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I shook my head with a quiet chuckle. ‘Don’t you think I’m too old to be given away like a blushing virgin bride?’

‘You think that’s what this is about?’ He smiled when I slipped my arm through his. ‘You’re the treasure of the Brotherhood. We are giving you our support in ruling the kingdom. This is the first and only night in Dagome when nothing gets stolen, and no one meets their maker. That was the general assembly’s unanimous decision. So be a good Nightshade and listen to the Grand Master one last time.’

A lump rose in my throat. Irsha smiled, waiting for my composure to return before we set off. Contrary to custom, which dictated the wedding and coronation be held within the palace or in Makosh’s temple, Rey moved the ceremonies to beneath Boyan’s tree, where the sprawling meadow met the river and the forest.

I hadn’t been allowed to visit during preparations, and I was desperate to see what he’d arranged.

‘Smile and nod, smile and nod,’ Irsha muttered as the crowd cheered our procession. So I did, muttering curses at him for choosing an open carriage.

The entire city was decked with flowers. Petals piled up like snow. Reynard’s soldiers lined the walkways, keeping the eager citizens from throwing themselves at the carriage and asking for a blessing.

‘Why are they like this?’ I frowned as the pressure of voices in my head intensified.

‘They know how the war was won. The commoners tell the story of a woman who sang to the sea, granted a merciful death to a blackguard, and led an army of monsters to protect her people. They call you the Songstress, and even those who don’t believe in the gods are charmed by your exotic story,’ Lily answered, proving the House of Lillies had the best spy network in the city.

‘That’s troublesome,’ I sighed.

‘Why? Because they want to believe their queen is special?’ Irsha grinned. ‘It’s profitable, too. If you ever wondered why your hosieries disappear, your servants trade them to desperate men believing the Makosh-blessed queen’s items will improve their virility.’

The pained moan that escaped me sent them into peals of laughter. We travelled so slowly it took almost an hour to escape Truso, but the view that greeted me at Boyan’s tree was worth it.

It didn’t help the priests had chosen the time for the celebration, deciding the union of love would be blessed best on Kupala Night.

The massive oak grown from my father’s ashes stood tall, shading the space with a crown of leaves. By his trunk stood a small platform decorated with an arch twined with white roses and purple nightshade blooms.

The priest of Makosh stood by a bench of marbled grey stone, handfasting objects neatly placed upon its surface. The officiant made a considerable effort to ignore the massive dragon sprawled by the tree.

Reynard stood at ease by the altar, chatting with Riordan. The king had chosen a midnight-blue caftan with gold embroidery that made him look even more majestic. The crown on his head was simple, with a striking sapphire at the front. When I looked lower, I couldn’t restrain a chuckle. Only Reynard would bring a sword to a wedding, but I had to admit it looked good.

‘Want to borrow my daggers?’ Irsha whispered, and my composure cracked.

My muffled, unladylike guffaw drew the crowd’s attention to our arrival. Rey took a step toward me, but Riordan’s hand on his shoulder stopped him. I didn’t move, taking in Rey’s smile, so full of unbridled joy that my knees buckled.

‘Second thoughts, Trouble? I can spirit you away right now,’ Irsha said, squeezing my hand. That brought me back.

‘No,’ I exhaled, squaring my shoulders. The musicians began playing. Those seated stood whilst spectators tested the army of Dagome’s resolve, pushing against the cordon employed to keep the ceremony from descending into chaos.

I walked to the slow, soothing rhythm of the melody, eyes fixed on my father’s tree. With my dragon and my man beside it, the tree represented everything I’d fought for. It was the promise of happiness on a hot summer’s day, not just for me but for Dagome and Tangra, for the dwarves of Wiosna Mountain, and for every ordinary person fighting to survive in the face of overwhelming odds.

My heart swelled, and a remnant of my power slipped from my grasp.

‘That’s new,’ Irsha murmured when the scent of meadow flowers intensified. Meadowsweet bloomed around Boyan’s tree, framing it in white, while lily of the valley bloomed wherever I’d stepped.

‘Songstress… Makosh-blessed,’ whispers came from the citizens gathered to watch the spectacle.

The air changed, becoming dry and earthy. With one blink, there he was.

The Leshy stood beneath the tree, dressed in shadows and power, with a forest crown branching out from his head. His eyes were kind, his gaze fixed only on me despite Cinared’s murderous glare.

The Forest will not take you, Cin insisted.

I know, I answered, nodding to my grandfather.

Cin’s thoughts calmed, though a touch of sadness slipped through.

You are as radiant as the first spark of a flame. I envy Reynard. I envy his human form, his ability to love you in a way I never will. But as you say your vows, so will I. Loving you differently doesn’t mean I love you less.

Fire ignited within his scales. Cinared was dressed for the occasion.