Page 133 of Triumph at Pemberley

The dragon, apparently not intimidated by Georgiana's new royal status, asked, “Can Faerie learn to live in peace? What if there is an uprising among the vassals conquered by the Wicked King?”

Georgiana’s smile showed pointed teeth that made Elizabeth shiver. “We shall see, but there are many in Faerie who are tired of living in a constant state of war. Faerie was once peace-loving, and I will make it so again.”

Cerridwen bowed her head. “I wish you all the best in that endeavor, Your Glorious Majesty.”

“There is more,” the queen said. “The dragons of your Nest came to my aid when I needed it most, with no hope of repayment. I will match your generosity by offering my protection now. I will make it known that the dragons of the mortal world are my allies, and anyone who seeks to interfere with you must answer to me.”

“You are gracious and generous, and your assurances are more than welcome.” Cerridwen hesitated. “I do not ask this for myself, since I am content to remain in this world, but there may be those among the Nests who would wish to return to Faerie to live. Would that be permitted?”

The queen tilted her head as if considering this request. “If they wish it, have them seek permission from me. But I do not encourage it. I know how you value your art and philosophy; should you choose to become fully fae again, you would lose those things you have learned in the mortal world. I did not wish to return to Faerie because I loved my mortal music so, and now it is gone.”

Cerridwen's aura changed to sadness. “I am sorry for it. You had a great talent for creating music that spoke to my soul.”

She shrugged. “I remember it was important to me. But in truth, I can no longer recall exactly why.”

Elizabeth caught her breath. Music had been more central to Georgiana’s life than anything apart from her brother. Had Georgiana known, when she chose to kill the Wicked King, that it would cost her both of those things?

She must have, and yet she had done it anyway. And changed two worlds by her sacrifice.

Another of the lesser fae appeared carrying Jenny, wrapped in her favorite embroidered blanket. Jenny, seemingly undistressed, waved her hands and made little sounds of curiosity. Why had she been brought to the Faerie Queen?

Elizabeth hurried to take Jenny from the little fae, prepared to wrestle her away if needed, but the fae handed her over without protest. Elizabeth pressed her baby against her shoulder, rubbing her hand against her tiny back and whispering words of reassurance. “Why is she here?” she demanded. “She is supposed to be in Lambton.”

Cerridwen said, “Actually, she was at the cottage, along with everyone else with a land bond to Pemberley. It was necessary.”

Elizabeth turned a horrified look on her dragon. Jenny had been nearby all this time? Any failure on Elizabeth's part could have led to her death!

“I foresaw it,” Cerridwen said apologetically. “And also if you knew she was so close, it would distract you when you needed to open the Gate.” Apparently she could feel Elizabeth’s burst of anger, for she added, “I wish I could have found another way.”

In a stunned voice, Darcy said, “Then that was Jenny who helped me. She was the power that allowed me to seal the earth over Napoleon. I could not have done it without her.” He shook his head. “Our babe in arms.”

Elizabeth rocked back on her heels, lowering Jenny to rest in her arms. Her baby had done that? She hated the idea of Jenny being in danger, but Cerridwen’s vision had made the difference between defeat and victory. I am sorry, Cerridwen dearest. Your foresight proved correct.

Does this mean I am no longer an untested Seer? Cerridwen asked plaintively.

You are the finest Seer in the world, and it is a privilege to be your companion. And today she was the most fortunate woman in the world. Napoleon and the Wicked King were both defeated, and the bright new future Cerridwen had once foreseen lay before them.

The High Queen approached her. “I asked for Jenny to be brought here, so I might see her once more before I go,” she said tenderly. “I cannot remember the joy of playing the piano, but I still love my little niece.”

Jenny did not withdraw as she might at the sight of such a strange face. Could she perceive in her infant mind that this was still Georgiana?

“She will miss you,” Elizabeth said. They all would; it would be strange at Pemberley without Georgiana and her music filling the house.

Georgiana, or what was left of her, bowed her tall, slender frame towards Jenny until she pressed her lips to the baby’s forehead. Not a momentary brush, but with actual pressure.

And magic, so deep it shook through Elizabeth’s arms, reverberating through her chest with a sensation like tiny lightning bolts. Her arms tightened around Jenny.

“Do not fear,” the High Queen said. “It will not harm her.”

Darcy said hoarsely, “What did you do to her?”

The High Fae knight by her side said, “The kiss of the High Queen will protect her. Nothing will ever be allowed to harm her while there is a fae nearby to come to her assistance.”

Finally there was something of Georgiana in the High Queen’s face as she gazed down at the baby she adored. “It also gives her the freedom of Faerie. She will be able to travel back and forth between Faerie and the mortal world without losing time, so she may visit her aunt.”

Elizabeth’s jaw dropped. There it was, Cerridwen’s prophecy after Jenny’s birth that she would become a bridge between the mortal world and Faerie. How would the part about Jenny connecting the past and the future come true? Only time would tell.

Across the clearing, Frederica watched closely, trying to commit every detail to memory for Roderick. Someday it might be important that a future Princess of Gwynedd had been present at this astonishing event.