“Apparently, after Octavia Falls was taken over, King Kazim aligned himself with the witches and officially declared war against the angels,” Eddie said. “The fae have been providing endless resources to Ilamanthe to get the Elves back on their feet. Although many fae have sought refuge in Ilamanthe, their country is still standing— for now.”
I was glad that the fae had chosen to side with us, because they were powerful allies. They were just as rich as the Elves used to be, and since the Malovian Revolution had been over for twenty years now, the country had plenty of time and resources to recuperate and help others.
Kallie nodded. “Kaz would do that. Is my brother here?”
“He is. There are many individuals waiting in the council room to speak with you all,” Eddie noted.
“Then let’s talk to them right away,” Charlie said.
The room began to clear out as the group headed into the hallway. I went to follow, before I felt a light touch on my shoulder. “Princess, may I speak with you in private?”
Eddie appeared wholly somber. Charlie paused at the door, as he was the last to leave. But Oberi nudged his hand, and he continued after the others.
After the door shut quietly behind us and we were alone, Eddie hung his head. “Princess, I… I feel so much guilt.”
“Why, Eddie? You didn’t do anything wrong,” I insisted.
“While you were sleeping, Charlie informed me of what happened. You and the others ventured into the Infernal Underground to find me. That attempt to rescue me led to you losing your ability to walk,” Eddie choked. “I am no guard, but a coward. My duty in life is to protect my master and his princess, and you have sacrificed a part of yourself to protectme.There is no greater shame for an Emperor’s guard. I am worth nothing if I cannot serve you. My failure to defend my life’s purpose is what led you to this predicament.”
“The Warden took you, Eddie. You did all you could, but you didn’t have a choice,” I pressed.
Eddie shook his head violently, and tears flung from his eyes as he fell to his knees before me. “You don’t understand, princess! I deserve to be punished for my insolence.”
“Oh, please, Eddie, get up.” He was makingmeemotional, and I didn’t blame him for what had happened in the slightest. “I’m not going to punish you— that’s ridiculous. And please don’t tie your self-worth to Charlie and me. You’re worthy just by being alive. You don’t need to prove yourself.”
“I understand, but this is my culture, and how I was raised. I was born to serve, and be a good guard,” he whimpered.
“Youarea good guard, Eddie. You’ve never let us down, and I’m sure you won’t in the future, so long as there’s anything you can do about it.”
“My princess is too kind.” Eddie wiped at his face and sniffed as he staggered to his feet. “But if there is any way to repay this debt and make it right, I will.”
“There’s nothing you have to repay,” I said kindly. “But if you want to escort us to the council room, it would probably be helpful. This palace is massive, and I don’t feel like getting my ass lost.”
Eddie laughed lightly. “Of course. May I?”
I gestured that he could touch my chair. He pushed me out of the room and into the hallway, where everyone else was waiting. Eddie pushed me at the front of the group, carrying on as he explained everything the palace had to offer.
“The servants are here to feed and clothe you, as well as clean your rooms and tend to anything you don’t desire to do yourselves. We have a grand dining hall, magnificent private pools, theaters, magical creature stables, and a temple to our goddesses all within the palace walls, as well as a hospital, should anyone fall ill,” Eddie stated. “Everything you need here is accommodated for, though if you wish, you may venture out into the city to explore.”
The decoration of the palace was ornate and carefully styled. Every furnishing appeared elaborate. It felt so odd, leaving the despair and filth of the Institute to be welcomed into such a bright place that was clean, shining, and full of light wherever you went. I almost felt uncomfortable… like I didn’t belong here.
But that wasn’t true. I was an Elven princess now. I belonged here more than anybody. I just had to get used to living comfortably again. Here, the guards wouldn’t bully and stalk me; they’d follow my orders, and protect me with their lives.
The Elves we passed in the hallway gave delighted noises, bowing and curtsying with glee. A couple of Elvish ladies had sparks in their eyes as they watched me roam by, whispering to each other in excitement.
Overwhelm settled in my bones. These people were looking tometo become the mother of their race. There hadn’t been a female Elvish monarch in decades, and now that I was here,I gave them hope. I didn’t think I was worthy of having that responsibility, but it was on my shoulders now, so I had to perform my duties to the best of my ability.
“You’ll do well,” Kallie murmured beside me, and she reached out to lay a hand on my shoulder. She knew what it felt like to be a respected princess, with a whole country waiting for her to make the right or wrong moves. I wish I could say I’d gotten better at making good choices over the past few years, but I wasn’t so sure I hadn’t gottenworse. Now my decisions affected more than just Charlie and me, or my friends. They affected a whole nation.
This was very different from being the daughter of a chieftain. I hoped I’d make the Elves proud. Or at the very least, that I wouldn’t mess it up too badly… because I was good at destroying whatever I touched, including my own life. I didn’t want to ruin the lives of the Elves as well, and I already had once, back in Forevermore.
I couldn’t afford to screw up this time.
Eddie took us to a set of golden double doors, where a pair of guards were waiting. They bowed to Charlie, then to me, before they pulled the doors open.
The council room was absolutely massive. It was a circular marble room, with a glass ceiling that opened up wide to the sky. At the end of the room was a gigantic tree, with twisting limbs and large, multicolored fruit that hung off its branches, Elvish designs formed into the bark as if with magic. The tree reached upward to the high ceiling, framed by a lovely indoor waterfall that pooled around its roots. Someone was playing a soft flute nearby, but I couldn’t see who. It looked more like a greenhouse to protect this beautiful tree, rather than a council room.
A massive round table stood in the middle of the room, surrounded by high-backed chairs. Gathered in front of the table were a large number of people, most of whom I knew.
