Zadie wrapped her arm around me. I rested my head on her shoulder and looked up at the sky, at the same stars that just recently had represented infinite possibilities for the future, and wondered why I couldn’t imagine even one.

* * *

Two days later, Talin convened the first council of the new, hopefully unified Ilara. Roan had stayed behind with several other Galethians, while the rest of our original traveling party returned to report back on what had happened. The de facto leaders of Pirot and Meradin were there as well, along with the remnants of Ceren’s war council, including Lady Hyacinth.

Governor Kristos and Samiel were there to represent Varenia, and Talin, in a gesture that surprised even me, had invited Adriel to represent her own people, however few remained scattered in other lands. All in all, there were more than a dozen leaders at the long table in Old Castle’s hall, including me.

Talin had named me a special envoy, though it wasn’t a title I wanted or necessarily believed I deserved. But the rest of the council had voted on it unanimously, and I couldn’t refuse their invitation.

Now, as the meeting began, I fidgeted nervously, my fingers drumming on my bouncing legs. Adriel cast me a pointed glance, and I did my best to sit still as Talin took his place at the head of the long table.

He had been elected as Zoi’s regent, though not unanimously. There were several Galethians, and one or two Meradians, who believed Zoi should be represented by a leader from each territory in Ilara. But there had been surprisingly little dispute over the rightful woman king of Ilara. It seemed everyone was tired of fighting, at least for now.

“Thank you all for coming,” Talin said, looking regal despite his lack of royal insignia. Ilara was being recreated from scratch, in some ways, and the symbols of this new land hadn’t yet been discussed. “Our first matter of business is to decide where Zoi’s castle will be built. There are some who would like to return to New Castle.” He glanced at Lady Hyacinth, who I was happy to see didn’t look quite so smug these days. “And others who would prefer we build the castle in their territory.”

At least seven heads nodded. It seemed most of the leaders were hesitant to give anything up.

“But I propose we build an entirely new castle, just south of Riaga,” Talin continued. “The port has always been neutral territory, and if we include Varenia as part of Ilara, it’s the most central part of the kingdom. It’s also good for trade.”

“What about Princess Zoi?” Roan asked. “Where does she want to live?”

To my shock, Talia hadn’t asked to be a member of the new council. I wondered if she was too afraid to let Zoi out of her sight or if she had actually realized that her aims might not be the same as the kingdom’s. She would see her daughter on the throne one day, if all went well, and I hoped that truly would be enough for her. Zadie had volunteered to be the little girl’s governess, and Zoi had taken to my sister as easily as a whale calf to water.

“She said she wants to live near the sea,” Talin said with a laugh. “I guess it’s the Varenian blood in her.”

“Then we will build the castle on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, north of Riaga,” a lord from Meradin said.

“She has also asked for it to be made of pearls and jewels,” Talin added with a smile. “I told her we’d do our best.”

A few chuckles came from the other councilmembers. Governor Kristos rose when the room had quieted. “I’d like to ask what is to become of my people, now that we are no longer exiled. I believe some of our citizens will choose to return to Varenia, but others have requested to stay on land.”

“Of course,” Talin replied. “Any Varenian who wishes to remain in Ilara will be given a small plot of land. We will divide them evenly among the territories, to be equitable. If anyone is opposed to this, please speak up.”

I was relieved when no one protested. My own parents had surprised me by expressing interest in splitting their time between Varenia and Ilara, preferably near the castle so they could be close to Zadie and Sami. And Governor Kristos and Elidi had decided to return to Varenia for the time being.

When the council dispersed, I found myself next to Adriel, who wrapped an arm around my shoulder with a relaxed familiarity that I had come to appreciate.

“How are you?” she asked as we walked toward our chambers. “You’ve been quiet this week.”

I shrugged and forced a smile. “I’ve had a lot on my mind.”

“You know, you’re always welcome to come and stay with me for a bit. I could use the help catching up with my patients, and I know Foxglove would be grateful for the company.”

I smiled. “Foxglove will be grateful for your company, and I’m sure the people of Galeth will be happy to have you back. But I don’t know if it’s the right place for me. Besides, I have Zadie and Talin to consider.”

Adriel paused outside her room and turned to face me. “You don’t owe anyone anything, Nor. And you don’t have to decide today.”

“I know,” I said, though I was still plagued with doubts. Talin had made it abundantly clear that he wanted me by his side, but I knew Governor Kristos would need some help in Varenia, considering it had been nearly abandoned for weeks. And of course, there was Zadie to think of. She would be busy with Sami and Zoi, but I also couldn’t stand the thought of being away from her for long. Above all, I couldn’t forget about my parents. My father would not be able to farm his land alone, and it would take some time before they had an income that would allow them to travel back and forth.

“Just think about it,” Adriel said, embracing me.

“I will. Say goodbye before you leave.”

“Of course.”

I found Zadie looking through a stack of books in her chambers. She glanced up as I entered, her entire face lighting up. I’d never seen her look more beautiful or happy.

“There you are,” she said, gesturing for me to sit. “How was the council meeting?”

“It went well. We’re moving the castle to the coast, north of Riaga.”

Zadie’s grin spread. “Oh, Zoi will be delighted!”

I sighed and dropped my chin onto my fist. “Is this going to work, Zadie? Can Ilara really be ruled by all these people with completely different agendas overseen by a little girl?” She couldn’t even read, for Thalos’s sake.

“Talin is a strong leader, Nor. He will make sure things are done fairly.”

“I have every faith in Talin. It’s the others I worry about.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Like Roan?”

“Roan has been remarkably well behaved,” I conceded. “He seems the most concerned about Zoi of everyone, other than Talin.”