But if she were to stay here, she couldn’t do it on her own. She’d need someone she trusted. Someone she could confide in.
And there was no one else she trusted.
This place had birthed her. It’d shaped her.
Now, it would be her future.
I had no control over my horrible past.
But the future was entirely up to her.
I will make it one worth living.
Not just for her, but for the ones she cared about and loved. And for her people.
They were home and they would make it the best one possible.
Epilogue
Gisela sat on her throne with Xaydin seated in the one beside her. Not as king, but as her full partner in all things.
She had more than she’d ever dreamed. They were married and three weeks ago, she’d been crowned.
For the first time in her life, she was deliriously happy and was looking forward.
Around her now were bright yellow walls, hung with tapestries that told centaur history. It still seemed a bit strange that they’d welcomed her as queen, knowing her parentage and that she was part unicorn and shifter. But she wouldn’t argue it.
So far, everyone seemed happy with their choice. She only prayed that it lasted.
As she started to rise, a portal opened on the floor just below her dais.
Xaydin immediately rose and placed himself between her and the hooded figure who stepped through.
He didn’t relax until the hood was lowered to show them Masakage.
“What are you doing here, brother?”
Masakage took a deep breath. “I wish it was good tidings. Sadly, I’m here to warn you that Ferrell escaped.”
Gisela cursed. Ferrell was Meara’s youngest son. She’d made the mistake of sparing him because he’d sworn that he didn’t want the throne and that he’d leave them in peace.
Obviously, he was as big a liar as his mother and brothers.
She gaped. “What? When?”
“Sometime in the night. One of Meara’s loyalists freed him. We captured the culprit, but Ferrell vanished and is no doubt reconciled with the traitors.”
Which meant he’d be coming for the throne.
Damn it.
“I knew we should have killed him.” Xaydin growled deep in his throat. “Why didn’t I kill him?”
Gisela agreed. She should have been the assassin and not a queen showing mercy. Of all the mistakes to make…
“He’ll be heading this way.” Gisela signaled her guard at the door. “Please advise the council we need a meeting and tighten the guards at the gate.”
“Yes, my queen.” He rushed to do her bidding.
