Page 87 of The Dark Rises
He circles a few areas. “Also, what if we tie rights into the land? If you own land, you have voting rights. This gives them a stake in the kingdom and the incentive to vote for additional rights. Those with homes are more likely to commit to improving the kingdom and investing in its future.”
Madoc walks over and peers at the map. “I doubt we have enough for twenty thousand.” He circles the land the Fire Fae lived on prior to the first war. “One thing I won’t do is give them the land that sits between the dark and light Fae kingdoms. It would be like giving my enemy a house in my backyard.”
Rivan appears frustrated but nods. “I understand and agree. They’re too volatile. Who’s to say they won’t want more land or better land? Besides the Fire Fae, I think this could work. If we get a thousand Fae to accept the offer, that’s a thousand less to fight.”
Madoc takes a sip as he thinks through the ramifications. “It also supports the broader vision of equality. I agree. Send out messengers tonight to post the offer in every town. We’ll seehow many want to own a piece for themselves.” He taps the map. “Once we know the number, we can determine the size and location of the parcel.”
Rivan takes off, and Madoc comes over and sits next to me on the small settee. He grimaces. “This couch is terrible.”
“I plan to change everything once the dust settles,” I admit. “Do you think Rivan’s plan will work?”
He lifts a shoulder. “I’m not sure if it’s too little too late, but we have to try.” He cleans his clothes and leans back. “The army fought well. Beld is a strict but formidable commander. His men listen to him, and they didn’t hesitate to fight against Autumn’s soldiers.”
“Where’s Cormal?”
I smooth the hair back from his face. “He went to check on his empire.” King of a very different kingdom, but a necessary one. If not, the criminals in The Underworld and other places would create chaos. “The bed is probably more comfortable.”
Madoc opens an eye. “But you’re here.”
“That’s easy,” I tell him, changing into silk pajamas. “I’m exhausted. Worn out from last night.” With a wink, I walk over and slide into bed. “Come. Sleep.”
He removes his clothes and falls in next to me. Seconds later, he’s out.
Rivan racesinto the room early the next morning. “We have at least a thousand at our door and more on the way.”
Madoc opens one eye and glares at him. “The sun hasn’t even risen.”
“The messengers went out last night with the offer, and it’s working,” Rivan exclaims. “Fae have come for the land.” He walks to the window and points to the ground.
Madoc grunts, then gets up, dresses, and goes to the window. Silent for a moment, he looks at Rivan and grins. Grins. I almost fall out of the damn bed.
He slaps him on the back. “Well, hell. Let’s go give away some land.” Grabbing the map, the two head out.
Madoc returns a second later, followed by Rivan, to give me a kiss, then leave again. Not wanting the fuss of a shower, I clean and dress the magical way, then head to the library. I remember seeing a record of all land transactions that could come in handy.
A couple of hours later, Rivan comes searching for me. “Thirty-three hundred Fae took the land deal, which is fantastic. The bad news is we have to find those Fae a good parcel of land. It will be tough.”
I shove the book and map over to him. “There’s roughly seventeen massive areas across the kingdom that are uninhabited and fit your criteria.”
His mouth drops open, and he pulls the information closer. “How did you find this?”
“I’ve spent more time in this library than in any other place,” I drawl. “It’s my favorite haunt. Nine hundred years gave me plenty of time to snoop into every nook and cranny and find all the best books.”
He walks over and pulls me into his arms. “Thank you. This will help tremendously.” He bends his head and nibbles on my bottom lip. “Do you think one of those areas is large enough to house the Federation?”
I pull away. “No. If Madoc gives the Federation one of those areas and lets them declare their independence, it will cause a huge amount of resentment with all the other Fae. Plus,we would be sheltering a race who turned their back on both kingdoms. There has to be another solution for them.”
Rivan rubs his temples. “Another problem to solve.” He drops a kiss on my mouth. “What can I do to repay you?”
“There are so many delightful things, but honestly, I want my rune back,” I say wistfully, showing him my blank palm. “Not for the clarity, but because it made me think of you and the day we spent by the waterfall.”
He laces his pinky with mine and pulls us out of the library to the room he claimed a couple of weeks ago. Formerly one of the guest bedrooms, it’s luxurious with few furnishings but it has a huge balcony. A necessity for Rivan.
He gathers a pile of blankets and pillows and lays them outside. “Is this okay? The lighting in there is terrible, and I haven’t been able to go outside today. Phoenix need regular doses of sun and heat.”
I narrow my eyes, and he looks sheepish. “Fine. Not all of us need it, but it mentally rejuvenates us.” He pats the pillow in front of him. “Sit here.”
I plop down. Crossing my legs, I hold out my hand. “That day… I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. It nearly broke my heart, but I knew it had to be done. You deserved your freedom and so does the Federation. I know you’ll find a solution for them.”
