An endless supply of carts, local town leaders, and sympathetic nobles created an endless parade of traffic up and down the hill to the city.
The council room was packed with advisors as Ian, Onric, and a slowly healing Frederich discussed the future of Iseldis, Chendas, and the Five Kingdoms.
And Robin's beloved kitchens were perhaps the busiest of all as the castle staff attempted to feed and host all of these necessary newcomers.
Robin longed to return the familiar bustle of Lockwood—at least the busy-ness there felt less trapped inside of towering stone walls. But Ian needed her here.
He had included her, Sol, Aizel, and Lyra in every conversation about housing the Majis who had arrived on the ships. The castle had sent a large supply of food, clothing, and other resources to Lockwood, where Ilida and Bernard were quickly placing them in temporary lodgings.
Members of River's Talon from across the five kingdoms were opening their homes--from castles to cottages--to safely host and house the Majis.
As terrifying and new as it was to have the help of the crown, Robin was infinitely grateful that Ian had provided the Talon with every available support. She did not want to think about the sickness and hunger that the Majis would have faced in Lockwood alone. Nor could she have ever faced Ilida again if she had asked the poor steward to manage all that.
Robin smiled over the rippling water of as she imagined Ilida's joy at efficiently allocating actual resources to the people who needed them. She missed Lockwood. But she would be home soon.
As she rounded the pond, turning to face the back side of the castle wall, she saw a lone figure sitting by the gate.
King Frederich raised his hand in greeting. He was too far away to make out the expression on his face, but he appeared to be waiting for her.
Robin squelched her way through the mud and walked back toward the castle.
Frederich's leg was slowly healing. The castle architects had constructed wheeled chair so he could be easily moved around the castle to participate in the council meetings. Someone had brought him outside the castle wall to wait for her.
As she drew closer, she could see that he held a small wooden box atop his legs, partially covered by thick robe that was wrapped around his shoulders.
She blinked against the wind, her eyes watering.
“The castle has been loud of late,” the king said.
Robin nodded, coming to a stop in front of his chair. “Not that the geese are much quieter.” She smiled as loud honk from behind her punctuated her words at exactly the right moment.
Frederich returned her smile for a moment before his gaze grew serious. “I owe you far more than an apology, Robin of Lockwood.” He looked down at the box for a moment before returning his eyes to hers. “I am sorry for the pain I have caused you. I thought I was protecting my son . . .” He shook his head. “That does not matter. I cannot give you back the time I stole from you, but I can give you this.” He held out the box.
Robin felt her heartbeat pound as she accepted the smooth wooden container. She did not have to open the lid to know what she would find inside. She clutched the box to her chest as a wave of anger washed over her.
But the feeling dissipated before it had even fully taken shape. She looked back at the older man in front of her, his shoulders hunched from the weight of constant responsibility, his eyes sunken from days of illness. She understood better now, what it felt like to be a single person who was trying to protect everyone they love. She did not want to hold onto the anger anymore. “Thank you,” she said.
“You can leave me here,” Frederich said. “I need a moment of quiet myself.”
Robin nodded and walked passed him through the gate into the back courtyard of the castle. Still clutching the box to her chest, she slipped into the nearby stable and let herself into Rowena's stall.
Sitting down in the hay where no human eyes could perceive her, she ran her fingers over the soft sanded wood and rounded corners of the box. Then she slowly opened the lid, smiling through watery eyes as she saw a pile of unopened letters.
The morningof the wedding was crisp and cold, but the sky was beautifully clear. Ian ran down the stairs to the back courtyard, taking the steps two at time. He had been walking this route to his father's meeting room every morning just as he used to, but lately the walk felt lighter. He found himself fondly cherishing every step as he knew the rest of his life was not tied to this same morning path.
Onric stood in the courtyard, pacing across the open space. His brother wore a blue velvet jacket, the same bright azure as the sky overhead.
“Are you nervous?” Ian asked.
“About today?” Onric replied, coming to a stop and placing his hands on his hips. “I have never been more sure about anything in my life.”
Ian grinned. He had expected that answer. Onric had been stunned when Ian offered him the crown, but Frederich's subsequent offer to pass on the kingship immediately had left them both reeling.
They had spent more than a sevennight discussing the political and personal ramifications of both decisions.
A carriage rolled through the open gate and Ian stepped back. Onric stepped forward to open the door of the carriage before the contraption had fully stopped moving.
Ashlin appeared moments later, stepping out of the carriage, her face all smiles as Onric caught her hands. The wool cloak shewore for warmth slipped back over her shoulders, revealing the stunning blue dress that matched Onric's jacket. Silver threads stitched into the blue fabric sparkled in the morning sun.
