffs. “Absolutely fucking not.”
“How are things going with Ripple Hills?” I ask.
“Better.” He shrugs. “Wouldn’t be happening had you two not restored the land. With the Turi Tribe and the surviving Whisper Grovians assisting, things are moving along pretty quickly. A few of the Rippies who ran away during my father’s reign for richer lives in other territories are returning. More Ripple blood is good. We need it.” He drops his gaze a bit, and I note the sadness, despite the hardness of his face. “It’ll take some time for them to trust me, but Ripple will stand again.”
“Indeed, it will,” Valden slips in, meeting at Alora’s side.
“The only way you’ll get there is with respect,” Caz informs Devlin. “No more of your showboating, all right? Everyone in Vakeeli will be allies now, which means communication is key. You keep your people in line, and we all do the same. Right?” Caz eyes Alora and Valden.
“Right,” they reply in unison.
“Good.”
“How’s the baby, Willow?” Alora inquires.
“The baby is great.” I rub my bloated belly. “I’m pretty sure I’m feeling flutters now. I think because my senses are heightened?”
“Do you really?” Alora’s eyes brighten. “That must be an incredible feeling.”
“It is.”
“Right. Let’s get this over with, shall we?” Caz says.
“Of course.” Alora claps her hands, and a few of her servants rush to a velvety gold curtain ahead to draw it open. A terrace appears, the marble railing curved and the columns wrapped with ivy.
Caz takes my hand and leads the way to the terrace behind Alora. When she takes a step up the marble stoop, cheers erupt.
She waves as we join her, and that’s when the sea of people come into view, waving their hands and cheering. Some ululate while others toss up their territory flags, letting them flap in the wind.
I grin, peering up at Caz to see him completely shocked by the outcome. “Did you expect this many people?”
“No,” he says.
“You shouldn’t be surprised.” Alora glances at him. “The people have wanted a savior in Vakeeli since the beginning of time. Now we have two.”