Page 109 of My Eternal Light

“Which estates were donated?” Darian asked, flipping through the portfolio.

Molvan pointed out which ones.

Darian nodded. “They are centrally located. We could even build whole floors of just gardens. We have artisans and witches available. We do not have to stick to ugly concrete.”

“I’m sure the local craftsmen would like to get in on a project of this size,” Molvan pointed out.

“If we have dedicated family units, we could use trees as corner anchors to allow for more families to share the space,” Darian said, handing the portfolio back.

Kincaid was impressed. The prince had been thinking of his people the entire time.

The queen sighed. “I understand now. Why House Alina was attacked. Why it is so cold and dark.” She looked around. “I’m sorry it has taken me this long to remember.”

Meryn stood. “Auntie?”

Darian and Oron moved as one to stand by their mother.

Darian took her hand. “Mother?”

The queen stood, holding Darian’s hand. Her face took on an exalted expression. When she spoke, her voice had deepened.

“As above, so below. And so, the wheel turns. Ever shall we be the Land of Eternal Sun, but summer no longer. The mighty oak drifts off to sleep, dreaming of warmer days as another steps up to guide the way. All Hail Darian Vi’Alina, King of the Fae. All Hail, the Holly King!”

With her words the world shifted. Darian’s knees nearly buckled as the sky outside brightened. Sun streamed in through the windows, not as bright as before the murders began, but brighter than it had been in weeks. The air was now clean and crisp, with a hint of snow and smoke. The atmosphere practically hummed with power.

The fae realm had been reborn.

As one, every fae in the room knelt to Darian, heads bowed. In the distance they could hear bells tolling and the low roll of the people’s celebration as it washed away the darkness and grief. Their people still mourned but hope shined as bright as their new sun.

To his right Aiden buried his face in his hands.

“Godsdammit!”

*****

Kincaid held tight to Zadie’s hand as they watched Aiden eat his way through his third platter of pancakes and bacon.

The queen looking younger and healthier than she had in years, sipped her tea looking smug.

Darian scowling, now seemed a bit taller as he carried his power about him like an invisible cloak. “Take it back.”

She shook her head. “No dear. It was time.”

“Time? Is that what you meant about the Alina House?” Meryn asked.

She nodded. “House Alina belongs to the Holly, they were always destined to become the next rulers. House Eirson wanted to eliminate that possibility.” She sighed. “I probably would have figured out quicker it was time for his succession had we not had the murders.”

Meryn narrowed her eyes. “No fading?”

The queen shook her head. “Not any time soon. I feel positively marvelous! It’s been over a thousand years since I have felt so much energy.”

Meryn pointed to the window. “I imagine you have a lot of juice now that you’re not powering the sun.”

The queen chuckled looking at her son. “He is the future of our people. I saw it so clearly when he was making plans with Molvan. He was seeing a version of our city I could not imagine. It was definitely time.”

“I don’t want to be king!” Darian said, nearly stamping his foot.

“Too bad,” she answered. “I have only one job now and that is to be a grandmother.”

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