Page 117 of Midwinter Wiles & Valerian Dreams
She sighs. “I just thought I’d ask one more time.”
“It doesn’t matter how many times you ask. My answer for him won’t change.”
Inhaling, she nods. “You’re so like your father. He wasn’t supposed to choose me either. Though at least I’m not Wilder, let alone, well…”
“Lyslander. You can say it. I’m proud of who Lark is, and all he’s had to overcome. If anyone has a problem with it, they’ll have me to deal with. The privileged folk of this land need to stop being so fragile about the differences between us. If I’ve learned anything from these people, it’s that we’re stronger together.”
Last night, when we returned to the cottages, we decided not to keep any more secrets, so Lark took off his hat while he was playing with Eevi, and simply let his ears speak for him. I joined them, helping Aili with some monstrous drawings and leaning close to Lark. All the while I felt Taynia and Beron’s eyes on us, but neither said anything.
Now Taynia is pensive. “These people have clearly earned your heart.”
“And my loyalty. Which is why we’re staying a while. Lark and I need some time to figure out what’s next, and I want to help Ylvara recover from the permafrost in any way I can.”
“I understand, and I will be waiting for you whenever you’re ready, Talvie. Again, I’m so very sorry for everything that happened after yourIsädied. I thought I was protecting you, but I made everything so much worse.”
“The worst part is, I understood why you did it. I still miss him every day.”
“As do I.”
“Then do whatever you can to honor him and fix what has been frozen in fear. The damage isn’t just between you and me, Taynia. The endless winter stripped away more than harvests. It’s taken hope. People are struggling to survive because we pulled support, left roads impassable, left folk forgotten, all because the capital put ourselves above others. If we’re going to mend what’s between us, we have to mend that too.”
A shadow of regret softens her features. “I hadn’t realized how bad it was. There’s much to do.”
I nod, relieved to hear it from her lips. “That change starts here. I’ll come to the palace soon, and we’ll talk more then.”
“I know you’re certain about Lark, but I’ve already lost the trust of these folk out here. I worry this will only alienate the Point Fae, too. What if I’m seen as favoring the Wilder Fae? Especially a Lyslander.”
Frustration bubbles up. “You lost their trust because you let fear of weakness after the king’s death consume you. Rimne’s walls may have sheltered your wealthy friends, but the Hinterlands is more than the nobility and the capital. The only way we heal is by working together, and while they may not trust you, I’ve earned some sliver of goodwill. I intend to spread it and bring us together the way we should be.”
Beron, who has been watching silently, clears his throat. “The Huntsmen are more than willing to help, my Queen, if it is strength you need.”
She turns to him, sunlight softening her features. Her black hair gleams. The single lock of white curves gently around her chin, and her gaze loses its ice as she looks him in the eye. Finally, she nods. “About Lark…we’ll have to plan a big revel to welcome him properly. Perhaps you can invite some of your new…friends.”
I follow her darting glances to all the townsfolk who’ve come out to see off the royal carriage procession. What must Taynia see in their Wild faces, unique features, and simple garments meant for hard-earned lives? I see love. Support. Trust between them. Neighbors willing to help neighbors. Families bonded by a shared struggle. Friends who would give each other their last golden sinkkaplum.
My smile reaches my ears. “Not a masquerade, though. If we do this, we do it without disguises. No ruses. Lark will be thereas he is, as my chosen partner. I’m sure you can understand what that means to someone who’s spent his life hiding.”
“I can only imagine. He’s lucky he found you.”
“No, I’m the lucky one. I would never have made it out here without him. He showed me a whole new world, and it opened my heart after so long in the dark.”
“Then I have a lot to thank him for when you both arrive at Court.”
I shudder to think of returning to Court and all the stuffy rituals. Then I picture Lark’s little beasties there to inject their special brand of chaos, and I smile again. This could be fun. Rimne could use a big shake-up, and I have just the traveling acting troupe to show them the way.
“Goodbye, Taynia. I’ll see you again soon.”
Her lips press together, her hands tight at her sides. “I know I’m not yourïtiright now, but when you’re ready to see me as a mother again, I hope I can be once more.”
Not trusting myself to speak, I only shrug. I’m not sure what the future holds. For now, I can’t promise anything more than to try.
Beron opens the carriage door, then turns toward the front of the procession. Taynia stops him with a gloved hand. “Ride with me.” For a heartbeat, he seems surprised. Regaining his composure, he takes her offered hand, helps her up the step, and climbs in beside her. As the mounted guards start out and the driver urges the reindeer into a smooth trot, the crowd parts.
Lark joins me, and together with the other townsfolk, our eyes follow the glistening tracks left by the sleigh runners. The sound of hooves slapping wet snow fades with the last jingle of harness bells.
“That’s new,” Lark murmurs.
I allow myself a small smile. “Or long overdue.”
