Epilogue

C oronation day had been moved forward, only two weeks after I'd learned what my parents did to Florian. In that time, my mother had done everything she could to make it as smooth a transition as possible. I wasn't ready to forgive her yet—the hurt ran too deep—but I appreciated the effort she was trying to make. She knew it was time for her to be done, and now I realized she had been waiting for this day for a long time.

I was ready. Something shifted in me that day. Well, in truth, it had been the night before with Florian. He helped me find myself when I was lost. He reminded me who I was and what I wanted. I was afraid of taking on this burden before, but I came to understand the weight of not stepping up was far greater than the weight of the crown. With Florian at my side, I knew I could face whatever this duty might bring. He'd seen me at my worst and didn't blink or budge.

During this shift in my mind and in my confidence, it forced the trickster out. Florian's magic often searched me. I could feel its warm tendrils fluttering through me, seeking out any evidence of it, but there was no trace left. No lingering tether, no charms, no risk of unintentionally changing into a pup, though…I still enjoyed the occasional belly rub.

Florian had moved into the palace, bringing his collection of magic books that I had started reading. It bothered me deeply to hear they had been hidden away, covered in cobwebs. How could we learn as a people if we didn't have access to the past?

While we had been busy in preparation for the coronation, Florian stayed at the palace full time, but I knew he had a need to continue his work as a healer. He wouldn't be the man I loved if he didn't. Once things settled down, he would continue to use his cottage to meet his clients.

I'd offered to find him a shop in the capitol so he wouldn't have to travel as far, but he told me it was easier for him to connect to his magic near nature, and though he was happy with me in the palace, he needed that space to ground himself. Who was I to stand in the way? Whatever he needed to make him happy, I would do, and where he spent his days was no matter, because at night he would return to bed with me, where he was meant to be.

Reporters and cameras filled the back of the church, where special events like this occurred according to tradition. Though tradition said that Florian wouldn't walk with me as I approached the altar, but I refused to do this without him. We weren't married yet, but we would be, and I wanted to show the entire world that he was as important as I was in this new leadership.

I wore a white suit with the green and gold sash that represented our country's colors, and a robe hung from my shoulders, trailing down to the floor behind me. Ambrosia had designed a special suit just for Florian. It was another dress-pant combo that was opposite in color to mine. Green and gold, but with white highlights. My man looked really good in green. It complemented his auburn hair and green eyes so beautifully. He was absolutely stunning.

His arm was in mine, and I inhaled deeply when the music changed. Florian leaned in and whispered, "This is your moment, Mal. I am so proud of you, and I love you so much."

"Thank you, Flor. It means the world to me that you are here with me. I love you beyond words."

We proceeded forward, feeling every eye on us, and I was proud, too. Proud to be here, proud to show off Florian, proud to take on this role and serve my country. Everyone stood and dipped their heads as we passed, showing us reverence, and it made goosebumps coat my skin as the reality of it sunk in. At the end of this aisle, everything would change. It was incomprehensibly big, but I wasn't afraid or filled with doubt. I was ready.

At the altar, Queen Adira stood beside a priest and bowed her head when we arrived before her. She wore a smile, one that felt genuine, not simply for show. She was happy to pass her responsibility on to me, and I was happy to take it from her. I returned her smile, feeling a tiny piece of the anger slip away.

"Your Royal Highness, Prince Malachi, please kneel," she announced loud and strong.

I knelt, as did Florian at my side, giving my hand a light squeeze. Crowns, I loved him.

"Are you willing to take the coronation oath?" the priest asked.

Without any hesitation, I responded, "I am."

"Do you swear to use your power to uphold law and justice, in mercy, and to serve and govern your people righteously?"

"I do so swear."

I lowered my head as the priest offered a prayer, one that allowed room for multiple beliefs as I wished it, because traditions of the past might have played a big role in the ceremony, but the way forward was inclusion.

My mother removed the crown from her head and stood before me. "It is my honor and my pleasure to pass this crown to you, and I will humbly serve my king."

I met her gaze. "Thank you, Queen Adira, for your faithful service to this country. I accept the crown and the responsibility that comes with it and dedicate my life to servant leadership."

She placed the crown on my head. Its physical weight was nothing compared to what it represented, but I wore it with pride.

The priest placed a scepter in my hand. "Please rise, Your Majesty, King Malachi."

I stood with my shoulders back, and my head held high, and the building erupted in thunderous applause. My mother stepped aside and curtsied as I walked up to the podium. Florian came beside me, and I handed him the scepter so I could address my people.

"Thank you for entrusting me with this honor." I paused for applause. Once it settled down, I continued. "As king, I refuse to let action be dictated by fear. The unknown isn't inherently bad. It simply requires learning and listening. For my first action, I will be funding the research and study of magic. Education and resources will be made available to any who seek it. No one should have to feel isolated simply for who they are. I vow to serve my people, all of my people."

I held my hand out to Florian and slid a glance to him. He grabbed my hand and stepped closer to me. I turned my attention back to the people watching. "We are stronger together than we are apart."

*Read the rest of the Cauldrons & Kisses series for more witchy fun- https://mybook.to/cauldrons