I didn't ask where we were going or what would happen next. Did it even matter?
Holding me in his arms, we walked through the jungle, Tallis humming a soft tune to ease my pain. Would I be able to return home?
What would happen to my pixies? And Olivia . . . I still didn’t know if she would survive. She had to though. I couldn’t bear the thought of her passing.
Since Catriona’s death, life began spiraling and I didn’t know how to stop it. Was this the end or were there more horrors waiting on the horizon?
The land rose and we crested a hill, the jungle opening a bit. He sat down, keeping me in his arms, never once releasing his hold. On the hill we had a perfect view of the life tree where all life in Saol centered around. Massive protector raptors glided around in the sky, keeping predators away. Their green and glorious golden feathers created shimmers across the sky.
The gargantuan tree soared past the clouds, disappearing out of sight. It was the birthplace and the heart of our world. It seemed fitting this was where my current life would end. I’d never be able to see my son, never hold him again, never tell him how much I loved him and explain how everything I did was to protect him.
Now he would be the one to deal with the Lich King and the bargain I made.
Kane wouldn’t be the only fae to hate me.
I’d left the kingdom a mess. If only I had acted sooner. Maybe then my daughters would still be alive.
Pain radiated from my temples, a pounding in my head to drown out every thought.
I leaned my head against Tallis’ chest, curled in his lap.
He slid his hand around my neck, thumbing my cheek. He kissed the top of my head, holding me as tight as he could. “I may not be able to remove the sorrow, but I will embrace it with you.”
I pressed my face against his chest, breathing in his familiar scent. “I’ve lost my whole family.”
“You are not alone,” he whispered into my hair. “I’ve been with you since the day you were born and I’m never leaving.”
Knowing words could never respond to something so pure, I leaned up and kissed him softly. A sob erupted from my chest and Tallis pulled back to hold me. He rocked back and forth, stroking my hair and humming until the sun set and the tears stopped flowing.
Epilogue
One Year later
Moira
Tallis walked into the tent wearing a wide smile.“I found it!”
“Finally,” I said. “Hurry and get inside.”
I leaned back in the chair, thankful Tallis had adjusted the hinges so this would be more comfortable. He sat in a chair behind me and leaned over.
“You might be more relaxed without this.” He plucked at my shirt, and I swatted his hand away.
He laughed and gave me a quick kiss before grabbing the water basin.
“Did you get the right dye this time?”
“Yes, your majesty.” He dumped the cold water on my hair, and I squeaked.
“This better not have any leeches,” I grumbled, remembering the nightmares I had after the last dye he brought me.
“No bugs, promise. This one is redder though, a mix of berries and evening primrose.” He dragged his fingers across my scalp, soaking the strands.
Closing my eyes, I sighed. For someone who never tended as a servant, his hands moved better than any stylist I had ever experienced. This was my favorite part of the month, and I don’t think Tallis minded, for throughout the dying process, he would lean over and give me plenty of kisses.
Humming, he worked the dye into my hair, then twisted it all up. “Done.”
With Tallis still holding my hair, I slowly rose. He tied the shorter strands into a bun, then secured it with the pins we had purchased from the local merchant. “There. The woman said we need to keep it saturated in the stain for a while. Hungry?”
