Thorns of Fate: Serendipity Saga Book One

Chapter Thirty

As we approached the door, I could hear fanfare from the other side. There was the blade of what sounded like trumpets following by a microphone casting words for all to hear.

"Introducing, Lady Kellic Santina, accompanied by Lord Anton Van Murg." The doors swung open and Anton actually took Kellic's arm in his. He seemed to be more suited to this royalty thing than he let on. Kellic grinned up at him and he whispered something in her ear which made her giggle. Then he led her into the room beyond, to the roar of hundreds of vampires.

All I could see before the doors slipped closed behind them was a line of all the way to the other end of the room, watching their footsteps carefully and curiously. The entire room was dressed in elegant ball gowns and tuxedos, dazzling colors swirling through the crowd.

There was a long pause and my father slipped down the steps and joined our group, taking my mother's hand. They stood before Carson and myself, the last two to head in other than us.

"Introducing Gabrielle Santina, accompanied by Mr. Liam Maxwell," The emcee called. I saw Liam cringe at the "mister" in front of his name. He really held some sort of a grudge.

Gabrielle looped her arm around Liam's when he didn't react and dragged him into the room and down the line of waiting Magicks. He averted his gaze from the crowd, seeming awkward and out of place.

My mother and father turned, taking Carson and I in once more. "You'll do great," my mother whispered with a grin. She hugged me again before the emcee continued.

"If everyone would please give a warm round of applause to our hosts and King and Queen." I hadn't considered it but I suppose it were true. My mother and father had been married once which would make my mother the queen. "Join me in welcoming King Damien Lucius and his lovely bride, Naomi Lucius!"

The crowd erupted into a dizzying and cheers and well wishes as the doors swept open and my parents made their way through the ballroom.

The doors closed and aside from the servants opening them, Carson and I were completely alone. Nerves bubbled in my belly and I fought hard to not let them take hold of me. Carson grabbed my shoulders, turning me gently toward him.

He lifted my chin with a finger and pressed a kiss to my lips. "You've got this," he whispered and he gave me a look just like DJ Sean had all that time ago.

I grinned up at him and threw my arms around his neck, kissing him hard. I was breathless when I pulled away and he grinned down at me.

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, please help me introduce our princess and future queen, Lady Kyra Lucius and her escort, Mr. Carson Carder!" If I had thought the crowd had roared before then they were collectively losing their minds now.

Carson wrapped his arm through mine, guiding me past dozens of eager faces, all trying to catch a glimpse of their princess. The walk felt like it took an eternity, all eyes on us. I was grateful that I managed to walk with poise and grace despite the massive heels that I wore.

My hand clenched tightly on Carson's arm and I was relieved to see the end of the line approaching. My mother, father, aunt, cousin, and bodyguards stood on a raised dais at the front of the room, waiting for us.

I glanced at each of their faces and could feel their joy, pride, and excitement. Except for Liam anyway. He seemed to be pouting and wasn't focused on us.

We finally reached them after an endless amount of time and my father and mother each took turns pulling me into their arms. When my mother touched my skin, a jolt of electricity sizzled into my skin. I looked into her eyes to see playful excitement there. I smiled at her.