Page 107 of Fate of the Sun King

“What do they do?” Amara asked, her gaze studying the silver crown spinning slowly above her.

“With these objects, you will gain a unique ability known as Imperial magic.” The Empyrium went on to describe each ruler’s magic in turn. Zerra, as the queen of Aphelion, would be granted the power of light to use both as a weapon and in the manipulation of illusions. She was having difficulty containing her disbelief.

“When you come to the ends of your lives,” the Empyrium continued, “you will then live on forever in the fabric of your Artefacts and hold the enviable task of selecting the most worthy ruler to follow in your stead. Never again will someone gain the leadership of a people through birthright alone.”

Though the Empyrium hadn’t acknowledged her specifically, Zerra could have sworn they meant her with those pointed words. She’d inherited the title of queen by default, not because she’d deserved it.

“However, one of you will remain here.”

The wary hope circling around the room morphed into something sharper.

“One of you will be stationed to watch over Ouranos. You will act in our stead as the caretaker of the Artefacts, functioning as an additional layer to ensure the stability of the continent.”

“Stay here?” Amara asked. “For how long?”

“For as long as Ouranos exists.”

Amara’s lips pressed together, her dark eyes filled with mistrust.

The Empyrium tipped their head. “It is a lot to ask, we understand.”

“Can we visit our homes?” Terra asked.

“You cannot. You will remain here, in the Evanescence.”

Zerra watched Terra’s face pale as he took a small step back. She knew he was married to a husband he loved very much.

“Can we bring our loved ones here?” he asked.

“You can, but they will not be meant for this plane.”

“What does that mean?” Amara asked.

“It means that while their physical bodies may be with you, their spirits and their minds will slowly wither away until they are but empty shells of the person you knew.”

“But our people need us,” Astraia said.

“Our families need us,” King Nerus of Alluvion added.

The Empyrium nodded but said nothing as everyone looked at each other from across the circle. Zerra drew into herself, trying to make herself appear small. It wasn’t that she had anyone important on the surface waiting for her, but this sounded like a big job.

Silence stretched across the room until, finally, someone broke it.

“I’ll do it,” Herric said, his chin up. “I accept this task.”

The Empyrium swung around to face him, their hands clasped in front of them. They stared at the Aurora King wordlessly for several long seconds.

Zerra watched Herric watch them. The king’s eyes gleamed with promise and cunning. He’d always been wildly ambitious, and this was a task of the highest honor.

Not just a king.

Not just High Fae with magic.

But a god.

“No,” the Empyrium said. “You are needed at home.”

“But you just said—”