Instead, I stepped forward, grabbing Azurill’s hand for strength as I opened my mouth to ask the only question left that mattered, “Was it worth it? Betraying your blood?”
“It would have been,” Lord Darcel declared, looking down his nose at me. Those orange eyes, just like his daughter’s, were full of unearned haughtiness. The features he shared with my father hurt too much to look at. Luckily, hisshoulder-length orange hair was completely different from the shorter pink locks my father had.
“Had Carnelian succeeded, I’m sure you would have quickly found out how little power you’d have had as one of his subordinates,” Azurill spoke up, glaring at my cousin. “Count yourself lucky you’ll never have to experience such.”
He turned to face me then, running a thumb down my cheek, “What do you want done with them, my queen?”
I couldn’t help smiling at him, squeezing his hand. “I want to spill their blood over where they had my parents’ spilled.”
Azurill smirked, nodding, “As you wish.”
We leftEmrys and Arianell behind to manage Ruby Court. They would organize the task of stripping the castle’s wealth and magic to bring back to Diamond, before Azurill figured out who would take over as lord of the court. I had my own ideas about that. Brokk’s father may not be worthy, but we knew his son was. And if we secured the match with Faiza, it would not only help my friend, but would tie Diamond to Ruby.
Azurill’s smile when I brought the idea up was enough to banish the darkness consuming my thoughts over what had to happen next.
We took a carriage to Pearl Court, and crossing the border, I closed my eyes and let the feel of the magic overcome me. When the carriage stopped, and Azurill jumped out, offering me a hand down, I stepped out and nearly fell to my knees.
Tears filled my eyes immediately, and Azurill wrapped his arms around me as a sob ripped from my throat. I collapsed into his arms, my hand coming up to cover my mouth in a vain attempt to prevent the sounds from escaping. But seeing it for the first time since that night brought everything back in startling focus.
The palace was crafted from white and pink marble and was crafted into several domed sections that were connected by long corridors. The largest and tallest dome made up the main section, where the great hall and all the main rooms resided. The giant pink door studded with pearls welcomed me home as one of the guards on the property opened it. Azurill had sent men ahead to clear out any who may have been loyal to the usurpers who’d taken over,leaving any who’d expressed dislike of them. We’d have to figure out restaffing in the future, but that was a problem for another day.
When I’d finally cried myself out, Azurill wiped my tears away, whispering in my ear, “You’ve overcome so much, you deserve this palace and court more than anyone. But I selfishly wish to keep you with me. Say the word, however, and we’ll keep you as Lady of Pearl Court.”
I laughed lightly, leaning up to kiss him. My hand came around to hold the back of his head, keeping our foreheads together as I whispered back, “As happy as I am to return home, I’m not sure I could live here again after all that’s happened. Perhaps one of our children could take over one day?”
A wide smile broke out on his face, “An excellent idea, my love.”
He led me to the door, and I gasped in shock as we walked through.
“Welcome home, my Lady,” The woman said, tears already running down her face.
“Juvela?” I whimpered, running and throwing my arms around her. She laughed wetly, hugging me tightly and petting my hair as she used to do when I was young. She’d been my nanny for many years, like a second mother, and I had thought her to be lost with all the others.
“Oh, my darling girl,” She murmured, kissing the side of my head. “I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened. But your parents would be so happy to see you home again. As am I.”
“I thought everyone was gone,” I choked out, squeezing her again.
She pulled back to look at me, marveling as much at my appearance as I was at hers. “We were out of town that night. When I returned home the next morning, I found out what had happened. I was devastated, but I did try to work for House Helmi at first. When it became clear they were not like your parents, however, I left. I haven’t been back until now. When I heard the news that you were alive and coming home; I returned immediately. You deserved to have a friendly face here to greet you.”
“Thank Erodite.” I closed my eyes momentarily, amazed to have even one precious person returned to me. “Any chance you’d want to come to Diamond? I’m to be married, and as High Queen, I’ll need a nanny once we have children.”
She laughed merrily, “Oh, my girl, you’d have to bat me away with a stick. I’ve missed you too much, and we have so much to catch up on!”
“We appreciate you returning to meet with Linnea, my lady,” Azurill stepped forward, sliding an arm around me, “More than I can say.”
“Your Majesty.” She curtseyed, her pink eyes glowing as she smiled impishly, “You must tell me how you charmed our Linnea here, then.”
I laughed, shaking my head at her, “Where is Zav? He’s got to be around here to rein you in, right?”
She faux glared at me as her husband came in from the next room, “I’m never far, you know that, little Lady.”
I smiled widely, taking a running jump as I threw my arms around him. He laughed loudly, the sound filling the air as he spun me around like he did when I was a child. I looked over to Azurill, noticing the bright smile on his face that matched my own.
I could feel the magic of Pearl Court filling me up, finally standing in my home after so many years away, and with Juvela and Zav both returned to me, I felt light enough to fly.
I had once thought my life had ended right here in these halls, but now, it felt as if my life had finally begun. With Azurill beside me, I knew whatever was going to come next would be even better than I could imagine.
Once we got rid of the usurpers, all would be right with the world. Every single person responsible for my family’s end would be gone, and I could finally live free of the need for vengeance that had been rotting in my heart for years. Instead, I could now live with nothing but love in there.
