Chapter 740: Chapter 740: The Blessings

The party was pretty much over after Annequin’s arrival. The atmosphere that had once been full of laughter and music thinned into polite conversation and guarded glances.

Sure, the feast that followed was lavish, but the Fae ate out of politeness rather than appetite. By the time the last goblet was cleared, it was time for the princess to receive her blessing.

The double doors opened and a hush spread through the hall as the priestess stepped forward.

The priestess was an elder Fae, tall and reed-thin, her skin so pale and weathered by the years she’s lived. Long ash-silver hair fell in a single braid down her back, and was threaded with bone charms and flowers.

Her eyes were milky and unfocused, yet when she looked at Violet, it felt as though she saw everything about her. And for someone who looked blind, she didn’t need any help being assisted as she easily climbed the dais.

Queen Seraphira rose and inclined her head in respect with Violet following suit.

When the priestess reached them, she lifted one gnarled hand and gestured.

"Kneel, child of two worlds."

Violet obeyed.

She lowered herself onto one knee, her head bowed, and palms resting on her thighs. Every gaze fixed on them, and the world narrowed until nothing existed beyond her and the priestess.

The priestess removed a small stone bowl from within her robes, and inside of it was a thick, pearlescent clay. She dipped her fingers into it, murmuring in the ancient Fae tongue. The words were not loud, but they carried power that vibrated through her.

She pressed her thumb to Violet’s forehead. At first, the clay was cool, then it got warm, and began to burn such that Violet took a sharp breath.

"By soil and sea," the priestess intoned, rubbing the clay into Violet’s skin in slow circles, "by root and fang, by crown and claw, you are seen."

The clay seeped into Violet’s skin like water, leaving behind a glowing mark before fading entirely.

The priestess moved to Violet’s temples, then her brow, tracing sigils that pulsed once only to vanish.

"You stand at the threshold," she continued. "Neither fully claimed nor unchosen. But the land knows you and the throne hears you. So you must prove that you can earn it."

A ripple of magic passed through Violet’s body like electricity, awakening something deep and feral in her chest. She clenched her hands, grounding herself, refusing to flinch.

Finally, the priestess drew back at last, studying her with unsettling intensity.

"The blessing is given," she said. "Success is not promised, but victory is always assured to the one the gods favor. Their eyes are on you, Princess. I only hope you don’t fail them."

Violet stared at the woman with conflicted emotions. What exactly did those gods want from her? She had no desire to be part of their twisted games, but unfortunately, she had been entangled in them since the day she was born.

Then the priestess stepped away, and Violet rose to her feet with trembling legs. She felt so weak.

The priestess turned to the audience and announced, "Free Fae, behold your princess!"

At once, cheers broke out among the Fae as they celebrated their princess. At the same time, the priestess descended the dais as quietly as she had climbed it. Her role here was over.

The doors to the hall opened, and more wine was wheeled in. The Fae were famous for their parties, and this time, they had every reason to revel.

In a way, the wine brought life back into the party, laughter and conversation slowly resurfacing.

But Queen Seraphira was already done with the festivities. She turned to her daughter, her expression softening in a way only a mother’s could.

"I am afraid this is time for me to retreat. I have great matters to attend to."

Violet knew exactly what those matters were. Her gaze flicked briefly to where Queen Annequin of Astaria sat.

"Can I come with you?" Violet asked.

Seraphira smiled, amused. "Silly child. This is your debut. You only get one so enjoy it." She reached out and squeezed Violet’s hand. "Let your people see you. Have fun with your mates."

The Queen shifted as if to rise, but Violet caught her wrist.

"You’ll tell me everything afterward, right?"

Seraphira paused.

Violet’s voice firmed. "We promised. No more secrets. Whatever happens to the Free Fae concerns me now."

For a heartbeat, Seraphira studied her daughter, really looked at her. Not the child she’d lost and found again, but the woman sitting beside her. The princess.

Then she nodded. "Yes, I’ll tell you. I promise."

Only then did Violet let her go and Seraphira stood. Her gaze slid sideways to Baron. "I trust you will behave," she said coldly. "I am not in a forgiving mood tonight."

Baron made a low sound in his throat, a half-laugh, half-scoff. "Don’t worry," he drawled. "I have more than enough females to perform my wife’s sacrimonial duties."

Seraphira didn’t even blink. "My biggest thanks to them for reliving me of such a burden."

Beside them, Violet sighed, grateful for the fact she had mates who loved her — and not literal weapons fashioned against her.

Baron suddenly added, "Need help dealing with the foreign queen?"

The temperature in the air seemed to drop.

"Remain where I put you," Seraphira told him with a dangerous voice. "Do not cross that boundary, husband." The title dripped with disdain.

Baron laughed. "Good joke."

The Fae Queen didn’t dignify that with a response. Instead, she turned on her heel and strode toward the side door. Lila was already there, falling into step behind her as the Queen disappeared from the hall.

The moment Seraphira was gone, Rhara moved.

She approached Annequin, who had made herself perfectly comfortable with the silence the boys gave her.

"Our Queen requests your presence in her private study."

Annequin’s eyes lit up. "Finally," she said, rising to her feet. "I have been waiting for this moment."

She brushed invisible dust from her armor, then glanced at the cardinal alphas with a grin. "I suppose I’ll see you boys later?"

Roman snorted. Griffin shook his head. Alaric merely arched a brow while Asher didn’t even look at her.

Annequin was unfazed as she followed after Rhara. This was fun. After all, she planned to spend a good time with them.