Tristan settles onto one of the divans arranged around a low table while Nadir and I sit across from him. Nadir scoots forward, his elbows braced on his knees and his hands clasped.

“Feeling overwhelmed about this is perfectly normal. But Cedar is High Fae and will go on to live for many years. You don’t have to figure out how to rule a kingdom overnight.”

“Right,” Tristan says. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

“And Cedar is a good king. His people revere him. I don’t know him extremely well, but he’s been kind to you and your sisters, and I’ve only heard good things. Even if he can be an arrogant bastard sometimes . . . well, that kind of goes with king territory.”

He smirks, and Tristan’s shoulders drop. I watch as something passes between Nadir and my brother. They’re more alike than they realize. Both fearless and loyal. Both full of passion for the things and the people they love. Both willing to do whatever it takes to protect them.

“So I should just go and talk to him.”

“I think you should,” Nadir says. “And forget about Linden. She lives in Alluvion and has no say in this.”

“Do you want me to come?” I ask, and Tristan shakes his head.

“No. I think I can do this alone.”

“Okay. You know where to find me if you change your mind.”

“Thanks.” He stands up, and Nadir holds out a hand. Tristan takes it, and they shake. “Thanks to you, too.”

After Tristan leaves, I turn to Nadir.

“I think you might be finally winning him over,” I say, and he shrugs as if it’s of no importance, but I catch the bright, hopeful look in his eyes.

An hour later, we head down to meet everyone in the foyer.

Our plan is to use the walls of Heart as a buffer against whatever might happen when we destroy the arks. It’s already in shambles, so how much more damage could we do? We’re all going—Nadir and I, most of the rulers, Tristan, Amya, and Mael—basically, almost everyone with protective magic. Willow is staying with Rhiannon and Etienne to reduce any potential casualties. I don’t know what will happen when we destroy them, but I imagine something big, loud, and explosive. And messy.

D’Arcy left late last night, returning to Celestria. I don’t know how we’ll change her mind, and I have no idea how we’ll proceed if she continues to refuse.

At the end of the hallway, Tristan and Cedar emerge from a room, both of them smiling, and my heart lightens.

I catch my brother’s eye, and he walks over.

“How was it?” I ask.

“Good,” he says with a smile. “Good. He’s thrilled and wants me to come and stay with them in The Woodlands after all of this is over.”