Several looks are shared around the table as his gaze flicks to me.

I wait with my breath held as the first hand rises in agreement. It belongs to none other than General Cornelius Heulfryn, head of the Twenty-Fourth District. He informed me that after he insisted his daughter start volunteering in the hopes of turning her into a better person, she found her passion for helping the needy children of The Umbra. Apparently, she’s working on a proposal for Erevan to build a new school and orphanage. I have no doubt he’ll approve it as soon as it crosses his desk.

Erevan and Cornelius exchange a look, and it’s then I know Erevan will do just fine.

I watch as more hands lift around the circle.

Erevan needs eighteen votes to amend the laws.

In the end, all twenty-four hands rise and stay there.

Erevan looks at me, and we both breathe a sigh of relief. What a road we traveled to get here.

The next day, we gather outside the palace where I first exposed Atlas and his lies. I recall the faces of everyone around us and the way Tyr looked when everyone turned his way, realizing the truth. I rub my chest, feeling that ache that bound me to my king and nearly killed me.

I stand next to Erevan on a raised platform as he holds up a paper reading out the rules that will govern a new and better Aphelion than the one we knew. After the vote to free the low fae, he took the opportunity to make a few more changes.

Low fae will be free to live like all citizens. Free to use their magic. To live in any district and pursue any passion they desire. Or if they prefer, to return to the forests and lakes and mountains from which they came. Everyone will be referred to as simply Fae from now on. No more class distinctions. He’s hoping it will catch on across the continent, and I have faith it won’t take long.

He appoints ten new warders. A mix of Fae of all types, each of them free to make this choice and leave their positions should they ever desire. They won’t have the wings or the tattoo, but when I look at them all standing proudly in their golden armor, I don’t think they mind. In fact, I’d argue it’s a vast improvement.

They are a reminder of what we all let ourselves normalize for far too long.

And finally, Erevan abolishes the Sun Queen Trials, denouncing them as inhumane and barbaric. He promises to honor every person who lost their life competing for a crown.

After Erevan shares the news to a roar of cheers, it’s time for the unveiling of a new addition to the courtyard. He sweeps an arm out to a chorus of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs.’