“Some of you may know that a conspiracy to prevent this was undertaken by my advisor, and that was the reason for the delay in this ceremony,” said Aurora. “If anyone here imagines attempting something similar, know that both conspirators are in prison and will remain there for long years.

“Furthermore, Lord Ortolan’s wealth will be stripped from him and used to fund the distribution of rations of barley to anyone in Perceforest or the Moors in need of food. Once, he said such a thing was too costly for the royal treasury to undertake. I hope he will be pleased to know that because of him, it is now possible.

“As for Count Alain’s estates, they will go to his sister, Lady Fiora. We hope to be better friends with her than we were with her brother, and we hold none of his actions against her.”

Lady Fiora looked up at Aurora in surprise and gratitude. She sank into a deep curtsy.

“And now I am in the position of needing a new advisor,” Aurora said.

Of all the decisions she’d had to make, this one was the most difficult. It was evident already that Nanny Stoat made a much better advisor than Lord Ortolan ever had—even setting aside the whole treason thing—and Aurora was tempted merely to install her in the position. But the more she thought about it, the more that didn’t seem right, either. No one person could give her all the help she needed or represent everyone that needed representing.

“From now on, I will have not one advisor, but a chamber that will help me make decisions for these lands.”

There were a few she was sure she was going to ask. Maleficent, obviously, but also Robin. And Nanny Stoat. Maybe the doctor. Perhaps Smiling John. She knew that when she was done, though, she would have collected people—faeries and humans—who were committed to changing Perceforest for the better.

“But first,” said Aurora, “let us sign this treaty and agree to be good neighbors to one another.”

Maleficent reached to yank a single shining black feather from the cuff of Diaval’s coat. He made a sharp noise of pain, and Aurora decided that they must be his feathers after all, especially once she saw that Maleficent had signed in shining red blood that was already drying brown.

“We will do as you bid,” Maleficent said, “and respect your laws. We won’t sour anyone’s milk or steal anyone’s children”—her eyes twinkled—“so long as no one expressly agrees to a bargain involving those things.”

Nanny Stoat stepped up to sign as well. “We humans will follow the laws set forth in this document. We will not steal from the Moors, nor will we harm any faeries we encounter in Perceforest.” She fixed Maleficent with a look. “And we do not need to mention any exceptions.”