“A bonded wife can’t assume the title of Guardian—she can serve beside you, but not replace you in the position.” Lord Mavik crossed his arms.
“By law of the territory, only someone who can truly connect with the land can act as Guardian.” He leaned forward in his seat, his hand bridging the gap between us. “My wife has grounding magic, like me—as many of you have witnessed—she is fit to act as Guardian in my stead.”
Lady Aura’s eyes settled on me, a quiet understanding.
“I…” I wanted to stop him—to protest, but I couldn’t. Maybe it was because I couldn’t bear the thought of what he was saying.
My heart caught in my chest. The world froze beside it. I tried to steady myself, blinking away any signs of the revelation as it finally hit.
“If she returns to Lythira without me, you must support her in her role as you’ve supported me in mine.” He struggled with his words.
“I am not coming home without you,” I whispered.
“Your Highness, while she is your wife…she is not fully fae.” A lord I didn’t recognize moved forward.
They knew—either Lioran prepped them, or we hadn’t hidden it well enough.
“The king will never allow it,” Lord Mavik said.
“He will have no choice. The stars chose her to connect with the land,” Lioran said.
“She made the greatest sacrifice, is risking everything to aid our people. I’ve seen her magic, the way she cares for the people and the land.” Fyn slid in between two ladies to stand before the rest of the council. “You have my support always, Princess Aelira.” I saw it then, how much he saw me for exactly who I was—how he always had.
“Thank you, Lord Fyn.” The words caught deep within my throat.
“She grew herbs for Othryl when there wasn’t enough—packed the shipping crates beside us. And now she has promised to save our lands even when the land means to take from her…and you wonder if she’s worthy. How many of you would do the same?” Lady Aura asked. “You have my support, Your Highness.”
“And mine as well,” Lord Orion spoke. I nodded to them both. Their support—their words—meant everything.
“Princess Aelira is more than capable. Her magic is as powerful as his,” Cora spoke—something unsettling lingered behind each word. She knew the truth, but it wouldn’t stop her from protecting Lioran’s fragile state—or mine. “If the need should ever arise, I will guide her.”
The room stood still—divided between certainty and question. Not all would stand beside me, but some did. It was more than I could have ever dreamed of.
“To those who still oppose her. Who will be left to protect us?” A fae woman with silver hair stepped into view. I had seen her before, but never heard her speak. “Lord Mavik, will you assume the role? Shall we wait for Prince Pyrran to assume it? He has been nothing but demanding of our land. Only one intouch with Lythira can guide it. If she is as capable as you all say, we are in excellent hands.”
Lord Mavik bowed his head in response to her words. “We’ll need all the protection we can get,” he agreed. “Princess Aelira, if you promise to protect our land and our people, I will stand behind you.”
This wasn’t a life I ever imagined for myself.
My lip quivered as I spoke. “My heart is one with Lythira. I do not have the experience Prince Lioran does, nor can I guide you as effortlessly as he does, but if you work alongside me, advise me, I will stand beside you.”
Lioran exhaled at my words, his hand squeezed mine.
“Do you all agree to it?” Lioran surveyed the crowd—silence settled, every head nodding in the group—even Lord Mavik.
“With my magic, I bind this pact. Princess Aelira will be Guardian if the need shall arise.” Lord Orion unrolled the scroll. His hand waved over the parchment and the ink rose to the surface. Each word recording a version of my future I hoped I’d never see.
“May the stars protect you so that you both come home to us.” Lady Aura bowed to Lioran and to me.
His hand stilled mine as the room emptied.
“Why did you do it?” I asked.
“It’s what Lythira needs.”
“If I come back at all—I won’t even have my magic. How could you possibly promise them that?”
“The Grove can take from both of us. Maybe it won’t take all of yours.”
