Page 86 of The Iron Vow

The rulers of Summer and Winter returned to their courts as well, and as far as I know, everything went back to normal, or as normal as it can be in the Nevernever. Lord Oberon still rules the Seelie Court and finds excuses to go hunting as often as he can. Queen Titania...is Queen Titania, and will continue to be so, to the dismay of everyone who knows her. Mab still rules with an icy fist, the Unseelie are still bloodthirsty and dangerous, and the two courts will continue to squabble with each other until the end of time.

In most respects, Faery has not really changed that much. Somewhere across the River of Dreams, the Wolf roams the Deep Wyld, waiting for the next exciting hunt. Grimalkin still lurks somewhere in the wyldwood, collecting favors and being a cat. I hear he keeps company with Gilleas now, the two of them discussing the history of the Nevernever and Evenfall. I can only imagine the conversations between two ancient, immortal creatures that have been around since the beginning of Faery. I hope they do not drive each other to distraction.

Puck kept his promise to Nyx, and after everything had calmed down with the Evenfey, the two of them vanished for a while. I expect they are off seeing the world together and getting into all sorts of trouble. I wish them happiness, and I hope Puck does not stir uptoomuch chaos. Though if he does, Nyx is perfectly capable of rescuing them both. Other Nyx and Varyn made their way to the Between, to Touchstone, the capital of the Forgotten Kingdom, and pledged their loyalty to King Keirran. We are still unsure if some Forgotten could be Evenfey that were trapped on the opposite side of the seal, but now they have the Order of the Crescent Blades protecting them and their city. Many Forgotten seem content to stay in the Between, in their land of gloom and shadows, but they now have the option to leave should they wish it.

And the Iron Prince himself? He kept his position as King of the Forgotten and welcomed all Evenfey and exiles into his kingdom. These days, you can sometimes see him in the Nevernever, in the Iron Court or visiting the lands of Winter. As Queen Mab irately directed the Iron rulers not long after the Evenfey returned: “Tell my grandson, now that he is no longer in exile, that I expect to see him at the Winter Court more than once in a blue moon. Just because he is a king does not mean he can ignore familial responsibilities.” Ash promised he would send Keirran to Tir Na Nog with a formal apology and cookies. It is always a good idea to keep the rulers appeased, especially if they are family.

And that is the story of the girl who went into Faery, fell in love, had a family, and saved the world with everyone together. I wanted to tell you, becauseyou’llbe a part of this world soon, and you will need to understand what has happened, the complex history you’ve been born into. I’m afraid your life is going to be very far from normal, but don’t worry. Your faery godmother—and your entire family—will be here to make sure you’re all right.

“And how does the story end?”

I looked up from my chair. Ethan stood in the doorway, smiling into the room, his gaze not on me but on what I held. I looked down at the infant in my arms and saw she was asleep, blue eyes closed and dark hair feathering over her forehead.

I smiled back. “It doesn’t,” I whispered. “There is no end, no happily-ever-after. There is always a next chapter, another part to the tale. The ending of one story is only the beginning of the next adventure.”

“Well, hopefully not for a few years, at least.” Ethan came into the room, and I rose, Alexia Meghan Chase snoozing peacefully against me, tiny hands curled into fists. Soft voices drifted into the room, and through the doorway, I could see Ash and Kenzie in the living room, sitting on the couches with two massive dogs at their feet. The scene was so surreally normal that, for a moment, I stood there and let the utter contentment and happiness wash over me. We were alive, and I was surrounded by family and the people I loved the most. Even if they weren’t physically present, I would see them again. Another story had come to an end, but a new one was just beginning.

I relaxed, bending to kiss my niece’s forehead as her father stepped in to claim her. Her eyes opened, two tiny crystal pools gazing up at me, and I smiled.

“I’ll see you in the Nevernever soon.”

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