Thirty-Four

Three Weeks Later

The Empress won’t be ignored. I’ve kept her with me ever since returning to Towerfall, and today she might as well be shouting, she’s vibrating so fiercely against my chest. I press a hand over the card tucked in my bodice, trying to calm the frenetic energy radiating from it, but it only seems to intensify as Kane and I walk through the grand gates of the palace, now wide open for the celebration.

The front courtyard is transformed, alive with color and sound. Maroon banners outlined in gold and embroidered with glittering pentacles flutter in the breeze; tables covered in meats, cheeses, pies, breads, and fruit border the wrought iron gate decorated with fresh floral garlands.

Kane walks beside me, his hand reassuringly clasping mine. We jolt to a stop as a toy horse on wheels speeds out in front of us, and a line of kids rushes by, giggling after it.

The air is filled with the joyful laughter of the people of Pentacles, and it’s wild to think about the impact Four had on the kingdom. Without him here, the people are thriving, back to the way it was before King Lockhart the Second died and Four attached his magick to his son for power.

I’m not sorry Four’s gone, and I’m not sorry about Ivy. I only wish I hadn’t been the one to throw her to the wolves.

Kane squeezes my hand as if he can hear my thoughts. Sometimes I think he can. I smile up at him, and he pulls me close, pressing a kiss to my temple. The warmth of his lips against my skin sends a comforting wave through me.

As we weave through the bustling crowd, we’re greeted with grins of thanks and nods of appreciation. The shroud of despair and grime that once clung to every corner of the kingdom under Four’s dark influence has lifted. Now there are rosy cheeks and deep laughs, clean clothes and the distant bang of hammers as homes and businesses are repaired.

Kane was right; Alderic is a good man.

From the moment he reentered the castle—and against Kane’s, his mother’s, and his physician’s demands— he began restoring the kingdom.

Kane stops to chat with an elderly woman selling bouquets of lavender. She hands him a small bundle, and when he places three gold coins in her weathered palm, she tries to hand them back. He shakes his head and turns to me, tucking a fragrant blossom into my hair. I laugh and thank her, my heart swelling with gratitude and love for this man who forced me to be brave enough to discover myself.

We continue walking, and soon we spot Alderic standing by a group of townsfolk, discussing the plans for rebuilding a section of the marketplace. He looks up as we approach, and his face lights with a genuine smile.

“Kane! Hannah!” Like Kane, Alderic is at least a head taller than everyone around him. That and his golden-blond hair make him hard to miss. “Come here!”

Kane claps Alderic on the back as we join him. “Look at you, back on your feet and already ordering everyone around. Just like old times.”

“Someone had to get things running smoothly. I owe Pentacles that much at least.” Alderic laughs, his eyes creasing at the corners. No longer the electric, icy blue that they were under Four’s control, Alderic’s eyes are a rich, deep blue, the cobalt depths of a tranquil lake. “Besides, you’d be lost without me.”

“Me, lost without you? Are you sure you’re not still ill?” Kane grins. “Without me, who would pull you out of all the trouble you get into?”

“I have Hannah for that now.” Alderic winks at me, and I roll my eyes.

It’s only been a few weeks since I’ve gotten to know the real Alderic, but in that time, he’s become the big brother I never knew I wanted.

“Hannah wasn’t there the time you forced us to sneak into the kitchens to steal chocolates.” Kane turns to me, shaking his head. “We got caught by Cook. I covered for him, of course. I thought she would skin me alive.”

“I know.” Alderic laughs so hard, he’s breathless. “You immediately started crying.”

Kane narrows his eyes and crosses his arms over his chest in mock offense, but the corners of his mouth twitch with a smile.

“What can I say?” Alderic leans forward, stretching his long arm to reach a glazed strawberry tart. “I have a weakness for sweets.” He pops it into his mouth and closes his eyes for a moment, savoring it. “In fact, I think I’ll go on a tour of the kingdoms. Taste all the delicacies Towerfall has to offer.”

“Maybe in a few years, but for now, our kingdom needs its king,” Kane says.

Alderic throws his arm over Kane’s shoulder and looks out over the crowd, his gaze softening. “If I had to choose a way for it to end, it would be like this.”

Kane’s brow arches. “What are you getting into that Hannah and I will have to save you from?”

Alderic’s answer is a sly smile that dimples his left cheek. “You know me. It’s always something.”

Marion rushes up beside me, pink cheeked and breathless. She grabs my arm, practically bouncing on her toes.

“Where have you been?” I wiggle my eyebrows and scan the crowd, searching for the lover no doubt still reeling from their tryst.

Since leaving her husband, Marion has transformed into a vibrant force of nature. She’s taken charge of her life and is helping young girls do the same—to follow their own dreams and passions instead of living for their future husband.

“Oh, you have no idea!” she practically squeals, her curls bouncing against her shoulders. “But you’ll see soon enough.”

Kane and I share a confused glance, but before either of us can question our friends, the brassy blare of trumpets pierces the courtyard.

The palace doors open, and Queen Lockhart emerges. Her gold velvet gown sweeps the stones beneath her feet as she walks out onto the steps above the crowd. The murmurs of the townsfolk quiet, and all eyes turn to the queen mother.

The Empress is hot against my chest, warming my core, making sweat bead against my forehead.

Alderic pats Kane on the back. “Come, brother. This will be the last time I need your rescue.”

The crowd parts as Alderic walks toward the stairs leading to the palace’s front doors. Kane follows, his steps confident. Although when he glances over his shoulder and takes my hand in his, I feel his hesitation.

My lungs squeeze with anticipation as we make our way through the crowd, and I can’t tell if the energy in the air is electric or if it’s the Empress pulsing against my heart.

When we reach the front of the crowd, I stop and let go of Kane’s hand. He pauses, looking at me like I might run away if he wanders too far. There aren’t enough days in this realm or breath in my lungs to explain how much I want him, that I need him—that I’ll never leave again.

Marion and I stand together and watch Kane ascend the stairs. His back is straight, his movements smooth and sure. His broad shoulders are powerful, his thick muscles flexing beneath his shirt. He is strong in so many ways, and that strength has always drawn—and will forever draw—me to him.

Kane stands between Alderic and the queen, dark and stormy to their glittering gold.

As the queen mother raises her hand, the crowd falls silent, their excitement palpable.

I hold my breath. I can’t explain it, but I know whatever happens next will shape my future and the future of Pentacles.

“Today we celebrate not only the renewal of our kingdom but also the dawn of a new era,” Queen Lockhart begins, her voice carrying across the courtyard. “For too long, we have endured the shadows cast by deceit and treachery. We have faced hardship and uncertainty, and we have mourned the loss of our peace and prosperity. But no more!”

She pauses, allowing her words to sink in, her gaze sweeping over the faces before her. “Thanks to the bravery and selflessness of our heroes, we have not only survived but emerged stronger. They have reminded us of the strength we hold within, the resilience that defines us as a people. It is because of their courage, and your unwavering support, that we stand here today, ready to embrace a brighter future.

“As we move forward and rebuild and restore what was lost, let us remember that our greatest strength lies in our unity. We are a family, bound by our shared love for this land and for one another.”

Marion wraps her arm around mine and squeezes as a murmur of agreement ripples through the crowd.

Queen Lockhart smiles, warm and genuine and bright. Although she wasn’t under Four’s magick, she’s also changed since his death. Her weariness is gone. In its place is something light and airy and impossible to describe.

“Know that as I step down from my place as Queen Mother, I do so with love in my heart for each and every one of you.”

The crowd gasps, and I do too, pressing my hand to my mouth.

Alderic steps forward, holding up his hands, palms out, his blond hair a halo in the sunlight. “It is no secret my mother wishes to retire from her duties as queen, but that is not the only change being made here today. I have long had doubts about whether I am fit to be your king. However, when I ascended to the throne, I vowed to protect and serve this kingdom until my last breath. But it has become clear to me that Pentacles needs more. It needs the strength and clarity of a hero, someone who proves time and again their dedication to its people.”

He turns to Kane, who stands tall and composed, though there’s a thin crease of confusion between his brows.

“Kane Blackthorne is that hero. He’s shown the heart and courage of a true leader, and the magick in his blood that has for too long been vilified has brought us through our darkest times. Blackthorne has shown what it means to lead with honor. He has earned our trust and our respect. I owe my life to both him and to Hannah.”

The crowd murmurs in agreement, and Alderic continues, practiced and smooth as if he’s given this speech a thousand times before. “Therefore, it is with a full heart and complete confidence that I abdicate the throne and pass the crown to Kane Blackthorne. Under his rule, Pentacles will not only recover but flourish like never before.”

Another collective gasp ripples through the crowd, and I can’t help but feel like we’re on a game show.

“Isn’t it wonderful?” Marion squeaks, jumping up and down, her excitement breaking out of the refined box where it’s been stored.

“Abdicate?” Kane’s dark eyes widen. “You’re—you’re relinquishing your throne, giving it and the kingdom away?”

“I’m giving it to a true king,” Alderic says as his mother steps forward and takes Kane’s hands in hers.

“Kane Blackthorne, will you accept this responsibility and do your duty to protect this kingdom and its people?” she asks.

Kane’s gaze sweeps over the crowd—his people, if he’ll have them—before finding mine. I smile at him, lifting onto my toes with pure pride and love for this man who was ready to die to save the people who make up his world.

“I will,” he declares, his voice strong and resolute.

McDougall steps out of the shadows of the massive doorway. He lifts the maroon velvet pillow where the crown of pentacles is perched out to the former queen mother. She takes it and gently places the crown on Kane’s head.

“People of Pentacles, join me in welcoming your new king.”

“Long live King Blackthorne!” Alderic shouts.

“Long live King Blackthorne!” the crowd echoes, erupting into a thunderous chorus of applause and cheers.

As the applause continues, Alderic leans into Kane. “No more rescuing me, brother. This is your moment. Lead them well.”

The people continue to cheer, their faith in their new king unshakable, as Alderic and the former queen step back, allowing Kane to take his place in the spotlight.

He takes a breath to address the crowd, but his gaze once again finds mine. In an instant, he’s charging down the stairs, and I’m in his arms.

“Not without you,” he whispers against my hair as his hand finds mine. “Fawn, you saved me. Stand by my side as my queen. I’m no good without you.”

The Empress card pulses against my chest, urging me toward the future that’s always been waiting for me. Tears well in my eyes, and I can barely speak past the lump in my throat. “Yes, Kane. Always.”

As soon as the words leave my lips, Kane pulls me into his arms. He leans down, capturing my lips with his. His hands cup my face, his fingers threading through my hair. I melt into him, the heat of his body against mine, the rhythm of his heartbeat matching my own.

I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer. Our bodies press together, fitting perfectly as if we were made for this moment, for each other.

His kiss is a vow, a promise of a future. A promise of forever.