Understanding what she’d come here to do, I laughed, the sound wet.

I wouldn’t dare, and so I shook my head as she unlocked the manacles from my wrists. “After everything we’ve all endured, I wouldn’t. I need to see this through.” I rubbed my skin, then pulled the sheer chiffon sleeves over the red welts. “Thank you.”

She dropped the iron chains to the floor, then took her son’s hand.

Petals fell behind them as Helvectus kept the flower stuck against his nose, mumbling a song to it as they left.

TWENTY-EIGHT

Aster

The ballroom was alive in a way I hadn’t seen in too many years.

Free of dust and ghosts and shadows, the grand space had been restored to the bright, hopeful room that held so many of my most magical memories.

Emerald flowers of varying breeds stood vibrant within crystal vases in every corner. Vines looped and crawled across the ceiling, orbs of trapped fireflies strung with them through the rafters and along each doorway.

Gowns, dress shirts, and flowing coats and cloaks in differing shades of green soon flooded the giant space that had sat cold and abandoned for years. And although I would rather be anywhere but here, I failed to feel that way at all at that moment.

I couldn’t think of anywhere else I should have been. After so much turmoil and uncertainty, this celebration for our kingdom was not one I could ever imagine missing.

Citizens of all ilk meandered and danced. Many talked in small groups at the edges of the room amongst tables holding an array of divinely scented treats. Hope and relief traveled within conversation and laughter. Within the buoyant tones of the flutes and fiddles from the rear corner of the ballroom and within every face we glimpsed.

It was over. For now.

Hopefully for good.

Rorn’s hand laid across mine, and I’d almost forgotten the show of unity until his fingers gently curled over my own. “Incredible, isn’t it?”

“I’ve no words, but yes,” I said, a little breathless as my chest continued to swell. “I suppose incredible will do.”

He leaned over the arm of his throne, a glint in his eye, and scratched his clean-shaven jaw. “You seem happy. Truly happy.”

“I find myself in awe,” I said sharply, but then I acquiesced, “And glad to bear witness to this. It’s been too long.”

“You do know I would have freed you myself, but she beat me to it.” He eyed my wrists, the glimpse of red beneath the cuff of my sleeve. “Are you in pain?”

“No,” I lied. The welts were already healing, so they itched more than they hurt.