It’s everything I need. Whatever storms await, whatever mischief our little beasties stir up next, Talvie’s hand in mine is enough. Together, we’ll mend the Hinterland’s rifts and heal the endless winter’s scars. Side by side. Two hearts as one.
Epilogue
Six moons later
The Frozen Forest smells of sunshine and tilled earth, no traces of ice. Late summer fields ripple in gold and teal, orchards sag with fruit, and everywhere Wilder and Point Fae work side by side. On this journey alone, we've crossed new bridges, passed rebuilt houses, and spotted a fox-tailed stonemason laughing with a pointy-eared foreman over a crooked wall. Progress is everywhere.
As our wagon rattles toward Ylvara, Hugo pokes his nose out to sniff spiced meat on the breeze.
“Almost there,” I say, squeezing Talvie’s thigh.
She nods, quiet with nerves after our fortnight of travel gathering trade goods for Locke and surveying some of the coastal lands. In the back, three of our beasties sprawl amongthe crates. To be clear, we’re not trading the kids—though some days…
Helkki bounces her heels again.Thunk, thunk. “First thing I’m doing is claiming the big booth in the tavern.”
“The one that used to be reserved for Point Fae?” I grin.
“Exactly.”
“Perfect,” Juani yawns. “Those seats are great for napping.”
“Eating first,” Helkki argues, and Joha chimes in with, “If he naps, we can eat his food.”
Familiar sibling bickering carries us right into town.
The streets of Ylvara are busier than I’ve ever seen them. Stalls overflow with apples, berries, and bolts of imported cloth. Bright-eyed, Talvie takes it all in. She hasn’t returned since everything changed, although I’ve ridden down to visit Mika and Katja a few times. The Laisi Mula Inn bustles with music and delicious scents as we pull up. Talvie smooths her skirts, nerves flickering across her face. There’s no need for worry.
The moment we step inside, cheers erupt, the inn filling with laughter and the clinking of mugs welcoming us back.
Daria rounds the end of the bar to greet us. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite troublemakers.”
“Hey,” Talvie protests, hugging her.
I grin. “I resemble that remark.”
“Not me,” Talvie insists. “I was good at dishes by the end.”
“Feel free to relive those days if you’re feeling nostalgic, Your Royal Highness,” Daria says, somehow making a curtsy look sarcastic.
Talvie flushes. “Stop that. I’m just glad to see you, Daria.”
“Back at you, girl.” Daria’s eyes light up as she waves over a tall woman with braided auburn hair. “I’d like to introduce my wife, Natasja, home at last from the Ronalands. And our daughter, Mira—”
A teenager sweeps out of the kitchen mid-argument with Ludo and whips her head around at her name. Ludo waves a quick hello and motions for the girl to join us. The twins both straighten.
Mira gives a mock-bow after introductions. “So you two are the famous fake fiancées.”
“Not so fake anymore,” Talvie admits, extending her hand where the other half of my ring gleams on her finger.
“Ha! I knew it,” Daria crows. “You owe me a week’s wages, Ludo!”
“You’re already married, then?” Natasja asks.
I shake my head. “Not yet. We wouldn’t do that without inviting you, Daria. Talvie wears the other half of myVäkirengas,the Lyslander Guardian’s Bond.” I tell them about the ring-splitting ceremony we held at the palace with all the kids before this trip.
Daria arches a silver brow. “And the papers I gave you?”
“Actually, we hoped you would file them for us, Madam Sentry.” I turn to Johannes, who’s dumping salt into the sugar bowl while Juani snores softly beside him. “Joha, the papers.”
