Page 76 of Ruined Kingdom

This is what we have.

It was a considerable amount, but I knew firsthand the legions of minions the Dark Fae had. I couldn’t help but wonder how many of these faces before me wouldn’t return.

The trepidation was quickly overwhelming the sense of strength that had carried me thus far, but I swallowed it down and said, “We’re moving out. Let’s go get our King back!”

I watched as the droves of beings began moving out without a hint of hesitation.

I descended the stairs and approached a white horse that had been saddled for me. I reached out my hand, finding that its temperament was calm and receptive as if it already knew me.

My foot found the stirrup, and I climbed atop it without much issue, even though it was the tallest steed I’d ever seen.

My mother, Garmilen, and Tieni were ready with their own horses and spurred them on to follow behind me.

Can I really do this?

This felt like a much too important moment to be handed to me. It should’ve been given to someone smarter, older, or wiser.

Am I just leading them all to their deaths?

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the withering pink rose. Only one petal was still clinging to the stem for dear life.

No, Helene chose me for this. I will see this through to the end, even if it means it will be the last thing I’ll ever do. For Kaine. For the forest. And for all who call this world home.

I gently tucked the rose away and looked up just in time to see glowing orbs descending upon our heads.

A singular orb approached me, forming Andromeda.

She bowed her head. “My Queen.”

I raised my hand, signaling that she didn’t need to bow to me. “You came,” I said simply, keeping my voice level even as I was fighting back wetly burning eyes.

“What can I say?” she said, nonchalantly shrugging her little petite shoulders at me. “You guys look like you could use some extra protection.” She bobbed her head around, looking at the army we had.

Her eyes found me again when one tear managed to escape down my face. “Thank you, my friend.”

This made her smile.

The Light Fae, whose name was also Edith, flew right into me, barely able to wrap her arms around my shoulder. “I’m so sorry we weren’t here when you needed us sooner. We’re supposed to be your protectors.”

“It’s all right. You’re here now. That’s what matters.” I lightly patted her back comfortingly with two fingers.

A moment later, she darted up and away from me, seeming to want to get a better look at my mother who was standing right behind me. “Goodness, this woman looks an awful lot like you, Sophia.”

“That’s my mother… Meet Edith.” I introduced them in a playful tone.

There was something about the mundane act and her resulting excitement that somehow made the darkness in my chest lighten.

Edith gasped, slapping her hands over her little mouth as she gazed at my mother in almost childlike astonishment. “Your mother and I share the same name!”

I hushed her quickly. “Isn’t it dangerous for others to know your name?”

“Right! I shouldn’t have said that, but I was just so excited,” she admitted sheepishly. Then she turned her attention back to my mother. “Please, forget I said anything.”

“Consider your secret safe with me,” my mother assured her, gracefully bowing her head to her. “We Ediths must always have each other’s backs.”

Before I knew it, the way was clear for us to leave.

With a glimmer of hope in my chest flickering weakly, I proceeded forward, and the others followed.

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