Page 82 of Three Scorched Kingdoms

Blossom tilts her head toward the far corner of the room where a cluster of guests is gathered around a small table.“Because they’ve apparently found the dessert table—and I don’t think there are any cupcakes left.”

I follow her gaze and spot Kitty perched on top of the table, her raccoon face smeared with icing and a wide grin splitting her face. Kitty’s black bow tie is a nice touch, especially with white icing staining one corner. The gnomes stand around her, their hands covered in chocolate, looking thoroughly pleased with themselves.

“They ate all of them?” Paige asks, half-laughing, half-exasperated.

“Every last one,” Blossom confirms with a playful snort. “I should’ve known better than to let them near the desserts.”

“Maybe, but look how happy they are,” I say, chuckling as I watch the gnomes bicker over the last remaining crumbs.

Kitty catches sight of us watching and ducks her head, slinking away quickly. “Best wedding ever!” Ned declares, icing dripping down his arm.

“Clearly,” Paige says, shaking her head in mock disapproval. “I suppose we should have expected this.”

“We’ll need to order more sweets before there’s a revolt,” I joke, squeezing her hand gently.

As we move away from the dessert table, Mag joins us, a cup of ale in his hand. “Decent party, Your Highness.” He winks at Paige. “How does it feel to be ruler of the free world?”

Bingo appears then, pressing his large body into Paige’s side.

“It feels like a dream,” Paige replies, but there’s a note of sadness in her voice that I can’t ignore. “But I can’t help feeling like something’s missing.”

We all fall quiet, the weight of what’s been lost hanging between us. The destruction of the Athenaeum is a shadow that none of us can shake, even in the midst of this celebration.

“I am sorry for what happened to the Athenaeum,” I say quietly, breaking the silence. “It wasn’t just a place; it was a part of who you are. I never meant to take that away.”

“You didn’t,” Paige says firmly. Her constant reassurance that she doesn’t blame me has been the only thing keeping me from fully giving in to the guilt. “You were protecting me. If you hadn’t… I can’t even think about it.”

“Paige is right,” Blossom says. “None of it is your fault. Still…” Her gaze is distant. “So many stories... so much knowledge... gone. It’s hard to accept.”

Mag nods. “I know it started out as a prison sentence, but…” He glances at Blossom. “It was also the place that brought us together.”

Paige’s hand tightens around mine, her fingers cool against my skin.

Blossom sighs softly. “Maybe we should see it one last time. What’s left of it, I mean. Before we move on.”

Mag looks up, his expression thoughtful. “You know, that might be what we all need—to say goodbye properly.”

Paige turns to me, her eyes searching mine, and I can see the unspoken question there. I nod, understanding exactly what she’s feeling. “Yes,” I agree. “One last goodbye before starting our new life.”

Blossom perks up, her sadness tempered by determination. “Then let’s go,” she says, her voice firm. “We owe it to ourselves, to the Athenaeum, to see it one more time.”

“Now?” I ask, glancing around.

Blossom shrugs. “Why not? Everyone’s drunk anyway. No one’s going to miss us this late in the party.”

She’s not wrong. The hour has grown late already. So late that any absence on my part will be seen as me stealing away with my new bride. “All right,” I say. “Let’s do it.”

Paige smiles at her, a bittersweet expression that echoes my own feelings. “Thank you,” she says quietly. “For understanding.”

I draw her hand to my lips and kiss it. “It’s the least I can do for my queen.”

We end up in the gardens where Paige conjures a portal that shimmers darkly beneath the moonlight. Bingo trots up behind us as we enter, followed by the gnomes and Kitty, who seem to be running from something—or someone. I don’t bother to ask who as we usher them through the portal along with us. Just before the portal winks closed, another figure slips in.

“Leo.” I blink at the sight of my brother here in this place.

“You were really going to leave me behind again,” he accuses.

“We aren’t staying,” I tell him.

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