Tale of the Heart Queen (Artefacts of Ouranos #4)

Chapter 75

C HAPTER 75

GAbrIEL

A PHELION —O NE M ONTH L ATER

E revan has finally taken his place as king. Though I understand his reservations, he also understood this was his duty. If he truly believed in helping the people of Aphelion, then he would have to take the crown destined for him.

We held the ascension shortly after our return, and it was a spectacle worthy of the occasion. Everyone in the kingdom clamored to see their new ruler and fall at his feet. He was beloved by so many and yet had many bridges to cross.

But it was the celebration the people needed. After all the lies and deceit, after the loss and heartache, we all needed something to believe in. Aphelion’s new golden Sun King is just the thing. I know he will succeed where Tyr and Atlas failed. I’ve always known he would be great, even if he had to be convinced of it.

Today, I stand outside the Priestess of Payne flanked by my brothers Jareth and Rhyle. We wear plain clothing, simple tunics and pants, no longer forced to bear the golden armor that marked us as servants to our kingdom. While the wings will always make us stand out, at least we have this freedom.

Lor told me what happened when she tricked Cloris into revealing her knowledge about the mate bond. She said she left her alive, just barely, but I have it on good authority that Cloris succumbed to her injuries, leaving this plane once and for all.

It’s certainly no loss, and I hope she’s rotting in the Underworld, where she belongs.

“What are you planning to do with it?” Jareth asks.

“We’re tearing it down,” I answer. I want no more reminders of the priestess or of the horrors she brought to Aphelion. It was her scheming and lies that nearly duped Atlas into killing Tyr.

The only positive, I suppose, is that she also brought Lor into our lives.

A line of workers approaches the boulevard carrying shovels and pickaxes. Behind them rolls more equipment required for the demolition. Erevan was more than generous in providing whatever I’d need.

“Bring it down!” I yell at them. I’ve already relocated the staff to new and better establishments, and there’s no reason left to keep this place standing. We watch as the workers swarm over the site as the sound of hammers and saws fills the air. I wanted it done quickly and employed everyone I could get my hands on.

“What are you doing next?” I ask my brothers. They both consider the question for a moment.

“I’ve always wanted to open a bookstore,” Jareth says. “One with lots of rare editions and a coffee shop where people can come and read for hours.”

I smile, remembering how often I’d find him with his nose buried in a book.

“What about you?” I ask Rhyle.

“I bought a very swish flat in the Twenty Fourth,” he answers with a sparkle in his eyes. “I plan to do a lot of ‘entertaining’ with all that gold the king gave us.” He grins, and we all laugh. It’s amazing how easy it feels.

“Sounds perfect,” I say as we all return to watching the workers for another moment. Then I clap them both on the shoulders.

“I better get back to the palace,” I say. “The council meeting is starting soon.”

“Are you staying?” Jareth asks. “With Erevan?”

“I don’t think so,” I say. “I just need to see him settled, and then I’ll decide what to do next.”

“I understand,” he says.

“I’ll see you both around.”

“You’ve got an open invite to my flat,” Rhyle calls as I start to leave.

I spin around to face him. “I’ll remember that.”

“What are you going to do with the empty space?” he asks, gesturing to the Priestess of Payne .

I cock my head and look at the building before I bow to them both.

“Build a rose garden.”

Then I turn on my heel and walk away.

I arrive back at the palace and make my way to the council chambers, where I find everyone gathered. Erevan stands at the head of the table with his hands behind his back and gives me a quick nod as I enter. His blond hair is tied back, and he wears a simple but well-made brown jacket and breeches. His posture is straight and sure, and he already looks like a king. The Mirror chose well this time. I knew it from the very start.

Though I don’t strictly belong here, Erevan asked if I’d support him since I did spend a few weeks acting as Aphelion’s ruler. I’m so glad he’s finally accepted the role. I would have had to dig myself a grave and hide in it if I’d had to keep it up much longer.

As everyone settles in, Erevan clears his throat and launches into the speech he prepared. He implores them to return the rights of the low fae, and he speaks with such passion and such determination that I watch as the council members’ eyes clear and their expressions open. He literally changes their minds on the spot. Erevan might have thought he’d have little power as Aphelion’s king, but I think what it gave him was the confidence to approach his changes in a way that would work with the council and not against them.

When he’s done, he’s breathing heavily, but I don’t know how anyone could look at him and not believe he was always the best person for this role. If they continue to harbor any animosity towards him and his actions to help the low fae, then they’re all fools.

“Time for the vote?” he asks tentatively.

Several looks are shared around the table as his gaze flicks to me.

I wait with my breath held as the first hand rises in agreement. It belongs to none other than General Cornelius Heulfryn, head of the Twenty-Fourth District. He informed me that after he insisted his daughter start volunteering in the hopes of turning her into a better person, she found her passion for helping the needy children of The Umbra. Apparently, she’s working on a proposal for Erevan to build a new school and orphanage. I have no doubt he’ll approve it as soon as it crosses his desk.

Erevan and Cornelius exchange a look, and it’s then I know Erevan will do just fine.

I watch as more hands lift around the circle.

Erevan needs eighteen votes to amend the laws.

In the end, all twenty-four hands rise and stay there.

Erevan looks at me, and we both breathe a sigh of relief. What a road we traveled to get here.

The next day, we gather outside the palace where I first exposed Atlas and his lies. I recall the faces of everyone around us and the way Tyr looked when everyone turned his way, realizing the truth. I rub my chest, feeling that ache that bound me to my king and nearly killed me.

I stand next to Erevan on a raised platform as he holds up a paper reading out the rules that will govern a new and better Aphelion than the one we knew. After the vote to free the low fae, he took the opportunity to make a few more changes.

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?”

I tip my head back and laugh. “I think it could use a few interruptions.”

She stretches up onto her tiptoes and kisses me. “Well then . . . that sounds like something I could do.”

I smile at her, and then I, too, am finally content.