Epilogue Prisca
Tibris let out a vibrant laugh that rolled toward us. He stood at the end of the dock, Herne’s hand clasped in his. As I watched, my brother leaned up, pressing his lips to Herne’s.
Later today, Tibris was planning to propose. He’d been inspired by my wedding. And he wanted to share his love for Herne with the world. Margie had already developed a fondness for both of them and would no doubt insist on helping with the food.
I was so excited for him, I was afraid to talk to Herne in case I let something slip.
“You can’t ignore what’s happening, wildcat.” Lorian’s voice was low, amused.
Sighing, I turned my attention to the reason we were here.
Next to me, Madinia chuckled. I ignored her for another few moments, and her chuckle became a full-fledged laugh.
Daharak stood at the bow of her ship, casting a wary glance at two sea serpents who were dancing among the waves. Her brother Pelysian stood at her side. Together with their mother—the seer I’d met that day in Kaliera’s rooms—he had worked in the background to shape the future of this continent.
I’d known this day would come. The war was won. Our people were safe. Even Regner’s spiders were free of his web.
And yet…
I heaved a sigh, finally looking at Madinia. As usual, she wore the leather leggings she preferred, although I was pleased to see she was wearing the new boots I’d gifted her for this journey. Her cloak fluttered in the wind, and she pulled it around her.
“Stay,” I said, my voice tight. “Stay with us, Madinia. We need you.”
For the first time, Madinia smiled at me without restraint. Her smile was broad, beautiful…almost blinding. Her belongings were already on that ship, and despite my plea, I knew she would never stay.
“I need to go, Prisca. I have an itch in my feet and a craving within me to see other lands. I once thought this part of the world was nothing but death and horror. You’ve taught me that it’s much, much more than that. But there are other places too.”
My eyes burned, but I understood it. There was something wild about Madinia. Something that had been carefully leashed all these years. But she’d gnawed away at that leash little by little, until it had finally snapped.
And now she was free.
“I’ll return,” she said. Hesitantly, she took my hand. “I will come back one day.”
“Promise.” My voice was thick.
“I promise.”
“Don’t wait too long.”
She smiled again. And then she turned and walked toward Daharak’s ship.
My gaze caught on a man who’d appeared farther down the dock. He stood so still, it was as if he was a statue, his hands planted on his hips, body language intent. Something about the way he stared at Madinia made my skin prickle.
Madinia’s cloak fluttered in the wind, revealing the grimoire tucked within her inside pocket.
The man went unnaturally still. And then he was striding toward her.
Daharak strode halfway down the gangplank, a smirk on her face. She said something that made Madinia laugh, and the man hesitated for the barest moment.
Madinia stepped onto the gangplank, and the man began to sprint.
Realization slammed into me. I knew that man. I’d been imprisoned with him once, in Regner’s cells.
Calysian.
He was going to catch Madinia. And something told me that if that happened, it would be very, very bad.
I stopped time with a thought. But only for him.
Daharak waved to me. Madinia turned, raising her own hand, and I forced myself to wave back, as if they weren’t taking the tiniest piece of my heart with them.
“They’ll be back,” Lorian murmured in my ear, his arms coming around me.
“I know. In the meantime, I have someone to question.”
I wiggled in his arms, turning to survey Calysian.
My heart stopped.
He was gone.
Pelysian’s mother Ravynia stood nearby, her gaze on the ship. For some reason none of us could understand, she’d chosen to make our kingdom her home. Perhaps it was because she was less likely to be bothered here. I’d certainly had enough of seers and their prophecies to last a lifetime.
“That girl is going to regret ever leaving this place,” she said.
My heart resumed beating, and I glowered at her. “Madinia is going to have a long life filled with happiness and adventure.”
She just frowned at me. “She goes, traumatized by life and armed with one of the dark god’s grimoires. You have loosed a woman who has the potential to become a monster.”
Lorian’s grip tightened on me. “Mind your words, woman.”
“Have you seen her become a monster?” I asked.
The seer shook her head slowly. “Her future is currently closed to me.”
I blew out a breath, and Ravynia tutted. “This is not a good thing, girl.”
“Madinia’s life is her own,” I said. “All of our lives are our own.”
She tutted again, turning away. But I was already gazing up at the man who’d changed everything for me.
“My life is yours,” he reminded me. “Every life.”
I smile at him. “Every life.”
Dear L,
Thank you for your recent update. I enjoy hearing how you’re settling in as king, although some part of me is still shocked at how easily you made the transition from “mercenary” to monarch.
You’ll be pleased to know I took your advice. While Father liked to think that allowing the wardens the power of self-determination would prevent the need for a stronger hand, he was wrong (and even admitting such a thing is uncomfortable). When we needed our territories to unite and address the threat Regner presented, they chose to play opportunistic power games, costing us precious time.
They have now learned that what can be given, can also be taken away.
In happier news, Emara tells me the first fae-hybrid-human school will be ready to open in the spring. I admit, I was doubtful when she introduced the idea to me. But she— with enthusiastic support from your own queen—was not to be deterred. Just days ago, she convinced me to visit, and I must admit, picturing young students so eager to put the horrors of war behind them and focus on the future…it gave me hope.
And as we’ve both learned, hope is worth more than gold after war.
I hope Prisca is well. Pass on my love.You can tell her that, yes, I’ll discuss the trade agreements she won’t stop messaging me about.
We’ll visit after the school opens in spring.
C
Dear C,
This won’t be a long letter. Prisca is insisting we go to Asinia’s new store. She hasn’t named it yet, but she’s already managed to convince all of us to donate our time to stripping the walls, clearing the dust, and setting up shelves.
I know my wildcat, and she’ll want to visit your school as well. I’ll talk to her today about a visit.
But that’s enough pleasantries. Have you been taking the tonic the healer gave you? Have your lungs healed? What does your healer say about the fatigue?
L
Dear L,
Emara is pregnant. Truthfully, I had begun to think such a thing might not ever happen. Some part of me believed that dying without an heir in place might be my punishment for defying the gods’ wishes and forsaking my mate. But Emara is the woman I love, the woman I have always loved. And our love has created twins. (I can picture you laughing as you read this letter.)
While we both hope for healthy children, Emara wishes for a boy and a girl. Me? I am hoping for two boys. Brothers who will love each other and grow together and live their lives as best friends.
And no matter which twin comes first—and becomes my heir—I promise to teach them to remain openhearted and warm, and not to see threats where there are none. I vow that my second-born will not be responsible for your duties as the Bloodthirsty Prince. And should I die, not only will they have each other, but they will also have you and Prisca.
The most thankful father-to-be.
C
PS: Lungs are fine. Healer has given me the all clear. Now I know why your mate calls you a mother hen.
Dear C,
Prisca sits next to me, her face wet with tears, a wide smile on her face. She asked that I send both of you her love and says we will visit at the time most convenient to you.
Piperia just toddled into our room, escaping her mother once again. She is currently gnawing on one of the tables with her few teeth as if she is a wolf cub in disguise.
The thought of my formal, restrained brother dealing with two of these tiny creatures at once… Well, I must admit, I laughed and laughed. Congratulations, brother. You have truly been blessed, and I cannot wait to meet them. Kiss your beautiful wife for me.
The proudest uncle in all four kingdoms.
L