Her foot taps to the celebratory tempo of the music in a vain attempt to quell her nerves. Beyond the curtains is a room full of the continent’s monarchs and envoys, all waiting for her first address. Through the gap she spies the tables littered with refreshments, elaborate center pieces, and flowers. The space is bright, lively, and it terrifies her.

Except for Nicole and Chancellor Godfrey, the rest of the list are strangers. She notices Castellan is in high spirits (despite his outward hatred for Mages) and blathers to a young countess while ignoring his wife. When the music stops, she wipes her sweaty palms discreetly on the curtain. She steps on the small dais erected for the event, and according to Eclipse’s agenda, she addresses the crowd.

“I wish to thank you for celebrating such an important occasion with us. It is no secret we share in the tragedy of my father’s passing. There is a hole in all our hearts from where he resigned for many years. However, Alexanderia, like the hardy people who call her home, will endure, and overcome with the same steadfast zealousness the people live by. We are at the forefront of this new era. And with that, we await to witness where the Blessings of the Gods will take us. I look forward to strengthening our current relations and developing new ones. Once again, thank you for coming, from my kingdom to yours, please enjoy what Alexanderia offers.”

“Lovely speech, Your Majesty.” Eclipse beams over the applause, “truly a master of words, did you write it yourself?”

“Actually, my Royal Advisor did.” She steps from the dais, “he had concerns about me expressing the proper sentiment for the occasion.”

“Your initial draft contained such inspiring sentiments as ‘do I even like these people?’ and ‘how will I run this kingdom without getting myself killed?’ Can you blame me for inserting a few more, coherent phrases?”

“Those questions are still valid."

“Yes, but not out loud.”

“Your Majesty,” Nicole giggles, giving a low curtsy. She stifles her own laugh, remembering their private tea parties where they mock the nobility at court. They’re older now, but it feels like they’re those two little girls playing make believe. “Moira, I want to thank you for lending me your soldier’s services.”

“It was more of Eclipse giving them to you while I was unconscious, but I’m glad you received the results you needed.”

“That young Lieutenant Pyle is unexpectedly effective. Although he exudes a ‘scared bunny’ persona, he is quite good at what he does. He arrested my mother’s sympathizers before I finished my meeting with the Lords.”

"Stone sang his praises as of late, I guess our little bunny has hidden potential after all.”

“I hope you have plans for Zack as well. I understand why his counsel is so valuable to you.”

“I don’t understand,” but she feels a blush creep over her cheeks. "He is in charge of my safety; Eclipse tells me I need to start accepting his advice.”

“Zack has this way about him. I cannot explain it, but he offers this quiet comfort that eases my nerves. It is a very potent skill.”

“Dare I ask what you mean by potent?”

“Oh Moira, you should see your face! Oh, there is someone you must meet,” she yanks her arm towards the queen of Lollardum. Through their introduction, she notices the elegant green earrings dangling from her ears. She’s seen them before, not on Cecelia, but in Chris’s hands. They’re the pair that started it all; the ones Zack was after. The ones Chris stole. Cecelia smiles, she’s courteous and friendly; but how would the thief get close enough to steal them. Before she can ask, her husband interrupts.

“Welcome to our ranks, my dear,” he grins with a glass of brandy crammed in his large hand.

“Thank you for your assistance. You and General Steele were crucial to our victory.”

“Not at all, my dear, glad to help. It is the least I can do to ensure the safety of our peoples. The effort is always worth the right price,” he directs the last comment to Nicole, who avoids his gaze.

“What exactly is the right price?”

“Why peace, my dear,” his laugh booms, “the greatest price of all.” Cecelia chuckles and even Nicole manages a smile. She wants to pry further but a cold chill runs down her spine.

It draws her attention to a couple with dark freckled skin and athletic bodies entering the room. Tribal tattoos crawl over the side of the man’s face. His body, adorned with shimmering jewelry, almost reaches the top of the doorway. Spotting Moira, his warm brown eyes widen, and he beams with a large smile as he and his wife approach.

His wife stands equal to his height. Her brown braided hair weaves into a larger knot speckled with gemstones. Tattoos ink her arms and neck while large stone jewelry draped over her shoulders. They wear bright coloured robes wrapping around their bodies with silk slippers.

“Congratulations are in order Madame Mage,” he bows, his deep voice has the distinctive accent from the coastal kingdom of Sherseas. “We are excited to witness such a momentous occasion.”

“Yes, you have a beautiful kingdom,” his wife answers. “Our mountains aren’t nearly as high as yours. My grandmother once spoke of the Ruby Gate as a behemoth from the Gods. It will give her great pleasure for me to return telling her she was right after all this time.”

“Thank you, your admiration is too kind. Lord Orbit informed me he invited both the High Priest and Priestess of Sherseas. Your presence here, is beyond words. Thank you for chancing the fall storms to reach us.”

“We never fear the rough waters.” He smiles, “our ships are well equipped.”

“Not even the monsoons worry us.” She continues, “to have a practising Mage on the throne of the Capital again, it’s an exciting omen. The children of the tribes send best wishes and luck. Hopefully, through you, the world will begin to accept us once again.”

“It is a dream we share.” The Mages of Sherseas isolate themselves on the southern coast and shun the continent's political agenda. For them to travel this far north for her warms her heart. “I hope you plan to stay for a few days, I heard stories saying that the Gods themselves walk among your beaches. I always wanted to learn more about your magic. Please do me the honour of accepting my hospitality.”

“It is not often a Mage of the North is so eager to learn from us.” He places a soft hand on her arm. “It will be an honour.”

“Lord Orbit talks of a young child who commands dragons, is that true?” she asks.

“Lady Rose. She is talented for her age.”

She grins, exchanges a glance with her husband, then leans closer, “he says her mamma had the blessing of foresight. She used the gracious herbs of the land to heal. Is this true?”

“She predicted her own death. But she convinced me to take her daughter and saved her life.”

“Mammas protect their babies.” She nods, “do you know the previous Oracle, Ime, was from my tribe? Oh yes, our tribes had many Oracles born, we know about visions from the Gods. I very much like to talk to this child.”

“Yes, of course,” she smiles, “she is around here somewhere…”

Before they continue, another cold prickle tickles her neck, but this one is familiar. Her stomach sinks to her feet. Taking a deep breath and she excuses herself from the group. Gathering what tattered strands of courage she has left; she turns to greet the last official on her list. He draws nearer, wearing his traditional Imperial Robes. Aware of Eclipse’s careful eyes from across the room, she gives a formal bow to Chancellor Godfrey. She is the queen, but she still answers to the Gods and thus, she answers to him.

“It is an honour, Chancellor.” His grey hair curls are cut into a military fashion. Not a button or thread is out of place. He walks with a commanding presence that draws all eyes on them. The last time they spoke he removed her from the Academy. Now he’s here, half a continent away from the Kingdom of Ancients, glaring down at her one more time. “I trust your journey was pleasant.”

“I should have suspected your first official act will be as sacrilegious as engaging in a fatal battle with the Holy Kingdom.”

“With all due respect, they attacked me first.”

“And you unleashed your army without a second thought to negotiations. You are careless, Mistress Mage.”

“I did what I had to in order to protect my people, Lord Chancellor.”

“Only time will tell if that is true,” his cold grey eyes burn through her, noting her flaws as if her presence revolts him. “This is the Mage you became. I stand by my statement two years ago. You will destroy this kingdom.”

His accusations from that day flood back. Her body still trembled from the night before, the smell of death still clinging to her nostrils. And there he was gripping his pulpit like it would knock him into the fires of Chaos. She barely understood; her body weak and her memory trapped in a fog. But his voice rang clear. Murderer! Corrupt Deplorable Heathen! The Gods turn Their eyes from you!

“You’re wrong Chancellor,” her voice is a whisper.

“You refuse to learn your lesson. You continue to endorse radical behaviour and rationalize it as justice. Allan turned his back on us but at least he saw reason. Rumours of your victory over this Kipling gentleman reached the ears of the Council. We all agree such power should not reside in one being. Those who doubted me before see my concern now. You should be dead, Mistress Mage, and the fact you survived is not a testament to your power but an omen of our own destruction.”

“Chancellor,”

“Your Guardian ensured your rank. Despite your supporters on the Council, I am still the final authority. You avoided punishment from your actions at the Academy but believe me when I say; your luck is running out. We will not be pressured to submit to you, no matter what abilities you wield. The power of one will not overpower the many. Do you understand, Mistress Mage?”

“I know my place, Chancellor.”

“No, you never have, and that is what troubles me most.”

It takes everything in her, to keep herself together. She has no defense, no one to protect her and once more it is her against him. Staring into his eyes, summons everything between fear, hatred, shame, and violence. But her body remains rigid; it never forgot the years of training. Look straight ahead, don’t move, don’t talk. It’s all she can do until he turns away. Exiting through the door he came without another word. She doesn’t register Nicole’s hand on her arm. The kindness rocks her from her numbness, and she allows her friend to lead her away.

“It's fine,” she wipes the tears threatening her eyes, “it’s nothing he hasn’t said before.”

“But you are the queen of the capital of Umara now. That must mean something. He can not treat you like some student, not anymore.”

“Don’t worry, Kitten, she got this under control. Chancellor Godless is applying a fear tactic. She’s more competition than he thought. Here you go Angel, thought you’ll need one of these,” he hands her a glass of wine. She pours it down her throat to quell the sobs bubbling to the surface.

“Slow down there, we still have the rest of the night to get through.”

“You shouldn’t be here, what if the king sees you?” Nicole whispers, glancing at Castellan.

“Not to worry, there are other pretty things for him to admire.” He points to the giggling countess the king flirts with. “See?” But Moira can’t ignore Cecelia’s occasional glances towards him.

“What is going on between—”

“Did you know Lex is retiring?” Zack inserts himself between them. His uniform jacket is askew, his hair falls into his eyes, and his face demands answers.

“I am his employer. Of all the people I am the one who needed to know.”

“And you didn’t tell me?”

“I thought he was going to tell you?”

“Yea, fifteen minutes ago.”

“C'mon buddy, there’s no way you were the last to know,”

“Wait, even you knew?”

“You can’t hold it against him? He earned it,” She interjects.

“You’re right...” he relaxes his shoulders. “He never mentioned retirement in the past. Let alone when. I’m sorry, it's frustrating when he effortlessly orders me around but can’t tell me this.”

“Are all you soldier types this out of touch with your feelings?”

“Lex said he told you who’s replacing him.”

“He offered his suggestion and I have taken it under advisement. From my understanding Theodore Pyle demonstrated exemplary bravery during the battle and your report outlines his effectiveness at Bellavere. I believe he deserves recognition.”

“Very well.” He mutters, he bows and turns to leave.

“Get back here you idiot,” Chris grabs him, “she’s joking, Moira tell the truth.”

“I am. I have every intention of recognizing Lieutenant Pyle’s accomplishment. But,” she pauses, “Lex suggested he be promoted to First Lieutenant.”

“But who is… to replace Lex?”

“The honour of General and Commander of the Queen’s Army is yours if you want it,” she offers him her hand. “What do you say?”

“It’ll be my honour, Your Majesty,” he grins shaking her hand.

“Welcome aboard General Dawson.”

“See, happy endings all around!” Chris pulls them into a tight hug, “We need more wine!” he squeezes them before searching for a servant to bother.

“May I speak to you, alone?” The light from the party bathes the balcony in warmth as the inky sky shimmers with stars. He leads her to a secluded corner where, ignoring the handful of guests, he draws her close. It reminds her of when he pulled her from the balcony. His scent, his soft words; his body so close to hers. “I’ll be your General, but only on one condition.”

“I can’t promise I won’t get Alexanderia roped into a war…”

“I’m certain I will be more active than my uncle ever was." He takes her hands and gazes into her eyes. “Moira, for the love of the Gods, promise me you won’t do anything as reckless as challenging someone like Kipling alone again.”

“Would you rather me sit by the fire and embroider?”

“If I can be frank, your embroidery is awful. I want to help you win, or fight, or even lose. I accept your tendencies for engaging in dangerous acts, but there is an entire army at your disposal…most importantly... you’ll have me.”

“If I agree you'll be subjected to all my absurd ideas.”

“As long as I reserve the right to acknowledge your ideas are absurd.”

“If you must.”

“You accept my terms?” he rubs his fingers over her hand. Her heart pumps faster, but she isn’t afraid. When she first met him, she never wanted to see his face again. Now fate has placed him directly on her path. But she can’t imagine the next part of her life without him by her side.

“Yes, I suppose a good General is hard to find.”

“Hey, you two,” Chris calls from the doorway, “you’re not going to make me carry all these glasses by myself, are you?” he drops her hand to help his friend with the three glasses teetering in his hands. “Eclipse said the show was about to start,” he passes her a glass then takes one from Zack. “Didn’t want to miss anything so I grabbed two.”

“What show?”

“I dunno, he said it's a surprise for you. Gift from Lollardum, apparently.”

“I don’t like surprises.”

“Moira!” Sara pushes through the crowd and yanks her hand, “Eclipse said I can stay and watch.” As the crowd gathers outside, Eclipse roars and calls for the guests' attention.

“Tonight is a joyous occasion!” Castellan booms, “Lollardum discovered something absolutely astounding and tonight is the best time to show the world. A new queen and a new discovery all rolled into one. So, please turn your eyes to the sky and witness—”

A whoosh hurtles across the air followed by an explosion of reddish-orange lights sprinkling the shimmering stars. Pops echo over the kingdom while sparks fizzle into whizzing spirals. The crowd cheers, she’s speechless, never had she seen coloured fire before. She scoops Sara into her arms, and she points to the next shape.

Even Eclipse, watches the display with a kitten-light curiosity. She notices a passing glance between Chris and Zack, a foreboding conversation she isn’t privy too. Surveying the crowd, she spies Beckham standing with the lords of her court. Tomorrow the real test of her rule begins. He nods, acknowledging her existence but he’s the next challenge to conquer. Embroidered on his robes is his coat of arms; a black crow’s head on a silver background. How befitting, considering the bird picks the bones of the dead.

“Moira look!” Sara squeals as the sky erupts into a burst of spinning whirls. “Can we have these every night?”

She embraces the sense of calm created by her new family. She doesn’t know what the morning brings, nor did she care. The Gods can keep their ghoulish visions to themselves. Because for the first time in what felt like an eternity, the storm inside her is at peace.