Chapter Twenty-One #3
“And that’s why you’re getting all that advice,” Tor pointed out.
“Stronex didn’t know how to rule a realm when he started, nor did Gornexi’s parents.
This is far from the first time the Fealty has moved unexpectedly, so no one will imagine you’re going to be perfect.
If you go with your heart and you do what you believe will be good for people, I don’t think you’ll go wrong.
” Then Tor grinned, and his expression turned wry.
“I mean, you should listen to people who actually run realms, and there are probably some details here and there like if you can actually afford to do things, but in general, just be good to people, and they’ll return the favor.
I believe you can do so much good here.”
Pamuna still looked a little overwhelmed, but maybe like the truth of everything was sinking in, and it wasn’t totally terrible.
Pel added, “My brother is just over the border in Tond, and I’m sure he’d be willing to help with anything you need, too. We all came together to stop Nostex because we want peace. That means all the realms flourish, and no one’s going to leave you to flounder.”
“What happens next?” she asked.
“Before my brother leaves, he’s going to discuss all of this with you.
He’ll assess your Fealty and magical status and likely crown you unofficially until we can all get together for a big ceremony.
He’ll actually need to do the same thing for Pel’s brother, Bavil, since he inherited under equally shady circumstances. ”
Pel elbowed Tor in the ribs, but thankfully, Pamuna cracked a smile.
“Does that sound all right?” Tor asked, still smiling.
Pamuna blew out a breath. “Yes. We’ll figure this out.” She looked at Lady Nawila. “As long as you stick with me.”
Lady Nawila gave her an incredulous look. “As if I’d be anywhere else.”
“Is there anything we can help with before we go?” Pel asked.
Tor straightened, a grin brightening his features. “Ooh, yes, you must be in awe of how helpful we’ve been in every realm we’ve gone to recently.”
Lady Nawila outright snorted, and Pamuna looked like she was trying not to smile.
“I think we can manage,” she said, sounding more certain than she had before. “After all, we have a whole castle full of people, and we need to figure out what they’re capable of, don’t we?”
“All right, then,” Tor said, rising to his feet. “We just wanted to say goodbye and thank you for everything. Once we figure out exactly what’s going on with us, we’ll let you know. Maybe come visit—or have you come visit us, since I’m trying to avoid this castle for the foreseeable future.”
Pel elbowed him again, but Pamuna and Nawila just laughed.
“We’ll make it better,” Pamuna declared, looking a little surprised that the words had come out of her mouth, but then nodding firmly. “By the time you come back, you won’t recognize the place.”
Tor grinned at her. “Challenge accepted.”
Some changes would be hard, of course, but Pel imagined he wasn’t the only one thinking of those lower levels and some quick fixes that could improve the energy of the castle immediately.
A few hours later, they were ready to go. They’d all cleaned up, and King Varex had indeed asserted Queen Pamexa’s legitimate claim to the Filon crown by right of Fealty, and the staff had been instructed accordingly.
“You’re in charge,” King Varex reminded her. “Princess Terila, Prince Rin, and Prince Solil are here to assist you. Idun will manage the guard until such a time as you appoint someone else.”
They had confirmed that two of the bodies from the night were indeed the captain of the guard and his second-in-command. Though Pel didn’t like all the death, he was inclined to think that it was probably a good thing, under the circumstances.
The High King reminded them, “As soon as everything settles down a little, I’ll issue invitations for a formal Crowning ceremony.
I will likely be doing the same for Prince Bavil.
If you have any problems, don’t hesitate to write to us.
As Tor has no doubt already warned you, I will probably write a lot, and with more advice than you actually want. ”
Nawila laughed, and Pamuna’s lips twitched. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you,” the High King told her seriously. “I know this wasn’t what you expected, but I can’t think of someone I trust more with the safety of Filon and its people. Cala and Fernila and I will miss you terribly, but we know you’ll be doing a wonderful job taking care of this realm.”
There were several sniffs. The morning had not been without its tears.
“No doubt, some rumors are already spreading about what’s happened. Once I’ve consulted with the other rulers, I’ll be issuing formal statements, but you can share as much or as little of the truth as you’re comfortable with.”
Pamuna—Queen Pamexa!—nodded. Nawila stood tall at her side, and Pel wondered if by the time they had the Crowning ceremony, there’d actually be a wedding as well. He kind of hoped so, as long as they were ready, of course, because the realms could use some good news right about now.
And then, with a last round of hugs, they were finally on their way. King Varex, Queen Fernila, Princess Adexa, and Cala were riding in the carriage, and the rest of them were on horseback.
(Apparently, Princess Adexa had wanted very much to ride, but she’d allowed herself to be overridden, which Tor had confided to Pel clearly meant she wasn’t feeling herself yet.
Pel could only imagine what it would be like to be constantly repelled by your own husband but then also suffer from having that magic ripped out of you—all while learning that your brother’s father-in-law was trying to kill you all.
Pel thought Princess Adexa could ride in the carriage as long as she wanted.)
Tor was mounted on one of Nostex’s horses, since he’d left Melody with Rin. Tor’s actual horse, Monster, was back in Alossa.
Tor had promised they’d stop in Fila on the way north to Tond—assuming they got to go north to Tond once they explained everything else that had happened—so that he and Prince Rinil could finally fill one another in on everything that had happened since Tor had hatched his terrible plan to not get bonded.
Pel snorted with amusement as they got underway.
“What?” Tor asked.
Pel shook his head. “It’s not really that funny. I know Nostex was planning all of this regardless, but it feels a little like your most terrible plan ever had some really unexpected results.”
Tor stared at him blankly for a moment and then burst into laughter.
“Nice,” he said merrily. “Blaming everything on me, are we?”
“Obviously.”
They hadn’t been on the Great Road for more than a few minutes before they were hailed from behind.
They pulled up and were soon met by Bavil, Larexa, and Sovereign Gornexi, along with a small contingent of guards from Bessar.