Page 347 of A Flame of the Phoenix

Tarly smirked, waving him off as if it were nothing and heading around him to lean on the stone railing. “I didn’t really do it for you,” he said nonchalantly.

“Still, it was remarkable what you did. All this time, you’ve thought yourself powerless when you were harboring the greatest ability of us all.”

“Don’t give me too much praise. It’s weird.”

Nik chuckled, leaning over the balcony with him and watching the sun set over the burning horizon. It made him think of Faythe, who would be heading home to Rhyenelle any day now.

“Will you be going to Lakelaria or Olmstone?” Nik asked.

“I’m not the heir of Olmstone. I can’t explain how it doesn’t feel right. But I know my sister will make a great queen when she comes of age, and I’ll do whatever I need to until then.”

“For what it’s worth, I think you would make a great king.”

“I hope to be…for her.” Tarly’s gaze slipped briefly across to Nerida, who now sat with Tauria on the outside chaise by the window.

Tarly was more selfless and devoted than Nik had bothered to see before.

“Nerida is claiming her throne then? I’m glad.”

“There’s going to be a lot to learn for both of us.”

“You can call to us for anything. Anytime you need,” Nik offered.

Tarly straightened, and his mouth quirked. “Let’s hope that isn’t too soon.”

Nik hesitated, then he remembered the war they’d just survived and pulled Tarly into a firm embrace. “I mean it,” he said.

Tarly looked stunned when Nik let him go, but to save the awkwardness, Nik turned toward Tauria and Nerida.

“Is it just me, or do they look to be conspiring?” Tarly mused.

Nik huffed a laugh. “Your hope of not seeing me too much too soon might already be thwarted.”

As they got closer, Tauria’s eyes sparkled as they looked up at him. She said, “We were just talking about how we want the world to know we share a father. Nerida is no less legitimate—there’s no reason to hide it.”

Nik’s hand slipped over her shoulder. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

“The kingdoms of Ungardia have never been so united in bonds of blood and friendship. It’s a new age for the people,” Tarly said thoughtfully.

“It’s the new age we all fought and sacrificed for,” Tauria said, standing.

Nik pulled her to him with an arm around her waist as they watched the sun’s fleeting rays. Nerida and Tarly stood beside them, with the wolves between them.

“I didn’t expect to be a part of it all, but I’m so happy not to be hiding anymore,” Nerida said quietly.

Tauria took her hand. “No more hiding. Now, we reign.”

Nik found Faythe in the Eternal Woods. She kept her back to him, staring into the waterfall lake that no longer glowed with yucolites. They had been a beautiful sight, but much more so was the healthy and alive picture of his dear friend standing before him. The yucolites had always taken a liking to Faythe, and Nik was beholden to them for giving her their life force.

“Here we are,” Nik said, sauntering up with his hands in his pockets. He watched the water ripple with their reflections. “The Phoenix Queen and the half-adequate king in the woods.”

Faythe chuckled lightly, pushing into his side. “You’ve always been more than adequate,” she said.

“Don’t give me too much praise—it’ll get to my head.”

Her smile faltered, and Nik felt the weight on his own happiness too.

He said, “I’m going to make sure they’re remembered. Jakon and Marlowe are High Farrow citizens who contributed immensely to the war. We wouldn’t be here without them. So their statues will be built in the market square.”

---