“I bought a very swish flat in the Twenty Fourth,” he answers with a sparkle in his eyes. “I plan to do a lot of ‘entertaining’ with all that gold the king gave us.” He grins, and we all laugh. It’s amazing how easy it feels.

“Sounds perfect,” I say as we all return to watching the workers for another moment. Then I clap them both on the shoulders.

“I better get back to the palace,” I say. “The council meeting is starting soon.”

“Are you staying?” Jareth asks. “With Erevan?”

“I don’t think so,” I say. “I just need to see him settled, and then I’ll decide what to do next.”

“I understand,” he says.

“I’ll see you both around.”

“You’ve got an open invite to my flat,” Rhyle calls as I start to leave.

I spin around to face him. “I’ll remember that.”

“What are you going to do with the empty space?” he asks, gesturing to the Priestess of Payne.

I cock my head and look at the building before I bow to them both.

“Build a rose garden.”

Then I turn on my heel and walk away.

I arrive back at the palace and make my way to the council chambers, where I find everyone gathered. Erevan stands at the head of the table with his hands behind his back and gives me a quick nod as I enter. His blond hair is tied back, and he wears a simple but well-made brown jacket and breeches. His posture is straight and sure, and he already looks like a king. The Mirror chose well this time. I knew it from the very start.

Though I don’t strictly belong here, Erevan asked if I’d support him since I did spend a few weeks acting as Aphelion’s ruler. I’m so glad he’s finally accepted the role. I would have had to dig myself a grave and hide in it if I’d had to keep it up much longer.

As everyone settles in, Erevan clears his throat and launches into the speech he prepared. He implores them to return the rights of the low fae, and he speaks with such passion and such determination that I watch as the council members’ eyes clear and their expressions open. He literally changes their minds on the spot. Erevan might have thought he’d have little power as Aphelion’s king, but I think what it gave him was the confidence to approach his changes in a way that would work with the council and not against them.

When he’s done, he’s breathing heavily, but I don’t know how anyone could look at him and not believe he was always the best person for this role. If they continue to harbor any animosity towards him and his actions to help the low fae, then they’re all fools.

“Time for the vote?” he asks tentatively.