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Nearby, encircling the Idol, lay eight fresh graves. It took several days, even with my aunt’s magic, to clear the castle rubble and find the heads. It has been a week since the Never Queens were returned to their families, but fresh flowers stand at their graves each day. In the early mornings, if my back allows, I sit with them for a few quiet moments and give my apologies. Vanya assures me the guilt will feel less sharp over time.

We could not find Lucian’s bones so we helped Inez build a small shrine in her new home instead. I painted a miniature portrait based onthe description she gave me and I hope I have done him justice. I hope he knows I will look after Theo.

Through the trees and across the swamp lays the ruins of the old castle.

When it fell, it fell around me, though my ophid nearly snapped with the strain of protecting myself. My aunt says it will heal, eventually. In the meantime, I remind myself to turn my face up to the sky and drink in the sun or visit the town square, bereft of a chopping block.

When the condolences are over and the villagers return home, the area is left for close family and friends to grieve in private. I remain sitting in the only chair while my back heals as Theo, Inez, Vanya, and Aunt Meena find flat spots in the field to kneel on. Vanya has brought saffron cookies and tea for us and distributes them.

“A beautiful ceremony, Your Highness,” Inez tells us with a sympathetic smile. Theo glances at the portrait of his mother.

“I fear it has come too late,” he says, the corner of his mouth tugging downwards.

“Nonsense.” Vanya waves a hand. “Not all those who knew Honora were caught. I know she would have been overjoyed to know the truth was brought to light. Her son and his wife are carrying on her legacy.”

Inez nods eagerly.

“Just look at all the homes you have madefor us,” she says.

“Sturdy homes,” Aunt Meena adds.

“If they are anything like your library, I am quite certain they will hold fast,” Vanya agrees, taking a sip of tea.

“Do not forget the new trade relations,” I chime in, grinning at Theo. The hard wood of the chair presses into my tender bandaged ophid, but I ignore it—I am just grateful it is healing at all. My au’mana thrums happily.

Theo rubs the back of his neck bashfully.

“Swordstead were in a vulnerable position. It did not take much bargaining.” He shrugs.

“You did not bargain,” I say. “You were kind. And that is why Mossgarde will soon have a strong economy again.”

“Kindness will only get you so far, if you do not mind me saying, Your Highness,” Vanya tells Theo. He gives a lopsided smile and turns to me.

“Then I will have my queen to guide me,” he says and plants a soft kiss on my temple.

“You would need to be made of tough stuff indeed to survive the castle falling.” Inez nods.

“Well, not quite. I was able to control the castle enough, so it fell around me rather than on top of me.”

Aunt Meena shakes her head, sitting back and crossing her wooden leg over.

“And only a year ago, you were happy to have stripped the rust off an old bucket.” She grins, eyes shiny with pride. I am reminded ofmy life before the castle. I am reminded of my father.

I tried to find him after the castle fell, but he was gone. Fled as soon as the castle staff flooded the town square and informed the village what was happening—the king was being usurped. I wonder if, one day, I will see him again. I wonder if I will ever forgive him. I do not think so. If he should meet an unfortunate end, I would not lose sleep over it.

“And how are your studies going, child?” Aunt Meena continues. “Well, I take it?”

“She is truly brilliant,” Theo gushes before I can answer.

“Oh?”

“The king exaggerates,” I say, rolling my eyes with a smile as Theo looks affronted.

“I take exception to that. Shivani’s tutors say she is flourishing, and I have had the honour of reading over some of her writing. Brilliant, indeed.”

Warmth flushes my face. I reach over to brush a kiss against his cheek. It is not usual to have a student of the House of Learning live away from the city but, for a queen, they made an exception. Sparrows ferry my lessons back and forth along with my writing.

“Ah, and speaking of the queen and her writing.” Vanya sits back and regards me. “She did not ever finish her story.”