Page 197 of The Fallen Fae King

Then I raise the sword over my shoulder and hack Cato’s head from his shoulders.

It tumbles to the foot of the apse.

I expect Freya to turn away from Cato’s empty eyes, but she doesn’t.

My fierce wolf.

I spin in a slow circle, aiming my blade at the remaining council members, these snobbish supporters of my uncle who have made my life hell.

“Kneel before your new Emperors and Empress. Fucking kneel,” I yell.

The silver dragons scramble to their knees, prostrating themselves.

They’re shaking in silence.

My Golden Family, the servers, army, and cadets respectfully drop to their knees as well.

I glow in triumph.

After years of battling, I am the Dragon Emperor.

My fated Omega is crowned at my side.

And I have challenged my uncle’s Council.

Finally, it is only Maximinus who remains standing.

He is trembling but not with fear, rather a rage so intense that he looks like he may drop dead himself from it.

His hands ball at his sides.

Suddenly, the entire Silver Basilica starts to shake, as if Maximinus is only just stopping himself from ripping up the building by its roots and tumbling it on our heads.

Daire staggers, pulling Freya under his wing, in case the roof falls.

I plant my feet more firmly to remain standing.

I won’t allow Maximinus to take this moment from me.

I won’t be the one who is knocked to the floor anymore.

“Kneel,” I repeat with deadly coldness.

For a long moment, Maximinus defiantly meets my gaze.

Then he lowers himself to one knee and then the next.

But he doesn’t lower his gaze.

“Congratulations, Emperor, on a most eventful wedding day.” Maximinus’ calculating eyes narrow, before he gives a nasty smile. “I hope you don’t think that I would forget your wedding gift. I have arranged a spectacle for you in the Sun Arena tomorrow. I intend to honor your new empire with the Imperial Games. I’m pleased that you’ve become a champion of public executions because now we can finally deliver justice for Tarquin and execute your brother’s murderer.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Aurelius’ Bedroom, Shadow Court

Freya

I stare in wonder through the silky red of my veil at Aurelius’ bedroom, as he carries me in his arms through the doorway. Golden, woolen ribbons hang down from the frame in a fringe, brushing across me in welcome.