Epilogue
Himureal, The Frostweaver
S he is here.
There is truly no way for me to know how long I spent in that void, but the fae records would imply it was centuries.
It felt like longer.
Every second was an hour as I was suspended in stasis, feeling nothing, seeing nothing, hearing nothing.
That's not entirely true.
I felt myself going mad.
Spending enough time in one's own head will do that to you.
When Viola Mistflow picked up that Witch's Ladder and woke me up, my hope returned, and I knew what I needed to do once I finally got out of that forsaken prison.
I would ensure I could never be placed there again.
Viola Mistflow can help me.
She can help me.
She can help me.
The moment I was reborn and laid eyes on her, I knew she was the one to help me achieve my goals.
It took her entirely too long to tell me her name, but when she did, it repeated in my head like a refrain .
Viola Mistflow.
Viola Mistflow.
Viola Mistflow.
My stupid fucking high priest is worthless. He couldn't bring her here. He couldn't get me enough followers to give me the level of power I needed to force her to return. No, I had to trick her. I had to hurt her.
I hurt her.
I hurt her.
But the drugs will wear off, and she will be okay. It's not a permanent hurt.
I even sent the high priest down with food for her.
She'll forgive me. She has to. She is my daughter.
My Shadowweaver.
My Shadowweaver.
"Frostweaver, sir, the people are waiting for you to address them," the Water fae, Nimh, says, poking her head through the door of the room I have been using to welcome worshippers.
"The people can wait," I bite out, waving my hand and sending a small flurry of snow with it. "The schedule of a God is not to be dictated by all of you."
She bows her head, showing an appropriate level of reverence, and slowly begins to back out. "Of course, sir; we are just excited to talk further about your plans for Ytopie."
I lean forward and rest my elbows on my knees. "I am excited, too. Once the people of Ytopie show the proper level of devotion, my power will be enough to finally start making some much-needed changes here. I appreciate what you've done for me and your people."
"If you don't mind me asking, Frostweaver, where is Zeph? Normally, he would be addressing the group." Her voice is quiet, and I smell the fear in her words.
Good.
She should fear me.
Fear me.
Fear me.
"Zeph is taking care of a special task for me, but he should be along shortly. Until then, Nimh, could you please explain to those who are new to our fold what holding court with me will look like and how they can best show their devotion to me?" I feel my face stretching into a wide grin. I love holding court. I love hearing from the people how much they worship me, support me, need me.
"Any sort of sacrifice will do, emotional or physical. Secrets or fears can be shared, items given up, blood spilled." I lean my head back on my chair, eyes falling closed. "A cut on the hand is enough blood, but they should wait until I'm there." I lick my lips, phantom metallic smells swirling in my nose. "Yes, I do think the blood would be best."
Blood would be best.
Nimh nods and leaves the room, closing the door behind her.
Zeph is bringing Viola a meal. I wish I could see his face when he realizes I got him his prize.
He is worthless, but he is loyal. Loyal .
I never meant to give her to Kon. That came out in anger and impulse. I was furious at Zeph, thinking he was working with that stupid fucking Bliksem. But the way he handled the revelation told me he does support me.
He's earned his chance to fix things with her.
But then I would have to go back on my word that Kon could have Viola.
Kon will be a problem.
Kon will be a problem.
I will come up with a fix. She will not forgive me if she wakes and finds out she has to wed.
Why did I promise that?
Avidor always said I needed to think before I spoke, that I was too impulsive, and that I didn't think my plans through.
Stupid.
Stupid.
Stupid.
This is a problem I can solve. I have to solve it. I can solve it.
My Shadowweaver will be hard-pressed to forgive me, but I know I can help her see reason if I fix this. Humans always need a little help seeing reason.
Maybe I can take care of Kon and help Viola see that I am on her side at the same time.
It would be easy to craft a story that paints Kon as someone deserving of Viola's blade.
A gift for her.
A peace offering.
Who cares if it's not the truth?
After all, what's a little lie between family?
Family.
It's of no matter now. I have time to fix this. She is here, and together, Viola and I will shape this world into something I can finally be proud of.
It's like I can feel her presence pushing in around me. I can feel every thought I had in that void convalescing into one sweet melody.
Viola Mistflow is here.
She is here.
She is here.