Page 79 of Ira

“Me?” he repeated. “I’ve never spoken to them.”

“They indicated as much,” the king replied. “But they seemed to feel as though they knew you from watching your interactions with Meera from a distance. And, of course, they already like and trust Meera, so the fact that you’re now mated is only an advantage.”

Verner cleared his throat. “But doyouentrust me with such a position? I know I damaged your opinion of me with my actions.”

I was gripping his hand so tightly, my fingers were beginning to ache. Whatever it took to make up for the damage I’d done to Verner’s reputation, I’d do it. He didn’t seem to mind the fallout, but I did. He hadn’t deserved that.

“There’s no denying you put us in a difficult position,” Captain Soren began. “But part of the reason why it was so difficult for me to accept that was because you had always been one of the most honorable and reliable members of the Guard. You’ve demonstrated on multiple occasions that you can review your opinions and change them accordingly when presented with new information. You’re calm, rational, and not ruled by your ego the way so many who get to your level of success within the Guard become. Prove to me that I’m not making a mistake by trusting you again, Verner.”

“Yes, Captain,” he replied instantly, inclining his head in respect.

The king nodded once, looking at me again. “Does this role sound like something you’d be interested in, Meera? It would be both of you. You both need to be happy with it.”

It sounded like a dream to me. Live in Elverston House, but in a private area with our own space. Work with the new arrivals to help them feel more comfortable here—I was planning on doing that anyway. And the best part would be working alongside Verner each day, and having others recognize his goodness and kindness the way I did.

“It sounds perfect to me,” I admitted. “We’d be… intermediaries of sorts?”

“That would be part of it,” King Allerick replied. “Though, Ophelia described the role more like the parental figures she had when she was sent away for her education.”

“Dorm parents?” I suggested with a light laugh before glancing at Verner. “How do you feel about having kids?” I teased.

“Positively. Though, ten ex-Hunters is certainly a unique trial run,” he replied dryly, squeezing my hand back.

Huh. The topic of children hadn’t actually come up before now—to be honest, we’d been a little distracted—and I was suddenly very aware of the fact that I wasn’t using any kind of birth control. It had never even occurred to me, since I hadn’t needed it in the past.

That was definitely a conversation for later.

“If the residents of Elverston House are happy, and Verner is happy, then yes. Absolutely. I would love that.”

“As would I,” Verner replied.

“Good, then it is agreed. Perhaps you could go there now and speak with them, Meera? If they are content to proceed, then we will need to make plans to renovate an apartment—it will require Shades being on the property, but in a way that causes as little disruption as possible. Verner, that would be a good opportunity for you to supervise the work and build relationships with the ex-Hunters who live there.”

He nodded in agreement.

“What about the house itself?” I asked, forcing myself to be brave and use my voice when I thought it was important. “Elverston House is falling apart. It needs repairs too. If they’re comfortable to have Shades on the premises—in the house—is getting it fixed up a possibility?”

“Yes, of course,” the king agreed. “I hadn’t realized it was that bad. Whatever you need, we will make that happen.”

It was the start of a brand new era.

Epilogue

AFEW WEEKS LATER

“Jade is coming up the path,” Meera said quietly from her spot by the window in our new apartment where she was shucking peas into a large bowl.

“Shall I leave?” I asked, already standing up to go. It was well established by now that sometimes these visits were for “girl talk,” which I was very much not supposed to be part of.

“Wait and see if she says the code word first,” Meera laughed, setting aside the vegetables to open the door.

“You guys need to come with me right now,” Jade panted, slumping against the door frame. “Harlow is here.”

Meera spilled the bowl of peas in her haste to stand up, but I didn’t even think she noticed. We immediately followed Jade down the path that led to our small home, and through the newlycleared walkway around the side of Elverston House to the front of the building where Meera’s gardens were.

“Where is she?” I asked, taking one step for Meera and Jade’s every three.

“By the portal,” Jade replied, out of breath. “She just got here. I came straight to get you. Obviously, there’s a crowd there now.”

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