We’d survived so much already. We could survive this.

When I walked into the Great Hall, dinner was already in progress.

Two men from Isolte came up to me, bowing down to one knee. “Your Majesty, I don’t know if you would remember us, but we served King Etan when you came to confront Jameson. We know you played a huge role in finally bringing us a just king, and we are glad to see Coroa now has a fair queen. We wanted to pay our respects.”

They lowered their heads, showing more humility than I thought I deserved. “Gentlemen, you risked your lives more than once that day. It is I who should be honoring you.”

“Oh, no, miss,” one replied adamantly. “We’ve heard all about your bravery. His Majesty speaks so highly of you.”

I laughed. “Well, I know how hard it is to win his praise, so I will take that as the greatest of compliments. Please rise, sirs, and enjoy yourselves. I hope you’re feeling most welcome.”

They both came up, a strange expression on their faces. The one who’d been silent gestured haphazardly around the room. “I’ve been to Coroa countless times, and I’ve never felt so at home. I have to attribute it to having a fair and generous queen,” he said.

“Thank you, sir. That means a lot to me.”

They both nodded again and went to join the festivities.

Hagan found me as they left and walked around two steps behind me like a duckling. I found myself pausing to study him.

He was everything I told Ayanna. Attentive, handsome. And he would be a good father, I could see that. He had no great ambitions and didn’t ask for anything. From what I could tell, he didn’t seem bothered by the idea of having a wife who outranked him . . . he was as good as I could hope for.

“Look how well things are going, Your Majesty,” he said, gazing out upon the room. I followed his eyes, and he was right.

The last time the people of Coroa and Isolte met in this castle, there had been petty fighting and an air of mistrust over the entire trip. I saw those in blue toasting with those in red, people with dark hair clapping those with stark blonde on the back when they made a joke. It was so very . . . happy.

I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I barely registered that someone had stopped in front of me.

“Your Majesty.”

I turned to the figure bent down but looking directly at me and started crying without a second thought.

“Mother!” I yanked her up and fell into her arms. Oh, I’d needed this. I needed someone to hold me and care for me in a way that no one else could. I needed someone who loved me.

“My turn.” I looked up to see Scarlet waiting behind her and I moved directly from one hug to the other. “I’ve missed you so much.”