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“I overheard Lord Selwyn of Earth House speaking with his manservant about overthrowing you.”
“He’s a child,” Osric said dismissively. His rings glittered as he tapped his fingers in a restless cadence, eyes narrowed on Drustan. “His house is neutral.” “He is close to adulthood and well-known for sympathizing with servants. And he’s been seen with Lothar recently.”
Tears streaked down my cheeks and spattered on the bodice of my fine gown. This sweet, noble boy had done what Drustan could not. He had sacrificed himself for the sake of his family and allies.
“Do you regret it?”
“No.”
“Because you are cruel. Because you are unjust. Because everyone in Mistei deserves to be free, from the Noble Fae to the humans.”
“And even if I won’t see it, I’m happy to know you will not rule forever.”
She is not a part of your house, the Fire Shard interjected. I claim her. At the Blood Shard’s firm words, the others paused.
It’s time, Blood said. The balance must be restored. That will be her task. More silence as the Shards considered. Then the deep, chilling voice of Void spoke. Blood is correct. The balance has been gone for too long. I say yes.
Kenna Heron, you have been found worthy. Take this gift and restore the balance.
Caedo quivered against my arm, radiating pure joy. What’s happening? I asked the dagger. You passed. What do you mean? You have power now. My fingers throbbed with energy. I felt full to bursting with that strange fire. What power? You are Blood House reborn.
What did this mean? Was I immortal now, too? Yes, Caedo said.
Then I saw the face of the woman perched on Osric’s knee, and the world fell away. My whimper was muffled by Talfryn’s velvet tunic. I stared, wondering if my eyes or my memory had failed me. But no, it was definitely her, the same heart-shaped face and hazel eyes I had known almost my entire life. Anya.
That was why she had disappeared in the bog without me noticing. She hadn’t drowned or been eaten by the Nasties. She had been abducted by the king’s minions because she was beautiful. Because he wanted her.
Dozens of faeries in Earth House livery poured out from the hidden tunnel I’d once explored on the way to the brothel. Selwyn had lied. With his final words, with his grueling confession, he had lied. Not only to protect his family, but to preserve this. The final attack, made possible by his secret golden key. The end of Earth House’s neutrality. He had died knowing the revolution would go on without him.
That was what love was. Not just romantic love, but any type of love. It was caring so much for another person that you would do anything to see them happy and whole.
