I let myself feel it all before inhaling slowly. There would always be parts of me missing, but I smiled, knowing that somewhere, they were all watching over us. Or maybe they were on their next adventure. I’m sure the Fates had more in store for the next life.
When the moment passed, I took a handkerchief from my dress pocket and dabbed my eyes.
I continued, my voice stronger now. “Let this be a reminder to all of us that there is nothing that can’t be accomplished through friendship and compassion. We would not have succeeded without all Fae: nobles, those with lesser magics—every single Fae played a role in our victory. Moving forward, this will be the standard: to work together regardless of class. Respect for all.
“We may not all agree, but we are capable of sharing, discussing, and finding a way forward. Greed and ultimate power have no place here in Atheria. Should there ever be a time when disagreements need to be settled, we will hold a weekly forum to mediate such requests. Never again do I wish to see our kingdom falter. It’s when we are divided that things fall apart.”
Tear-stained faces watched me, and I tried to make eye contact with as many people as I could.
“Atheria is a kingdom that can and must work together. We are better together. While I, as your queen, may not have every single answer to how our kingdom will be run now that Brookmere and Mysthaven are united once more, I promise you, I will work every day to keep both sides of our kingdom prosperous.” I motioned for Kade to join me by my side. This time he obeyed.
“King Kade Blackthorn has also assured me that as the rightful ruler of Mysthaven, we will secure peace and harmony among our people. Together, King Blackthorn and I will restore Atheria to its former glory.”
The crowd stood on their feet and cheered, chanting and hollering.
My friends behind me joined in, screaming and clapping.
I held Kade’s hand, and my light shone, extending out of me and blanketing the arena with a beautiful golden glow. I couldn’t contain it as it danced and shimmered in the sun’s rays, basking in hope for the future.
I waved to the crowd as my friends stood on either side of me. Finally, I closed my eyes and thanked nature silently.
Placing my hand over my heart, I smiled at my kingdom. “May nature guide you.”
Epilogue
LANA, SIX MONTHS LATER
Ibrushed my fingers over the grey roses lining my garden.
Corbin had been right, they had come back to life, blooming even after Ellevail had fallen in my absence. With evil gone from the world—and with what I suspected was the remnants of my dear friend’s magic—it took barely any effort at all to get the place exactly as he’d created it.
After gathering a few more flowers to complete my bouquet, I stared up at the sun, letting it warm my face.
The past few months hadn’t been easy, but they’d been some of the best of my entire life.
I shifted my deep blue dress, cursing the layers of tulle as I kicked my feet, struggling to lift my skirts while holding the flowers.
“I swear, will there ever come a time when you aren’t looking like you’re desperate for my help?” Kalliah said from the bottom of the stairs.
I grinned. “Where would be the fun in that?”
“Come on,” she sighed. “Half your hair is out already.”
We climbed the stairs together and entered my chambers. With my garden behind here, I couldn’t face taking up residence in any other part of the castle. So, at the demand of mymore elderly advisors, my rooms were slightly reimagined to accommodate a queenlier space.
That also made room for my king, who stayed true to his word and refused to leave Ellevail for any extended length of time.
I sat at my vanity while Kalliah took out pins and rearranged my hair, braiding the top and then gathering the rest to the side to drape down my shoulder.
A knock sounded at my door, and I called for whomever it was to enter.
Ian stepped into my room, carrying a tray of baked goods.
“I stole these but also spread a rumor in the kitchen that it was Leif. Lucinda is going to lose it,” he laughed.
“Leif is an advisor now, he can’t still be afraid of her,” I said, reaching for a chocolate croissant.
Kalliah snorted. “Yep, still afraid. He’s even got Jax running from her.”
