Page 96 of A Courage of the Chosen

Her other palm comes to rest over our clasped hands. “Being a queen suits you, you know.”

I scoff at that. “I’m not sure it does.”

She pats my leg. “And that’s exactly why. Never lose that humility, Elsie. It’s what made Murdoch a great ruler, and would’ve made Màiri an even better queen.”

We stand, and begin pacing the gardens in another loop as we discuss what amends I’d like to make; staffing changes, how many of the courtiers are permitted to stay in the palace, how often I’d like to hold court. There’s a lot to consider that Lady Navin never bothered to discuss with me, but Freya talks me through each little thing as though she’s been in this role for years.

In a way she has. Only in Morven, rather than the royal court.

With her advice lingering, and her gentle direction, I know I made the right choice in asking her.

◆◆◆

Callahan wasn’t waiting in our room as he said, and since I don’t feel like being by myself, I set off in search of Reyne and Rach.

It doesn’t take me long to find them. Erin was given a room not far from mine and Cal’s, and her door stands ajar, the chatter of my friends spilling into the hall.

“Knock knock.” I peer around the wood.

The three of them are sitting on the blush-pink sofas, with dinner spread on the coffee table before the fire. The space is similar to the rooms I used to stay in, albeit a little smaller, and without the kitchen. A cozy living room overlooking Ederline, with two bedrooms and a bathroom off to the other side.

It’s perfect for Erin, and when Reyne and I led her up here, she looked hesitant, but spent a bit of time by the window, staring at the view. She was quiet and withdrawn, and when we asked if she needed anything, Erin only asked for two things: a teddy bear, and someone to stay with her.

Since we’d already made sure she wouldn’t be alone—in the form of a lovely Seelie named Livvy who Erin took to quickly—we just needed to find a teddy bear.

Not twenty minutes later, Callahan was knocking at Erin’s door with two stuffed bears in hand, one of them almost as big as her, and the other a smaller one that she could snuggle. I have no idea how he knew, but the same protectiveness I felt over her was reflected in his stare.

She’d hidden behind me when we opened the door together, and Callahan dropped to one knee so he was eye-level with her.

“Dhia sent me these to watch over you.” He’d been shatteringly gentle as he held out the stuffed toys.

Erin had tentatively come out, taking them from him with a quiet thank you before shuffling back into her room with them in tow.

I’ve visited with her every day since, and when I’m not attending a council meeting or preparing for war, I stop by. I wish I could spend more time with her, but that’s what Livvy is for, taking care of her when we can’t.

Erin half-smiles as I enter the room.

“Mind if I join you for dinner?” I ask her specifically. This is Erin’s space, and I’m careful to always ask her if she’s happy to have me here before coming in any further.

“No. Reyne’s cousin made my favorite stew.”

I slip inside and close the door behind me, and Erin shifts on the sofa so I can sit next to her.

Taking my seat, Erin settles between me and Rach, while Reyne has a cushion on the ground on the other side of the coffee table.

I scoop myself a bowl of the delicious-smelling stew, and the four of us eat a quiet dinner together. When we’re finished, the smaller bear Callahan brought tucked into Erin’s other side, Rach begins telling Erin about things we have in the human world, coaxing her out of her shell a fraction more. She seems particularly interested in the concept of movies, and asks Rach a string of questions on one of her favorites, about a fish that goes on a mission to find his son. It’s the first time we see an inquisitive side to Erin.

Eventually, her small face grows serious again. “How long will I stay here?”

I tuck my feet underneath me and angle myself in Erin’s direction. “You can stay as long as you like. If you’re not happy here, we can find you somewhere else?” I offer.

She looks panicked at the thought of leaving. “No. I want to stay. I’m just not sure if I’m allowed to.”

I crook my fingers, indicating for her to come closer like we’re sharing a secret. “You can do whatever you like. Know why?”

Brown eyes grow wide as she shakes her head.

“Because I’m the queen, and I said so,” I wink, and she relaxes with the first giggle I’ve ever heard from her. It’s small, tentative, but full of girlish charm. After hours of war planning and research, it lifts my mood and I find myself grinning at the sound.