I imagine giving them access to me and only me. When a path has been created, I nod. The guards step aside, and the wraiths ascend the steps to crown me.
“Kneel,” they screech in unison, commanding my compliance.
I drop to my knee in front of them, holding my head high.
“Do you swear to protect the Kingdom of Shadow and Bone, extending your protections to any of your uncorrupted brothers in times of need should they ever arise?” the wraiths chant.
“Yes,” I answer.
“Will you embrace your destiny and vow to restore order and balance to the realms?” the wraiths demand my full compliance.
If I agree to follow my destiny, I’ll be forced to do things I might not agree with. I would end up bound to them, since they’re establishing the conditions of my reign. It makes me wonder if they too played a part in my original fall from power, or if it was such a well-calculated attack not even the Future could sense what was happening.
I’m taking too long to respond. Against my better judgement, I reply. “Yes.”
“Mmmm.” They gloat with delight, knowing I’m now their pawn.
The most powerful kingdom within Hell serves Destiny. They’re right to gloat. It’s quite the win. Something the past version of myself allowed them to get away with for the sake of protecting the crown.
“Do you accept this crown?” they demand, echoing one another and interrupting my sulking.
“Always,” I snarl as the power flows into me.
The Present lays the crown on my head, and my shadows welcome their missing brothers back after centuries of being apart.
“Now for the mating bond and crowning your queen,” the Future instructs.
I drop the shield, allowing them access to Selestina. They glide over to her.
“Kneel,” they demand.
She does exactly as she’s told.
“Will you rule by his side, maintaining the balance and challenging him to always put the Kingdom and his duty to it above all else?
“Yes,” she answers.
The Past lays the crown on her head. Her crown is also carved from bone and wrapped in shadow to match mine. The bones are cut more intricately, with five runes lining the crown and one in the center glowing.
She looks ravenous wearing the crown with that dress. I’m focused on her as the Fates announce the beginning of our reign and my brothers kneel to accept us. When they finish their twisted, riddle-filled speech, I move to stand next to the throne and wait for Selestina to do the same. Once she’s taken her place, I slip inside her mind.Sit and claim your throne, my love.
It would be inappropriate for me to sit on your lap right now, Azrael,She teases.
A rumble builds in my chest at the thought of her in my lap—my queen claiming me in front of everyone. It’s all I can think ofas I watch her slowly take her seat.I must have forgotten to tell you during the mating ceremony I’m going to have you… while they watch.
She swallows so hard I can hear her gulp from where I’m sitting.
“Do you accept the King and Queen of Shadow and Bone?” the wraiths yell so loudly it interrupts our conversation.
They continue the ceremony. “Rise one by one to declare your Kingdom’s acceptance and allegiance.”
Beelzebub steps forward. “The Kingdom of Agony and Penance accepts, and I declare our allegiance.”
Abaddon is next to stand. “The Kingdom of Blood and Bonds accepts, and I declare our allegiance.”
Asmodeus stands ready to pledge. “The Kingdom of Desire and Deceit accepts, and I declare our allegiance.
Finally Mammon rises to his feet. “The Kingdom of Ash and Iron accepts and I promise our allegiance to the one true king Lucifer.”
