“I need to speak to Riviana.”
“May I ask why?”
I hesitated as I considered my response. “I’d like that to remain between us.”
Her eyes shifted back and forth between mine before she nodded. “Come with me.”
We walked together through the forest. I wore my battle armor, while a flower crown sat upon her head. The cape I’d once worn had been a weightless fixture across my back, but now, I noticed its absence every time I moved, every time I rode on the back of Khazmuda. Now, it was secured around my daughter’s shoulders, where it belonged.
“How’s Lily doing?”
“She’s happy.” I hadn’t seen her since the coronation and wedding ceremony. And I didn’t expect to see her for a while. The kingdom was at peace, and after everything she’d donefor the Southern Isles, she deserved to enjoy her new husband without being disturbed by royal obligation.
“And you?” she asked as she turned to look at me.
“I’m very happy,” I said with a nod. “He wasn’t my first choice, but now he’s my only choice.”
She nodded slightly before she continued forward.
We approached the clearing, fireflies everywhere and creating a glow that bathed the canopy of the trees in light. We approached the great tree with the dais built around it, the tree that I had protected more than once.
I stopped, but Queen Eldinar stepped forward, and somehow in the silence, she was able to communicate with the god who dwelled in her forest. A distinct breeze moved through the trees, and then the god with fiery red hair appeared, the glow around her so bright she looked like the sun.
She stared me down, close to my height, her luminous eyes seeing through me.
Queen Eldinar silently excused herself and crossed the clearing from which she came.
“Talon Rothschild, you’re the first of your kin to retire from lordship rather than surrender it through death.”
“I’ve ruled for decades just like my father and his father before him. I’ve had my time.”
She continued to stare at me, silently asking for more.
“My daughter has earned it.”
“No other mortal will ever be as powerful as Lily Lena Rothschild. A mortal goddess with the strength to kill gods and demon lords. She has unimaginable power that could easily lead to corruption and greed, but her heart is too pure for infection. She is one of a kind, and none as special or substantial has ever come before her…or will come after her.”
My eyes dropped from her face as the emotion rose in my chest. I thought I’d spent all my tears for a lifetime, thought I’d already felt more than I ever could, but such flattering words from a god gave me more pride than I’d ever had.
“You and Calista raised her well, Talon.”
I inhaled a breath and refused to let my eyes water. I gave a slight nod in gratitude for her kind words. “All I’ve ever wanted is to be a father, and she gave that to me. I will be forever grateful that I had such an honor.”
A slow smile moved over her lips, clearly touched by what I said. “You came to my lands as the Death King, your heart a scorched earth. A broken man who had lost his way until love pulled him onto the path of righteousness. It’s been an honor to witness your story, Talon Rothschild. You remind me of what mortals are capable of.”
I bowed my head toward her. “Thank you, Riviana.”
Her smile faded as her eyes hardened. “What do you seek?”
“A favor.”
“What more could you possibly want?”
“It’s not for me.”
She tilted her head slightly, clearly intrigued.
“After I defended the tree from Bahamut’s clutches, you allowed me to see Vivian.” It still made me emotional when I thought about that parting. I’d gotten my chance to apologize for failing my wife…and was able to say goodbye. I’d also received her blessing to be happy with Calista, to have more children that she would love like her own from afar.
