“Quite frankly, now that I know you better, I don’t want you here. I understand why you did what you did, but it was too far.” Her eyes go to me. “Keryth, let Silas and Tehya have the Dream Realm. This is my first proposal as queen.”

Well, it’s a decent solution. Silas has always enjoyed the northern part of the Night Realm much more than I do. I don’t go there often because it’s so far away. Plus, it’s Tehya’s original home.

I look to my brother. “Are you amenable to this suggestion?”

He shares a glance with Tehya before giving me a nod. “I am.”

This is a big change for our kingdom. It will mean establishing new boundaries and working out trade deals. I briefly wonder what my parents would’ve thought about such a divide. Then I realize it doesn’t matter. Above all else, they would want both of their sons alive and well.

Plus, I can’t say no to Zella. I won’t make her live with the man who destroyed her home with his careless actions.

“Then it will be so,” I say, experiencing a mixture of sadness and relief.

Silas offers me his hand, and I shake it, knowing this might be the last time I see him for a long time.

Without hesitation, he tugs Tehya away, talking about all the planning they have to do. He mentions packing and being gone by morning.

“Well, so much for having a sister,” Zella says, fussing with the remains of her charred dress. The skirt is all but gone, and I can see her ass cheeks hanging out. If I had my jacket, I’d cover her with it.

I look out at the destroyed gardens and the window that will have to be replaced.

What a colossal shitshow.

“I wish tonight had gone differently,” I tell her honestly. “But you know what? I’m still happy.”

“You are?” Her mouth presses into a skeptical thin line.

I nod. “I know what it’s like to live without you, and it’s no life at all. Together, we can withstand anything. Whatever the future holds, we’ll be side by side. There’s nothing else I could ask for.”

Taking advantage of the moment alone, I step close and lower my head for a kiss.

A throat clears to my left. “Not true. There might be one more thing you could ask for.”

We both turn to see the locksmith wizard.

“Dermot.” I walk over to the old fae man. “You missed the excitement.”

Seeming unsurprised, he shrugs. “I didn’t want to intervene. It’s all playing out like it’s supposed to.”

“What’s playing out?” Zella asks, coming to my side to slip her hand into mine.

“Destiny.” Dermot smiles, and his papery skin wrinkles around his laugh lines and crow’s feet.