Chapter Eleven: A Kingdom in Waiting
Kael was gone.
Locked in the depths of the palace dungeons, where torchlight couldn't reach and traitors whispered in their sleep.
But his shadow lingered.
The court was quiet in the days after the trial.
Too quiet.
Those who once supported Kael now avoided my gaze. Others whispered praise behind fans and goblets, waiting to see if I would rise—or fall again.
I gave them nothing.
No tears. No weakness. No victory they could steal.
The King summoned me three mornings later.
He sat by the window, wrapped in heavy furs despite the spring warmth, looking smaller than ever.
He gestured to the chair beside him.
"You did what I couldn't," he said.
"I did what I had to."
He smiled faintly. "I always knew you were more steel than silk."
I waited, unsure what came next.
"I'm tired, Elira. Too tired to keep the crown steady. The council wants stability."
"They want a ruler who won't burn the palace down."
His eyes twinkled. "Then they've misjudged you."
A pause.
Then—
"I will name you heir."
The words landed heavy.
"Heir," not queen.
Not yet.
A chance, not a coronation.
Still, my heart stilled. "And the council?"
"They will grumble. And then they will kneel."
"Because of my blood?"
"No," he said, touching my hand. "Because of your fire."
That night, I stood on the highest balcony of the palace and watched the torches flicker across the kingdom below.
Caden joined me in silence, leaning on the stone rail.
"Did you ever think you'd see this day?" I asked.
"No."
"Do you think I'll survive it?"
He turned toward me. "You already have."
Then he reached into his cloak and pulled something free.
A circlet.
Silver. Simple. Unadorned.
"My mother was a shieldmaiden," he said softly. "She wore this before battle. I think it's time someone wore it again."
I stared at it, hands trembling.
"I'm not queen yet."
"You don't need a crown to rule."
I took it.
Placed it on my head.
And for the first time, the stars seemed to bow.
To be Continued...