“There’s no way to convince anyone you’re not doing it for selfish reasons. I don’t care what sort of magic Seer Goddard has, he can’t see directly into your head. If you want my advice, start acting like the queen you’d be.”
“What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I said. The way you talk about being queen, you couldn’t give a rat’s ass about the title itself. You’re not in it for the crown or the castle.”
“That’s true.”
“I don’t care what Fenlon and his goons say: no person, magical or otherwise, can kick a Fae Queen out of her court. She can be killed, but she can’t be removed. Without her, the court would crumble—as we’ve seen.”
“But—”
“You just need to be patient. Wait ’em out,” Atlas said. “They’ll come around, either voluntarily or out of necessity when they realize there’s no way around it.”
“But I don’t feel like I’ve earned the title. I don’t want to be at the castle or whatever being a queen entails.”
“Right. That’s my point exactly. Put all the formality aside, and act how you’d act as a queen. What would you do?”
“I mean, I would first want to learn more about the island and the people on it. I don’t think anyone can be a good leader without an understanding of the situation. I met a little girl the other day, a Forest Dweller named Liza. She was just a tiny thing, so young and sweet, but she helped me see a different perspective even in the short time we were together.”
“Exactly,” Atlas said. “That’s a great start, just keep it up. Immerse yourself in island life. Pay attention to the different kinds of magic. People will start coming to you, they’ll start trusting you, mark my words. You’re beautiful, you’re smart, you’re powerful, you’re kind. What’s not to like?”
Silas’s handle broke right off his teacup.
“Calm down.” Millie patted Silas’s hand.
Silas rolled his eyes. Atlas grinned broadly at whoever would look at him.
“I’m just saying,” Atlas said. “You’re the Fae Queen. Your wards are keeping this place safe. You don’t actually have anything to prove, so why try? Just live your life like you would. Forget about the castle and the crown.”
“That makes sense,” I said. “And that’s about all I can do anyway. Thanks, Atlas.”
“Well, I don’t know if I’ve helped, but I know I’ve pissed off my brother, so it’s about time for me to go.” Atlas stood, thumbed at his shirt. “This is new, and I don’t want bloodstains on it. I’ll be taking my leave now.”
I stood up too and walked with Atlas out to the garden. “I appreciate your advice.”
“Olympus is rooting for you.” Atlas’s face grew serious. “I’m afraid you’ll face some formidable foes as queen, Alessia. You do need to master your magic by any means necessary.”
“Will Olympus help?” I asked. “If needed?”
Atlas’s breath hitched. “I don’t know, honestly. But I wouldn’t count on it.”
Then he took a step into the garden, and a moment later, the air around him shimmered, and he Phased off the island.
Silas came out, put his arms around me. He didn’t speak, didn’t ask how I was feeling—he just held me, and that was the best thing he could do.
“He’s right.” Silas’s voice was hoarse and grainy. “As much as it pains me to admit it, I think he’s right.”
“Yeah. I think so too.”
“Why were you down there by yourself?”
“Down where?” I paused. “By the swimming hole, you mean? When I got rejected from Seer Goddard, I went for a little walk. I was trying to figure out why the water seemed to amplify my powers, so I followed the river. I ran into Lily and walked with her down to the Lower Bridge. Then I just kept walking. When I found the swimming hole, I just sat on the edge for a minute to think.”
“It was foolish to be wandering around by yourself like that.”
“I wasn’t traipsing around trying to stir up trouble, Silas. I was going about my daily life.”
Silas rubbed his head. “I didn’t mean you’re foolish. I’m sorry, that was the wrong choice of words. I just meant...”
