REIGN

57

Aria's parents and Hyla were already seated at the long table within the bare walls of the great hall, currently sealed off from everyone but those in attendance at their called meeting.

Clem was still under critical healer care because of multiple shards of earth that had pierced his organs. While he would likely never fly again, he would at least survive. But the absence of him, and the loss of Professor Embris, hung heavily in the air.

Arach's crutches leaned against the table next to him. He was still paler than usual, but had insisted on being at the meeting against Joyen's insistence that she could handle things without him. He'd argued he simply wanted to spectate, which no one believed for a minute. But because she felt guilty sequestering him up in the infirmary, she'd agreed to let him come.

Generals Acasia and Brune sat at the other end of the long table, Luka between them. Aria caught his eye with a smile as she took her seat next to her mother.

Now that the bulk of the aftermath had been resolved, they'd agreed to hold this gathering of minds to figure out how to move forward as a continent. And though they all agreed on the goal of a treaty, Aria still felt nervous about the discussion that was to come. They'd detained the remaining Unifiers for questioning in the Academy vaults, but there was still a lot left unknown about what to do with them, about how to bring the fae and shifters together in a meaningful, permanent way.

"First thing's first," General Brune pushed back from his seat. "We need to formally acknowledge Luka as Shara's replacement in the Legion Council. As your mother filled the head role, we bestow the same honor to you, General Fulgara. Your sacrifice has earned you the highest ranking offered in Denover."

Aria watched Luka's throat bob at the title, once belonging to his father. The exact same title that now fell to him. Dariel opened a small box to reveal the Fulgara family pin, one that Aria recognized from the portrait of Luka's father that hung in their estate. A solid silver lightning bolt. Next to it sat Shara's, a three-peaked mountain range.

Luka's mouth parted as he looked at the wolf in shock. "Where did you get these?"

Dariel placed a wrinkled hand on Luka's shoulder. "Shara told Acasia where she hid it in the vaults before the equinox, just in case something happened to her," he said.

Luka hesitated. "Am I allowed to wear them both?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way," General Brune motioned to Acasia to help him with the second pin.

Standing to meet the old general, Luka pulled his leathers away from his body for Dariel and Acasia to place the pins over his heart. His lips quivered as he placed a hand over them. "Thank you both."

"You'll take your official vow before the public in the coming weeks. But for now, this will do," Dariel patted Luka's shoulder .

"Arach and I would also like to formally recognize you as the leader of Denover," Joyen said firmly. "And we will support you in all matters concerning the safety and well-being of your people."

"Thank you both," Luka nodded to them. The emotion in his voice shifted to seriousness, stepping right into his new role. This responsibility, this title—it suited him well, Aria thought. He was meant for this, even if it was happening sooner than expected.

Luka met her eyes across the table. "In my first act as Head General, I would like to make a suggestion for how to proceed with negotiations between our realms."

Aria's brows arched in confusion. They'd had a few discussions of their own over the past weeks, whispered suggestions as they'd laid beside each other, sleep evading them. But he'd never mentioned once to her that he'd come to any sort of plan worthy of bringing to this meeting. In fact, neither of them had been happy with any of the ideas they'd tossed around. Whatever he planned to say was news to her. Her palms turned clammy.

"Our people need a reason to mingle and celebrate in earnest. History has shown us they will not be swayed by words or reason. Emotion is the thing that works best to bring people together. It worked for us, after all," he spared looks around the table, everyone returning slight nods.

Luka stepped from behind the table and walked toward Aria, her heart beating rapidly in her chest. Where was he going with this? she wondered. She fidgeted nervously with the hoops in her ears.

He met her eyes and didn't look away as he continued. "Aria," he swallowed hard, "despite the history our families have shared, I feel the gods have brought us together for this reason. I have been drawn to you from the moment we met. As I told you weeks ago, you are my equal in every way." Luka knelt beside her chair and covered her hand in his as she looked at him with wide eyes. He went on as if they were the only two in the room. "I can't help but feel as though we were meant to end the feud between our people, once and for all. We are meant to lead this continent, side by side, shifters and fae—or whatever you might be," he smiled at his own joke, his face glowing. It was the happiest she'd seen him in a long while. "I love you, Aria. I know I told you we didn't have to rush into anything. And I still mean that. But look at us. Look at what we've accomplished together. We can show our people—lead by example—what it means to be united. And at the same time, give them cause for celebration." He paused, assessing her carefully. "I would like to marry you. If you'll have me."

Aria looked at him in disbelief, bewildered at his sudden proposal, tears welling in her eyes. Despite marriage being the next logical step of a courtship, Aria still hadn't grappled with the implications of what that would mean for them. For their realms. She hadn't let herself think past the equinox to even explore the option.

She wanted to be blissfully happy about this. But instead, she felt more uncertain than anything. Why hadn't he mentioned this to her? Why was he springing this on her in front of the Council? The Assembly? Her parents?

"It would certainly fast track the unity of our peoples, wouldn't it?" Acasia laughed from her seat, breaking Aria out of her trance.

Luka just looked on at her as if no one else in the room mattered. Though, given their current situation, everyone else's opinions actually mattered very much, Aria thought .

She glanced up to find her parents watching them hopefully, her mother's eyes glassy with moisture. Even Acasia, usually so hard and full of spite, looked at her gently. How could she say no? Would that be the same as saying no to the unity of their people? Would the Council view her as hostile?

Sure, she could say not right now, maybe later , but he'd agreed that they could have a long engagement. And at the end of the day, a formal courtship typically turned into an engagement anyway… right?

She started, "Luka—"

"You can say no," he said quickly, "or think about it, if you need to. You don't need to answer right now."

"I—I want to…" she trailed off. "But," she looked again to her mother and father for reassurance.

Joyen gave her a smile. A nod. "Acasia's right," she said, "Luka is right. Your father and I are proof of the power of a union, even if there were some unfortunate consequences to ours. But don't let us sway you, Aria. Marriage is a very serious agreement. Make the decision of your own volition. We will figure out the rest later."

Aria let out the breath she'd been holding and turned back to Luka, whose dark eyes searched hers longingly. She did love him, as crazy as it felt to admit that to herself after only knowing him— really knowing him—for a few months. And the way he looked at her in this moment told her everything she needed to know about his intentions.

"Okay," she laughed incredulously. "Let's get married."

Luka lifted her straight out of her seat into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he spun her around, hysterical giggles escaping her lips. She leaned in and kissed him, his soft beard tickling her nose as he set her down .

"I guess now is probably a good time to tell you that we were already courting," Aria grimaced, straightening her shirt and taking his hand.

"That was not the secret you thought it was," Arach laughed. "We've known for a while. Your mother and I had already discussed it long before today."

"As did we," Acasia said, sharing a smirk with Dariel.

"What, was this all a setup?" Aria scoffed, climbing down from Luka's steady arms. "Am I the only one who didn't get to discuss this in advance?"

"I think we are all agreed that a treaty is inevitable," General Brune stood and moved toward the doors. "We can work through the minute details of it soon," he said, opening them to reveal a hall full of eager fae and shifters standing shoulder to shoulder, armed with wine and trays of food. Among the front lines were her friends, giddy smiles stretching from ear to ear. Even Kam, who had just gotten cleared from the infirmary the day before, held raised wine glasses.

"But for now," Luka took her hand, "we celebrate."

It was the most beautiful sight she'd ever beheld—their loved ones, alive, eager to revel in their victory. To toast to Aria and Luka's future union, and the union of their people.

But something deep in her stomach roiled, doubt creeping in. It felt too good to be true. Too easy. Too… nice. Especially after the summer they just went through.

She smiled back at her loved ones, putting on her best princess act. But internally, her mind raced. Oh gods , she thought, sucking in a deep breath. What have I done ?