War (The True Reign Series) (38 page)

Rema held onto Mako’s arm as he walked her down the long aisle, leading to the dais containing the chairs her parents had sat on while presiding over court. Even though the castle was still being renovated, it seemed only fitting that her coronation and marriage to Darmik take place here, where her family had lived.

Nearing the
throne, Rema saw Ellie and Neco holding hands, Vesha and Audek standing right next to them. Behind her friends, were all the governors, hundreds of commoners, and dozens of soldiers. Nathenek, Trell, and hundreds of Emperions stood on the other side of the aisle. Darmik waited on the dais for her. His eyes shone with love and admiration as she walked toward him. When she reached the throne, she turned and faced everyone, Mako standing at her side.

“Citizens of Emperion and G
reenwood Island, welcome.” He turned and stood before Rema, holding her ruby ring. “I, Mako, Commander of King Revan’s Army, do hereby grant and name Queen Amer as Empress Amer Rema of Greenwood Island and Emperion, sole surviving heir of the royal family, to hereby lead, rule, and govern our great empire.” He slid the ring on her finger.

Trell stepped forward
, carrying the items of regalia. He knelt before Rema, handing them to her. Taking the ceremonial mace and family sword, she held them for all to see. Trell stood and returned to his bench.

Clutching the items, Rema turned to face Mako, who held a red velvet pillow with her mother’s crown sitting atop it
, along with her key necklace. He lifted the crown and placed it on her head. Then he took the necklace and clasped it around her neck. Kneeling before her, he laid his sword on the ground by her feet. “I, Commander Mako, do hereby pledge my life to you.” He stood and sheathed his sword.

“I give you Her Majesty,
Empress Amer Rema!”

She
stood tall as everyone inside the throne room dropped to one knee, bowing their heads.

“Rise,” Rema commanded her subjects.

Mako took the items of regalia from her and laid them aside as Darmik stepped forward and knelt before Mako.

Mako unsheathed his sword, placing the tip on Darmik’s right shoulder.  “I tap thee once, in the name of the empress, our protector. You have willingly and bravely come to this place today, hereby declaring that you are worthy to take Empress Amer Rema’s hand in the marriage binding. Is this so?”

“Yes, My Lord.”

“You may rise.” Mako faced the crowd of people. “Citizens! We are gathered here today to witness this man and this woman in a binding of life.”

Rema and Darmik joined hands, facing one another.

“Commander Darmik, wil
l you have this woman to be thy wedded wife? To love her, comfort her, honor and cherish her, in sickness and in heath? Forsaking all others, keeping thee only unto her, so long as you both shall live?”

“I
will.”

“Empress Amer Rema, wil
l you have this man to be thy wedded husband? Will you obey, serve, love, honor, and cherish him, forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live?”

“I will
.”

Mako handed each of them a solid gold ring. Darmik slid his onto Rema’s finger, and
she slid hers onto his.

Mako continued,
“These rings symbolize your never-ending love for one another. May you be faithful to one another, live and grow old together, and may you be blessed with many children.”

Darmik leaned forward and gently kissed Rema’s lips. Warmth seeped through her body as she hungrily kissed him back.

“Tonight,” he whispered, sending shivers down her spine.

Everyone cheered as they turned and faced the crowd.

Outside the throne room, in a hidden alcove, Rema and Darmik embraced. “Thank you,” she murmured against his chest.

Darmik chuckled. “You’re thanking me? For marrying you?”

“And saving me. Multiple times. We’re going to make a great team.”

“Yes, we are.” He leaned down and kissed her lips. “We need to make an appearance at the celebration before someone wonders where we are.”

Rema took his hand and together they walked down the corridor and to the Great Hall where the gala took place. Food was served to everyone in attendance. For those unable to come, Rema insisted food be distributed to as many people as possible throughout Greenwood Island.

Thousands came to honor her—now that travel was no longer forbidden and people could move
freely about the island.

****

After a week of celebrations, Rema and Darmik boarded the Emperion warship, ready for the journey ahead of them. They were accompanied by Trell, Nathenek, Neco, Ellie, Audek, Vesha, and hundreds of loyal soldiers.

The sails went up
, and the ship slowly moved away from the dock. In the distance, the sun was just rising over the horizon, casting a warm light over them.

Although she was sad to leave Greenwood Island behind, she was eager to return to Emperion and face the challenges ahead—because where one story ends, another one is only beginning.

The End

The nurse handed the baby boy to Rema.

“I don’t understand,” Rema said, taking the child in her arms. “I had twins?”

Darmik sat on the
edge of the bed beside her, holding their daughter. “Can you believe it?” he asked in awe. “A girl and a boy. We’re truly blessed.”

“You say that now, but can you imagine all the mischief they’ll get in when they’re older?” Rema glanced at the precious boy in her arms.
“What should we name them?”

“How about we name the girl after my mother, Allyssa,” Darmik suggested.

“And the boy?”

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” the nurse said, “but I must inform Trell of the situation. He wants to make an announcement to the city.”

Rema glanced into Darmik's beautiful brown eyes. “Tell him that the Crown Empress Allyssa is doing well, and her brother, Prince Savenek, is equally healthy.”

The nurse bowed and left.

“Savenek?” Darmik questioned her. Rema nodded. He looked at the boy wrapped snug in her arms. “Savenek it is.”

There are so many people who helped make this book possible. First of all, I need to thank my husband for putting up with me. Writing, editing, and publishing a book in a few short months is no small undertaking. Thank you for watching the kids, running them to their activities, and basically being Mr. Mom around here. I love you and cherish the support you give me.

My mom and my sister were a huge help with this book. There is no way War would have been complete in time if it weren’t for them. Thank you, Mom, for the countless hours you spent helping me. And Jessica, I don’t know where I’d be without you. You’re a remarkable sister and I am lucky to have someone so strong, fun, and loyal in my life.

Some very special people gave valuable feedback that helped shape War into what it is today. Thank you Elizabeth Nelson, Angelle LeBlanc, Stacie Buckingham, Rebecca van Kaam, Jan Farnworth, Hope, and Jen Lord. You girls are amazing, and I’m honored to have your help and support.

There are two talented people who read through the manuscript numerous times: Debi Barnes and Allyssa Adkins. I couldn’t have written this book without the two of you. Not only did you offer insightful input, but you kept me going when I was exhausted and didn’t think I’d ever finish. You put a smile on my face and remind me why I write. Your enthusiasm means the world to me.

Everyone on the Davis Divas Street Team—thank you for spreading the word about my books!!! You girls are wonderful and I’m honored to have your help.

Amber Douglas McCallister, thank you for writing a beautiful poem about Rema. Even though it didn’t make it into the book, I’m privileged you took the time to do so. You’re a talented writer and I’m grateful to know you.

I’d also like to thank Ashley Uribe at East West MMA for answering all of my silly questions and offering far more realistic fight maneuvers and techniques than what I come up with. If there are any fighting scenes in War that don’t work, it’s entirely my fault.

To everyone at Clean Teen Publishing—thank you for believing in this series and bringing it to life. I would especially like to thank Dyan Brown, Rebecca Gober, Marya Heiman, and Courtney Nuckels. I am proud to be a part of your team. You truly are publishing ninjas! Also, a special thanks to Cynthia Shepp for doing a fantastic job with editing.

Last, but not least, thank you for taking the time to read this series. Thank you for entering the
worlds I create and falling in love with my characters. Your support and encouragement exceed my wildest dreams.

Jennifer graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. Afterwards, she finally married her best friend and high school sweetheart. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three young children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids’ creativity.

Visit Jennifer online at

www.JenniferAnneDavis.com