From the top of the gangplank, a voice filtered down to us. “I was wondering when you’d ask about me.”
My lips broke into a grin. Looking up, I saw that cocky face smirking back at me as Nox leaned against the railing. “Let me guess, you saved the best for last?” I teased.
“Oh, I’m not going anywhere.”
Confusion swept over me. “You—you’re staying? On the ship?”
“Our dearempresshas a task for me, it seems.” He winked at Rissa.
“We need eyes over in Mysthelm,” she jumped in. “An ambassador, of sorts. It’s a long road to fix what’s been broken between them and us, but it’s a step.”
“Mysthelm?” My eyes shot to Nox. “How are you getting there?”
“Little detour through Tenebra, then I’ll head south down to their border. You’re not getting rid of me that quickly.”
I could practically feel the glower Leo shot him. Even after their lengthy discussion on the beach during the third trial, Leo still carried a bit of irritation toward the dragon Shifter. I snorted. “This will be interesting.”
“Don’t worry, I have no intention of interrupting the love birds,” Nox crooned. “Strictly business. I am a professional, after all.”
Rissa gave Leo and me one last hug. “Stay alert, especially inthese first two provinces.” We ascended the gangplank and she shouted from below, “Be safe! I’ll write to you!”
And with that, they were gone.
I exhaled slowly as I leaned over the deck railing, watching the ship push off from the port. By the end of the day we’d make landfall in Tenebra and start our new journey. A mission of healing and hope. And while it was bittersweet to say goodbye, there was a freedom in this. A freedom I’d never considered but had always yearned for. A beautiful, open landscape ready to be filled.
Leo came up behind me and put his hands on the rails, trapping my back against his solid chest. I turned to nuzzle my cheek against his chin. Before us, waves rippled and gleamed in the sunlight, brushing against the bottom of the boat. Birds sang in the distance as wind skimmed my skin.
“Are you sad to be leaving your home?” I murmured, nodding toward the receding shoreline.
“I’m sad to leave my family for a little while, but Veridia City isn’t my only home.” He twisted me to face him, and I locked my arms around his neck as he said, “Not anymore.”
I smiled. “Are you sure you know what you’re getting into with me, monkey boy?”
“I think I have an idea,” he said with a chuckle. I lifted up on my toes when he leaned down to kiss me, my lips still grinning against his.
“I love you, Rose,” he said quietly. “And I will spend every moment of the time you give me making you as happy as you have made me.”
Of the time you give me. “I’ll hold you to that,” I said, kissing him again as my chest swelled and ached with joy. “Because it will be a very, very long time, Leo Aris.”
Our entire lives, our future, ourpurposelay ahead of us, as clear and full as the day.
This was just the beginning.
Epilogue
Dear Rose and Leo,
I’m sorry it’s been a while since I’ve written. Things got a bit hectic here after you left. Once the dust settled from Gayl’s death and the Decemvirate, some brave bastards decided perhaps anyone could have a go at the crown. I’ve been dodging Drakorum inquiries and Iluze appeals like they’re daggers. Nothing to worry about—it’s being handled, with only a few pissed off governors and one assassination attempt to show for. (Kidding, Leo—I’m fine, I promise. You should see the other guy.)
Rose, your uncle Ragnar has been coming back to the capital often since I lifted the border restrictions. He’s been instrumental in helping me deal with some of the bad seeds on this council. There are still a few stubborn remnants from Gayl’s time, one of which is that member you woke from the Somnivae curse. Lord Stryker. If I’d known he’d be this difficult, I would’ve asked you to keep him asleep.
Most of the rest are stodgy lords who have obviously never been told “no” in their lives. And by awoman, no less. They’re trying to convince me to take a tour of Mysthelm to strengthen relationships with the new King Grimaldi and secure trade agreements that haven’t been around in centuries. It’s a good idea, I’ll admit. It could unite our territories andstart wiping away so much of the stain from our past. The council wants to reconvene later this week with one final proposal.
We’ll see. I may be leaving our precious empire sooner than I’d planned.
Hope you’re doing well and staying out of trouble. Rose, that is. I’m sure Leo’s on hisbest, most brooding behavior.
All my love,
Empress Clarissa Aris
