Everything, as it currently was, seemed all right, and he hoped that meant this was the end of the bad things, particularly the end of trials and tribulations, of fighting and wandering, of fear and uncertainty. Because, as far as endings went, he couldn’t think of anything better than this new life he was building for himself. He had a home here on Inselgrau with a new family, and one that floated in the sky with an old family he would always love, and who would always be a part of him, no matter where he went. He had Malita, which never should’ve happened, but somehow it had. He had joy, hope, and love, and he’d try his best to live out his days never taking those things for granted.

“I will stay here,” Niffin said.

His mother opened her mouth, presumably to object, but he raised a hand, and she paused. That was new. His mother had never withheld her opinion before.

“On the condition that I can return home whenever I like, and you will always make a place for me.”

Timony’s brow furrowed. “Of course, Niffin. No matter what, no matter where we go, we will always be your family.”

“You will make room for Malita too?”

A muscle jumped under his mother’s eye, but his father never hesitated. “Are you going to marry her?”

“If she will have me.”

Timony laughed. Emorelle snorted. His sister and her fiancé gave each other conspiratorial winks. Puri clapped her hands, obviously delighted.

With their most pressing issues addressed and concluded, Niffin’s family exited the circus tent and roamed the grounds together, sharing stories of the things that happened during their time apart. A miniscule black cloud sailed over his head and issued a perfunctory bark of thunder.

Niffin snorted and flicked an eyebrow. “I believe that the queen is summoning me.”

As his family returned to the fair, he strolled across the wide field toward Fallstaff. He entered through Gerda’s garden. Except for a few cabbages, squashes, and hearty herbs, her garden had gone dormant for the winter, but she had obviously cleaned out the weeds, trimmed back the ivy, and neatened everything for the coming spring. From the kitchen, he followed the sound of voices and found Evie in the room that had once been her father’s office. Gone were the swords and shields from the walls. In their place hung an assortment of colorful paintings and mirrors reflecting the sunlight. He took a seat beside Malita on the sofa across from Brahm and Hannah.

Falak, Genevieve, and Marlis had taken chairs near the window, and Genevieve basked in the sunlight like a cat. Evie sat behind her father’s desk, fingers tented together under her chin. Steadfast and watchful, Gideon stood at her right shoulder, arms behind his back.

“You’re all here because you’re my most trusted friends,” Evie said. “I wanted to thank you in person for everything you’ve done to make it possible for me to be here.” She narrowed her eyes. “Even you, Hannah.”

The blond girl across from Niffin scowled but said nothing.

“I owe each one of you my life. My people owe you their gratitude, and in time I hope legends are passed around that memorialize your deeds, your feats of bravery, and your generosity.”

Evie waggled her fingers at Gideon. He produced a small box that he must have been holding at his back and set it on the desk before her. She popped it open and revealed the contents. The velvet lining made a sumptuous presentation for one thin jeweled band and two matching lapel pins. Each pin was constructed from a collection of jagged diamonds, shaped to resemble a lightning bolt. The band was obviously a diadem of sorts, but it was so simple and understated it hardly seemed like something a queen should wear.

Adopting a look of pure devastation, Hannah gasped. “Oh, Evie, what have you done? Please tell me those aren’t the diamonds from your crown?”

Evie gave Hannah a cool smile, obviously enjoying the girl’s distress. “Tonight is the ceremony for my coronation. But instead of what my ancestors have always done in the past, I thought I would do something new.” She pointed at the pins. “My power comes not just from within me but also from the beliefs of my people. Their faith is the check and balance to my divinity, keeping me from becoming something terrible and uncontrollable. I think the people should also be the check and balance on my ability to wield the law.

“So for that reason, I’ll announce the institution of a new form of government in Inselgrau. A triumvirate of sorts, with representatives chosen by the people. The power to control this country will not lie solely in my hands but will be spread among two others, two regular people with no Magic, no divine blood in their veins.”

Brahm leaned forward, obviously intrigued. “And how will these representatives be chosen?”

“By a popular election. I’ve been studying in my spare time—”

Gideon snorted at that statement, and Evie shot him a wry look.

“And I’ve devised a system.” She pointed at Malita. “I’m hoping you’ll help me implement it. It’s not designing and installing a village water system, but it’s not exactly herding goats, either.”

Malita stiffened. She turned to Niffin and searched his face.

He knew Malita almost as well as he knew himself. “You can handle it,” he said. “It is the perfect job for you.”

A tentative smile played on her lips. “You believe so?”

“I do.”

Malita faced Evie again. “Then I would be... honored.”

Evie turned to Brahm and Hannah. “I haven’t forgotten my promise to you two, either. Neither have I forgotten the conditions of that promise. I will not wage open war against Aeolus Daeg, but I will sign a contract to purchase goods from your foundry. I’ll encourage other Inselgrish businesses to do the same, at least until the day Inselgrau builds a reliable foundry of its own. I’ll do whatever I can to promote business with the Schulzes, and I’ll openly shun the Daegs. I’ll do everything I can from here to destroy him financially and socially, but I won’t kill him.”

Hannah’s eyes gleamed. “I’d rather watch him die a poor and broken man, anyway.”

Evie turned her gaze to Niffin. “And you... I’ve already talked to Justina. I know the choice she gave you. Have you made a decision?”

Warmth rose from Niffin’s stomach into his cheeks. For once he had nothing clever to say. So instead, he offered the sweet, simple truth. “I’m staying. This is my home now.” He squeezed Malita’s hand. “You are my family.”

Evie exhaled, shoulders slumping with obvious relief. Had she really been worried he wouldn’t stay? Did she really want him that badly?

“You’re my family too,” she said. “All of you.”

Evie rose from her desk, and everyone else stood. She stopped as if surprised that they had all followed her cue. They had always followed her. Maybe someday that would stop surprising her.

“Um, that concludes our business. So... let’s get back to the party.”

As a unit, they all walked out of the room, out of the house, and into the brisk winter cold and sunshine. No clouds marred the bright-blue sky, but an unexpectedly balmy breeze blew up from the fairgrounds, encircling them like an embrace. A warm hug. The loving affection of an appreciative queen demonstrating her contentment and joy.

Her family was here, reunited as one.

At long last, they were all finally home.

—-THE END—-

But... don’t stop here. Please keep reading for more, including our Bonus Content—not just one, but two Special Sneak Previews:

ROTA FORTUNAE by Isu Yin & Fae Yang

and

IN THE COMPANY OF THE DEAD by Ciara Ballintyne

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Acknowledgements

A lot of people have given their time to the making of this series, and it’s an undertaking I couldn’t have accomplished alone.

First thanks go to God for making everything possible, not only the words, but the opportunity and privilege.

To my family who support and encourage me always, I love you.