Crown of Embers

by Meg Anne

  “My dear, I am not the reward.”

  Thomas’ dark eyes clouded with confusion. “My Queen?”

  Rowena’s laugh was cold and brittle. “The impostor was not the only one whose Circle was broken. And that simply cannot stand.”

  Thomas’ eyes widened. “Rowena, no! Please. I’ve done everything you asked. I’ve only ever wanted to serve you.”

  Her hands were already glowing with corrupted power as she smiled. “And you shall, darling. Eternally.” When she was done, his once coal-black eyes were now milky-white and snaking with dark lines.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Helena had never seen Ronan look so nervous. Actually, Helena had never seen him nervous period. He’d taken special care with his appearance that evening, which for a warrior turned mercenary was saying something.

  His red hair had been left down, hanging in cinnamon waves past his shoulders. It was a cross between a lion’s mane and a halo, which was fitting, all things considered. He’d even left his leather garb behind, opting for a fitted pair of black trousers with a matching jacket and silky lavender shirt.

  “Did you help him dress tonight?” Helena asked, recognizing the style immediately.

  “I may have made a few suggestions.”

  Helena lips twitched in amusement. Poor Ronan. There was no hope he’d escape the notice of any woman dressed like that. Even without the scar bisecting his face, his towering presence and aura of fierce brutality usually kept them at bay. But not tonight. The snug black fabric clung to his muscular build, making him a present any woman would be happy to unwrap. They’d gladly risk his temper in the hopes they could see what came with it.

  “You can stop gawking at him any time now.”

  Helena snickered and sent an appreciative look her Mate’s way. “Jealous, my love?”

  “Please.”

  She laughed and pressed a lingering kiss against his sculpted lips. “You have nothing to worry about.”

  His eyes were warm and slightly hooded as they met hers. “I know.” He ran a phantom hand along the length of her back causing her to shiver and flush. It was his turn to grin.

  Helena blinked, breaking the seductive spell he’d woven around her, and shifted her focus back to the other men in the room. Her smile widened as she realized they’d all incorporated varying shades of purple into their outfits, in honor of her. She was actually the only one in the room not wearing purple. Alina had worked her own special brand of magic, as usual. Helena had tried to protest, saying there wasn’t time for such extravagance, but Alina wouldn’t budge.

  “Is this not a special occasion?” she’d demanded. Helena couldn’t argue that it wasn’t. It was incredibly rare to replace anyone in the Circle, especially after less than a year of formal service. It was not something that was done lightly.

  Relenting, Helena had allowed Alina to have her way and instead of the traditional purple, Alina had chosen gold. There was nothing special about the cut or shape of the dress. It was fitted from chest to hips before flaring down to the ground. What made it special was how, the dress seemed to shine no matter where she was standing. Helena had become a beacon of light.

  The pièce de résistance was actually the crown Alina had placed upon her head. It, too, was golden, but a molten, fiery gold. When she turned, the crown would flash, creating the illusion of sparks flying off of the metal. Alina had given her a crown of embers. It was a warning wrapped in decoration.

  “Shall we get started?” Timmins asked.

  “Mother yes,” Ronan said gruffly, his nerves getting the better of him.

  Helena pressed her lips together, trying hard not to laugh.

  “Do you remember the words we went over earlier?” Timmins asked Ronan in a low voice.

  Ronan glowered at him. “Just because I’m from Daejara doesn’t mean I’m a simpleton. I can remember a damn vow.”

  Von snickered, his hand lifting to cover his mouth. He’d said nearly the same thing when Timmins had prepared him for his own ceremony.

  Timmins didn’t bat an eye. It was hardly the first time he’d caused one of the Circle to snap at him. It certainly wouldn’t be the last. “Then if you are ready, we will begin.”

  Ronan nodded, moving to stand beside Helena.

  Timmins began the ceremony with an invocation of the Mother. “Mother, please recognize the vows that are made here today. Bless them with your acceptance to further strengthen the bonds between your Vessel and her Circle.”

  With that, each of the men repeated the vows they’d already made to her. As her Mate, Von went first. Followed by Timmins, Joquil and then Kragen. After Kragen’s rumbling voice quieted, Ronan’s clear blue eyes looked into hers. He remained silent, staring down at her.

  “Are you sure this is what you want?” he asked quietly, for her alone.

  “Are you?” Helena asked, suddenly worried that he felt forced into the decision.

  “There are better men than me to be shackled to for a lifetime.”

  Helena’s worry faded completely. She grinned up at him. “Be that as it may, there is no one else I would rather have watching over me.”

  His serious gaze searched her face awhile longer before he finally nodded. “Be it on your head then when I fuck it up.”

  The men laughed.

  “You wouldn’t be the first,” she promised, which only caused them to laugh harder.

  Ronan grinned, looking more himself than he had since she’d walked into the room. “In that case,” he said kneeling, “let’s get this over with.” Despite his teasing, he was utterly serious when he spoke the words that would bind them together. “I vow to uphold and obey your beliefs and take them as my own. I will be your shield, protecting your life and light from any that would seek to destroy it. I will spend the rest of my days in service to you and your will, until such a time as the Mother reclaims me or the blade of war strikes me.”

  Helena’s grin wavered as an image of a bowed golden head uttering those same words was superimposed over Ronan’s form. She closed her eyes, savoring the reminder even though it hurt. When her eyes opened, Ronan was looking up at her, understanding shining in his eyes.

  Pressing her hand to his cheek, Helena made her own vow. She’d improvised the first time she’d made a vow to her Circle; tonight was no different. “I will strive to be worthy of the gift of your service, to remain out of harm’s way whenever possible so as to not needlessly place your life in danger.”

  Ronan smirked at that, knowing it was an impossible promise under the circumstances.

  “I vow to never take your service for granted, nor will I ask you to give up more than I am willing to give. May your strength be my shield, and my light your compass, in the days and years to come. Rise, Shield.”

  Ronan stood, looking equal parts humbled and honored. Helena lifted the chalice, finishing the words of the ceremony. As she did, she made a point to look each man in the eyes, “Blood of my blood these five shall be, my voice, my light, my shield, my sword, and my soul. I take them unto me, as my own, to cherish and protect as I would myself, until such a time as the Mother reclaims me.”

  She drank deep, adding a final silent request as she did. Mother watch over these men. I have lost so much already. Please…

  She handed the cup to Von, who took a drink and passed it on. So it went, until all had drank and the cup was empty. Remembering the first time they’d taken the vows, Helena looked around with a smirk. “So now what?”

  Ronan looked around at the others. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink.”

  “That’s as good a plan as any.”

  There was laughter and murmurs of agreement throughout the room. Timmins pulled open the door and called for one of the nearby guards.

  “Bring some refreshments please.”

  “And lager! Lots of lager!” Ronan shouted.

  Helena threw back her head and laughed. At least this time when she wiped away a tear, it was one of laughter.r />
  Epilogue

  Hours had passed as the group welcomed their newest member officially into the fold, while also remembering the one they’d lost. Helena cherished every second of it. It was a moment of joy in the midst of all the chaos.

  Somewhere along the way, Serena, Nial and Miranda had all joined them. They’d tried to get Effie to come as well, but she wasn’t quite ready for company.

  “Mother’s tits! What time is it?” Ronan slurred from the chair he was slouched in.

  Von, not in a much better condition, glanced out the window, which was covered, trying to discern the time by the color of the night sky. “Looks like it must be near morning.”

  Helena traded amused glances with Serena and shook her head. “I think that means it’s time to get you to bed.”

  “What?” Ronan roared, “The party is just getting started.”

  Von winked at her salaciously, before asking in his own suggestive slur, “Bedtime issit?”

  “Boyo, in the shape you’re in, your no good to anyone,” Kragen commented dryly. He’d drank every bit as deeply as the others but seemed almost entirely unaffected. If not for the subtle shine in his eyes, Helena would have thought he was completely sober.

  Von sneered, “Am too.”

  “Impressive comeback, darling,” Helena snickered.

  Von opened his mouth, ready to continue proving his abilities, but Helena put her hand over his mouth and shook her head. Von licked her.

  There was a discrete tap on the door. Helena was busy wiping her hand on her dress and laughing at her very drunk Mate. She did not immediately notice Alina waiting for their attention.

  Still laughing, Helena asked, “What is it, Alina?”

  Alina’s face was bleached of color, and she wasn’t smiling despite the jovial atmosphere of the room. “A letter just arrived for you, Kiri.”

  “A letter? At this hour?” Helena asked, already walking toward her.

  Alina held the black envelope out with a trembling hand.

  All amusement fled. She recognized that seal.

  “Rowena.”

  Everyone went deadly silent, instantly sobered by the name.

  Von pushed himself up and stood beside her. His eyes were glassy, but focused.

  “Open it,” he said in a dangerous voice.

  Helena was already ahead of him. The thick black envelope was open, and she pulled out the silvery parchment it had contained. There was nothing on the folded piece of paper to indicate what it would entail.

  Her heart was pounding as she unfolded it. What would it be this time? More taunts?

  “We request the honor of your presence for a masquerade ball in celebration of the Solstice,” she read aloud. The words were scrawled with precision, obviously written en mass. Below them, in a more feminine and bold hand, it read:

  * * *

  Feel free to bring what’s left of your Circle.

  * * *

  Helena crumpled the paper in her fist, already vibrating with anger.

  Having been reading over her shoulder, Joquil’s amber eyes were wide with fear when he said, “It’s a trap, Kiri. You cannot mean to take her up on her invitation.”

  “Why not?”

  “Helena, be serious,” Timmins snapped, as he took the ball from her fist and smoothed it out for the others to see. “You know you cannot walk into her trap like that.”

  “We can make it a trap of our own. The party is not for two weeks. There’s time.”

  “Hellion,” Kragen rumbled, “the likelihood we’d be able to manipulate her in her own home is beyond slim.”

  She turned to face Ronan and Von, waiting for their protests. They had none.

  “If this is what you wish to do, we will find a way,” Ronan said, his voice steady and eyes clear.

  Timmins sputtered, and Joquil and Kragen spun on the Daejarans.

  Helena silenced their protests with a shout, “Stop! Let Rowena think she has the upper hand. It only benefits us because it makes her careless.”

  “Kiri,” Timmins tried again.

  “No. I am done letting her underestimate me. I am not some bunny that cannot defend myself.” She paused, unsheathing her lethal black claws and watching them glimmer in the flickering firelight. “She doesn’t realize what she’s welcoming into her den with this invitation. Let’s take the opportunity to remind her what it means to be the Mother’s true Vessel.”

  As Helena reflected on all Rowena had taken from her, the flames throughout the room began to grow and dance wildly, the wind outside howling and shaking the windows with its intensity.

  In a voice filled with deadly promise, Helena lifted her iridescent gaze, “But while the Mother might be merciful, I won’t be.”

  * * *

  Helena and Von’s story concludes in Queen of Light, Book 4 in The Chosen series.

  * * *

  Keep reading for a sneak peek.

  Chapter One

  Three towering figures stood facing each other in a loose semi-circle. The ruby red of their robes was the only discernible color in the darkness. From afar the color seemed like a bloody smear against the inky black of the cave’s wall. Up close, the splash of color only served to emphasize the seemingly empty space within the recessed area of their hoods.

  There was no outward sign that the figures were aware of the storm raging just beyond the cave’s entrance. They were unmoving even as a flash of lightning suddenly filled the cavern with its blinding glare while an answering crash of thunder echoed along its length.

  “The pieces are almost in place.”

  “It won’t be long now.”

  “She is finally ready to become who she was always meant to be.”

  “Our salvation.”

  “Perhaps.”

  Two of the figures twisted their heads to face the one standing between them.

  “But it has been foretold.”

  “It is but one of two paths.”

  The leftmost figure’s robe rippled, as if the person within was fidgeting restlessly.

  “For all that we See, we cannot Know.”

  “Not until it has come to pass.”

  “There is always a choice.”

  The figure in the center, dipped its head in a nod. “And so you understand.”

  The wind howled as the storm raged on.

  “We will wait.”

  “And bear witness.”

  “Where is the Vessel now?”

  The central figure’s shoulders shook with what might have been laughter. Without waiting to see if the others would follow he turned and began to make his way deeper into the catacombs.

  “She celebrates life before she must greet death.”

  “Sweet Mother, yes!” Helena screamed as Von drove into her with one final, toe-curling thrust.

  Von’s eyes glittered with wicked satisfaction as he leaned down to kiss her before rolling onto his side and pulling her limp body against his. “We should just stay locked in here tonight and skip the dog and pony show.”

  Helena let out a snort of amusement as she rolled her head to look at her Mate. “That dog and pony show is your brother’s mating ceremony.”

  “Yes, but I much prefer our mating ceremonies.” There was no mistaking his innuendo or the sexual promise shining in his silvery gaze.

  Despite barely being able to keep her eyes open, Helena’s blood quickened at his words. “You’re trying to kill me,” she finally declared.

  “But what a way to go.”

  They chuckled together, sharing another brief kiss. Von moved to lie on his back, and Helena followed him, curling into his side and resting her head over the still thundering beat of his heart. With her fingers lazily tracing the scrolling lines of his Jaka she sighed and said, “I should probably go down to check on things. There’s not much time left before the guests start to arrive.”

  Von grunted, holding her tighter.

  Knowing better than to try and protest, Helena let her sleepy eyes tak
e in the room. Last time she’d stayed at the Holbrooke Estate they’d set her up in one of their guest rooms. This time she was sharing Von’s childhood room and it amused her to see the evidence of the boy he’d once been still littered around the chamber.

  “So how many women know about your penchant for drawing?” she teased.

  Von raised a brow. “My what?”

  Helena gestured toward the crudely sketched portrait of what she assumed was a Daejaran wolf.

  Von followed her hand before bursting into surprised laughter. “Oh, that. Nial made it for me. When he was four.”

  “And here I was thinking I finally found something you were terrible at.” Helena’s words were playful as a smile grew at the thought of the proud little boy showing his big brother what he’d drawn.

  He scoffed. “If I had drawn it… hell, if it was just a bunch of stick figures holding swords, and I told you I’d made it especially for you, you’d do the same thing.”

  “What’s your point?”

  “That the value is not in the skill.”

  “Obviously.”

  Von peered at her curiously. “You wanted to take it, didn’t you? When you thought I had drawn it?”

  “Maybe.”

  His chest rumbled with his laughter. “Do you want me to draw you a picture, Mira?”

  “Only if you use stick figures.”

  They laughed again.

  “And what did you mean my women?” he asked once their laughter had faded. “Just how many do you think have been in my room?”

  Helena’s cheeks grew warm. “Well, I mean… clearly you have a past. You don’t learn how to do that without experience.”

  “Helena, look at me.” His warm voice had grown serious. He didn’t continue until her eyes met his. “You are the only woman I’ve ever allowed into my room, at least in any kind of romantic capacity.”