Friano refuses to answer, but my stomach flips, because his gaze gives me all the confirmation I need.
I still have a chance to get home.
Because this fairy ring…it’s connected toAnnwyn.
CHAPTER 67
AUREN TURLEY
When we return to Lydia, I help make repairs to some of the buildings that were partially burned from the Stone Swords setting fire to the city. My gold now envelops some of them, corners swathed and doors patched with gleaming metal. The trees weren’t burned too badly, though some are charred, branches stripped or fallen away.
The Lydians settle back into their homes, while the Vulmin and Oreans try to determine their next steps.
And Slade and I determine ours.
We’re sitting at one of the outdoor tables along the street, in front of a pretty servette that reminds me of Estelia and Thursil back in Geisel.
Slade, Elore, Wick, and I sit together. The tables look like they’ve been hewn out of some sort of pale blue gemstone that’s been polished and smoothed. The matching chairs are surprisingly light, their backs wickered like a woven basket, with plump cushions on the seats. Every time the breeze blows in, the little glowing blue bulbs that hang above us at the building’s eave tinkle together.
Slade is relaxed back in his chair beside me, hand clasped around a steaming drink. His mother sits at his left, and he’s ordered every single thing from the display window for her. Every fruit-topped tart, every rolled and sugared bun. Her eyes went wide as saucers, but she’s since sampled every plate, and she looks so content that my heart squeezes for her.
I sip on my own warm and bubbled drink, watching people walk by or stop at the market carts across the street. Boats drift along in the canal just ahead, while birds sing above us in the trees.
My wings are slightly stretched out, and every so often, Slade runs a finger down them, making me shiver.
A couple of fae walk past us, and they smile at me with a wave. I smile back, my lips still curved even after they’ve disappeared from view. “This is so peaceful, isn’t it?” I say, turning to look at everyone. “To just sit here in the sun with food and drink, and watch everyone go by.”
“It is,” Slade says as he places a hand on my leg and squeezes gently.
He hasn’t stopped touching me, and I haven’t stopped touching him either. The both of us are constantly reaching out in comforting caresses to help settle the aftershocks of the horrors that happened. To reassure each other that we’re no longer cleaved apart by death.
“The trick is tokeepit peaceful,” Wick says as he sets down his own drink and looks between us. He’s been quiet. Chewing on something more than the food, and when he glances at me, I know he’s ready to divulge.
“I’m going to propose that Annwyn do away with the monarchy. That we form an assemblage instead,” he says, straightening in his chair.
His expression is serious but impassioned, and I can tell he’s probably been thinking of nothing but Annwyn’s future since I abdicated taking the crown.
“We can spread the word all over Annwyn. Invite fae to come to Lydia and help create new laws. Anyone who wishes to put themself forward as a member of the assemblage can formally insert their name, and we’ll put it to the people for a vote. We’ll put everything to vote.”
I smile. “I think that’s a very good idea.”
“It will take time,” Slade cautions.
“That’s okay,” Wick replies. “We need to get it right. That’s why the assemblage will be so important. It will allow for both fae and Orean voices to be heard. Vulmin and non-Vulmin. And not just nobles. It will be fair—and full of passionate people who can help us solve the issues and keep an eye on every corner of Annwyn. No more tyranny and the risk of one person with all control. We all know that having too much power can turn even those with the best intentions into a glutton for more. So we restore the old territory lines. Let the people have a say in their lives. We do better.”
“We do better.” I nod in agreement, happiness warming my chest. “I’m proud of you, Wick.”
He shifts in his chair, like he’s surprised but pleased at my response.
It would’ve been easy for him to just claim the throne. After all, he has the Turley name and blood. He has the Vulmin following. But for him to recognize Annwyn needs to try a different way shows me that he really does have Annwyn’s best interest at heart instead of his own play for power. I couldn’t be prouder.
“Yes, well…I’ve learned some things. From a certain broken-winged bird who learned how to fly.”
That warmth in me spreads, and I can see tentative hope in his own expression. His russet skin is still bruised, but healing. His muddy eyes are illuminated, as if he’s already looking toward a brighter future.
“Peace can be difficult to enact,” Slade says as he sets down his drink. “But it’s also difficult to keep. Eventually, peace always deteriorates.”
Wick nods. “It does. And one day, someone like the Carricks may emerge again—someone who will attempt to take control. But in the meantime, we do better and hope that for generations and generations, wekeepdoing better. We make Annwyn peaceful…for as long as we can.”
