Page 215 of Tale of the Heart Queen

Low fae will be free to live like all citizens. Free to use their magic. To live in any district and pursue any passion they desire. Or if they prefer, to return to the forests and lakes and mountains from which they came. Everyone will be referred to as simply Fae from now on. No more class distinctions. He’s hoping it will catch on across the continent, and I have faith it won’t take long.

He appoints ten new warders. A mix of Fae of all types, each of them free to make this choice and leave their positions should they ever desire. They won’t have the wings or the tattoo, but when I look at them all standing proudly in their golden armor, I don’t think they mind. In fact, I’d argue it’s a vast improvement.

They are a reminder of what we all let ourselves normalize for far too long.

And finally, Erevan abolishes the Sun Queen Trials, denouncing them as inhumane and barbaric. He promises to honor every person who lost their life competing for a crown.

After Erevan shares the news to a roar of cheers, it’s time for the unveiling of a new addition to the courtyard. He sweeps an arm out to a chorus of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs.’

A giant structure covered in shimmering cloth stands in the center, and at Erevan’s gesture, it’s hauled off, revealing a gold statue of Tyr, our god. He stands proudly with his chin up and his gaze to the sky. He looks like the man I remember.

The man who gave up this life to give Lor hers.

The man who gave up this life, hoping to find purpose in another.

I’ve gone to visit Tyr once already, and finally, I think he’s content.

Two months later, I’m standing on a balcony overlooking the sea as I inhale a deep breath, contemplating my next move. I’ve been helping Erevan establish his rule, and now that he’s comfortable, I think I’m ready for a break. I’m ready for some distance from this place and a chance to just exist. I don’t want any responsibilities or weight on my shoulders. I want to just breathe.

Aphelion is better than ever. We cleaned up the effects of the quake and other disasters and word is everything is back to normal across Ouranos. Fae of every kind are thriving, and the populace is finally at peace.

We tore down the tower where Tyr spent so many years. In fact, we closed off the entire wing of the palace. Maybe someday it will become something useful again, but for now, I think we’re all content to forget its existence.

The new garden in the Sixteenth District is blooming, perfuming the air with hundreds of roses. People come in droves to visit, especially at night, thanks to the inexplicable presence of thousands of lightning bugs that flit between the petals.

Lor’s friends and former Tributes, Halo and Marici, have taken on the task of caring for it. Though I said I’d hire someone, they categorically refused and can be found there lovingly tending the gardens almost every day.

Lor promises to come and see it when she arrives for their bonding ceremony in a few weeks.

I’m leaning on my elbows when a sound draws my attention to where Hylene watches me. She’s been living with Nerissa in the Eighth District, helping where she can. We haven’t had much time to spend together as I’ve been so busy with Erevan. But I dream of her. I think about her all the time.

She’s as breathtaking as always, wearing a simple yellow gown that sets off her fiery hair.

“Hi,” she says, tipping her head with a soft smile.

“Hey,” I say, turning around to face her.

“What are you doing?”

I shrug. “Just wondering what I do next.”

“Any ideas?”

She stops in front of me and peers up.

“I was thinking I’d find a quiet place to live for a while. Cedar offered me a cabin in his forest right on the shore so I don’t have to miss the sound of the ocean.”

“That sounds perfect,” she says.

“Almost,” I agree, and she blinks in question.

“It might be nice to have some company.”

“Oh?” She moves closer until she’s nearly pressed against me, and I lift a hand to her face, trailing my fingers along her jawbone. I tip her face up, and I stare at her, taking in the soft slope of her nose and the freckles dusting the bridge. Her bright green eyes spark, and I note the gold ring surrounding her pupils.

“Care to join me?” I ask.

She smiles. “I wouldn’t be interrupting your quiet brooding?”