But as Jamie recounted the harrowing events of our ordeal, beginning with Gideon’s enthrallment and ending with our final defeat of the witch, it became clear by the appreciative reaction of the people that I had nothing to fear.
“So, my good kinsmen, without further ado, by way of the Americas, with a wee bit of help from the Ring of Aontacht and by her strong faith and valiant self-sacrifice, may I present your new monarch. Queen Verranica!” Jamie swept into a deep bow and then dropped to a knee before me, his head bent low. The crowd rose to their feet, cheers and applause echoing to the rafters.
Humbled beyond all words, I swallowed the emotion threatening to spill out. Reflexively, I searched the crowd for the flaming hair that signified my best friend, and found Duncan’s sad smile instead. My heart ached for Kenna’s—and also for Duncan’s—loss. But I had to believe she was here in spirit and that she would want me to grab on to happiness with both hands.
I turned to Jamie, grasped his shoulders, and pulled him to his feet. When his eyes met mine, they were dark pools of mystery. What could he possibly be up to now?
With a raise of his hand, the people quieted. Admiration rushed through me at his commanding presence, inspiring me to gain control of my shaking limbs and the sobs tightening my chest.
“Good people, as the tradition dictates, a reigning monarch must fulfill the Completing before the commencement of their official Coronation.” Translation: I needed to choose a king before I could be crowned. I stared at Jamie, unable to believe he’d bring this up now.
“I, for one, would like to know who her choice for coruler will be,” he said with a playful grin.
As the room erupted in laughter and applause, I cupped my hand over my mouth and leaned closer to him. “What are you doing?”
Jaime put his arm around me and pulled me against his side. His breath skimmed the sensitive skin on my neck as he whispered, “Ye have to choose, love.”
“But don’t I have until the next Centennial to reveal my choice?” I loved Jamie with all my heart, but this tradition was so archaic. We hadn’t even discussed how we felt about each other in private, and he wanted to do this in front of the entire kingdom?
“Nay. When ye took my place, you became queen before this Centennial ended, so you’re actually a wee bit behind.”
Some part of my exhausted brain recognized he was talking me into a corner—forcing the issue in typical Jamie fashion. Pulling away from his intoxicating embrace, I clenched my teeth against the sudden doubts crowding inside my head. I knew the Calling was supposed to lead you to your soul mate, but what if it was wrong? What if our fairy tale didn’t have a happy ending? The logical part of my brain told me to trust this blessing, but the neurotic, abandoned little girl inside me warned that Jamie would ditch me just like my father did.
I needed more time.
Drawing in a deep breath, I turned to tell him, and found the Golden Boy from my visions. With a soul-searing look, he closed the remaining distance between us. His clean scent—soap and summer storm—engulfed me as he leaned down to my ear. “Verranica, I will never leave you.”
I stared up at my beautiful prince, tears gathering in my eyes. How did he always know exactly what I needed to hear? Then a tiny voice inside of me answered: Because the Calling is real and your destiny is standing right in front of you.
My heart hammering in my chest, I clutched his hand, took a step back, and lifted my chin. “I choose you, James Thomas Kellan MacCrae, to be my king and coruler.” My voice rang strong and clear, prompting a mass intake of breath from the crowd.