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The Queen of Inselgrau Does Something New
The first thing Niffin noticed upon his return to Fallstaff was that Evie had, indeed, managed to repair the damage the Council of Magic and Le Poing Fermé had inflicted on her home. Other than a few bare patches of grass that had not yet grown in, no one would be able to tell that a Magic battle had raged on these grounds only four short months before. Fallstaff was no palace—Niffin had seen enough of those to know the difference—but anyone who came upon this inimitable house would never doubt that someone of great substance and power lived there.
The next things Niffin noticed were the smells. He dragged in a long, deep breath as he dismounted Khosha near Fallstaff’s stables and handed off the reins to a young stableboy. Niffin recognized the scents of frying dough, caramelizing sugar, and the buttery odor of fresh popcorn. He held up his arms and caught Malita as she slid down from the saddle. He fastened the closures on his wool coat while she readjusted the lay of her fleece-lined cloak. Winter in Inselgrau was harsher than the perpetually warm climate of Nri, and they had yet to acclimate.
Niffin took Malita’s hand, and they strode across the lawn, heading not for Fallstaff’s front door but for the rolling acres of open field behind the house. Music swelled as they approached the grand affair spread across Evie’s estate. He recognized the sound of a Fantazike band practicing an old folk tune. Joy inflated his heart until he thought it would burst. Along the edges of the woods bordering the estate, the Fantazikes had moored their ships. They bobbed in the stiff breeze, and their silvery, iridescent balloons rippled like the surface of a pond on a sunny winter day.
His people had set up their usual fair with boxing rings, trinket booths, and music pavilion, but the attractions were mixed in among a collection of large, colorful wagons with arcing rooftops. Each wagon featured a painted mural or scrolling calligraphy that identified the troop as Le Cirque De Merveilles Mécanique. In the center of the field stood a tremendous red-and-white-striped tent.
The roar of an excited crowd exploded from the tent, explaining why the field appeared mostly empty. Niffin arched an eyebrow at Malita. She smiled and nodded. They hurried for the tent, hoping they’d arrived in time to catch the performance before it ended.
As Niffin stepped through the door flaps, the sound of pounding hooves drew his attention to the large ring in the center of the tent. A young woman in a spangled and glittering costume stood perfectly balanced on the back of perhaps the most amazing creature Niffin had ever seen—and that was quite a feat considering all the places he’d travelled and all the wonders he’d witnessed. The creature was a horse—no, a unicorn, and the entire thing was constructed of brass, steel, gears, cogs, and metallic joints that clinked in rhythm with the thudding of its hooves.
Awe froze Niffin in place as the girl raised her hands, steadied herself, then leapt from the unicorn’s saddle. She executed a midair somersault and landed soundly on both feet. A bright grin split her face, and the crowd roared and cheered. Niffin couldn’t help cheering along with them.
The girl bowed to the crowd. Then she rose and seemed to focus on a particular section of the audience. She strode forward and bowed again, lower, with more deference. Niffin stepped further into the tent and searched the crowds, looking for the recipient of the performer’s regard. He spotted Evie, resplendent in a bright-purple cloak, her hair arranged in a simple twist.
Gideon stood at her right shoulder. Understated gold braiding adorned the lapel of his black wool jacket, cut in a military style with brass buttons and a short collar. He undoubtedly took his new role as Captain of the Guard seriously and had dressed for the part. He leaned down and spoke to the person beside him, a girl who shared his coloring and facial features. His sister, Marlis, perhaps?
Niffin also recognized the young people at Evie’s left shoulder: Brahm and Hannah Schulze. Niffin pinned his top lip between his teeth to keep it from curling. Brahm had proven to be a reliable sort, but his sister was a rotten terror. Still, it didn’t surprise Niffin to find her there. Evie was generous and had a big heart. She’d want to share her success with anyone who contributed to it.
He scanned the other faces in the crowd and found Brigette standing behind Evie, looking healthier and a little plumper than the last time he’d seen her. Having a home, a purpose, and a regular diet of djageesh had made quite a difference. He picked out the faces of his own family next—his grandmother, father, mother, sister, and even his sister’s fiancé, Benoit. A burning ache filled Niffin’s throat, but he swallowed it. He touched the scar that had formed over his ribs from the bullet that had pierced him months before. When he’d left with Evie from the fields in Varynga upon Justina’s orders, he had feared he might never see his people or his family again. He’d feared that following Evie might’ve meant facing his death sooner rather than later.
But as Justina had routinely repeated to her people: “Everything will come together the right way in the end. If it is not right, then it is not the end.”
He snugged an arm around Malita, pulled her close, and pressed a kiss to her soft, warm cheek. She smelled of lilacs, like the soap his grandmother made.
The trick-riding girl took the reins of her mechanical unicorn and strode out of the ring. A dashing young man in jodhpurs and a red tailcoat jogged into the center of the tent, taking her place. Falak Savin, the ringmaster. Niffin had met him briefly after he and his family had travelled to Barsava to pick up Evie and Gideon.
Falak raised his hands, and the crowd quieted. “Ladies and gentlemen, another round of applause for the astounding Genevieve.” He paused while the audience whistled and clapped. Once they settled down again, he continued. “On behalf of Le Cirque De Merveilles Mécanique, I’d like to express our sincerest gratitude to the Lady of Thunder for her patronage and for hosting us here on the lovely island of Inselgrau. We will be touring your fair country for the rest of the month, so if you enjoyed our show, please spread the word.” He beamed at the crowd and bowed dramatically. “Thank you all for coming.”
The rest of the circus performers jogged in through a rear entrance and joined the ringmaster for more bows and curtsies. A band played exit music while the audience funneled out of the tent, returning to the fairgrounds outside. As if Niffin and Malita were lead and Evie were a magnet, she strode straight to them. Without hesitation or formality, the queen of Inselgrau threw her arms first around Malita and then around Niffin. Her eyes sparkled as she pulled away. “You almost missed the show,” she said, dabbing at her eyes.
Niffin shrugged. “Better late than never, right? There was a storm in the channel that delayed us. Too bad you were not there to facilitate our travels.”
Evie chuckled. “Well, I’m glad you’re here now. I was feeling a bit out of sorts without you.”
Niffin buffed his knuckles on his lapel. “That is what all the ladies say.”
Malita shoved an elbow into his ribs, and he chuckled.
Three more joined the impromptu meeting—Brigette, Gideon, and the girl who must have been his sister, Marlis. Behind them appeared Brahm and Hannah Schulze. Last to arrive was the ringmaster, Falak, and the trick rider, Genevieve.
“Does everyone know everybody?” Evie asked. Once the proper introductions were made, Evie motioned for her friends to follow her. “Let’s go to the house. Gerda has something for us to eat, I’m sure.”
Niffin glanced at his family, who had gathered several feet away, waiting for the opportunity to approach. He released Malita’s hand and squeezed her shoulder. “Go ahead. I will catch up to you soon.”
Malita glanced at his family and nodded. “I will tell Evie.”
Evie’s group filed out of the tent, leaving Niffin alone with his family and a few circus employees who had started sweeping up.
“My son!” Emorelle hurried over and hugged him, squeezing him tightly enough to make his ribs creak. “I was not sure we would ever see you again.”
After she released him he hugged his father, his sister, and his grandmother in turn. He and Benoit shook hands.
“We have already talked to Evie,” Timony said. “She told us everything that has happened since you left us in Varynga. But it is not the same as seeing you ourselves.” He slapped Niffin’s back. “We have missed you, boy.”
“I missed you, too, Papa.” A flush lit his cheeks. “I think of you every day.”
“We have asked Justina to rescind her orders so you can come home. For good.” Emorelle wiped her eyes and frowned. “She says she will not take back her orders, but she will give you the freedom to decide for yourself. You can stay here...” She waved her hand about, generally indicating Evie’s estate. “Or you can leave with us.”
Niffin’s stomach twisted. Months ago, if he’d been given this option, he would never have hesitated to return to his home in the skies. But he’d been out in the world, living as his own person, an individual with the freedom to make his own choices and fulfill his own destiny. There was comfort and safety in returning to his parents’ ship, but there were confines, rules, and expectations there, as well—ones that didn’t necessarily mesh with his own evolving identity. He’d left his childhood behind. His life was his own now.
Everything, as it currently was, seemed all right, and he hoped that meant this was the end of the bad things, particularly the end of trials and tribulations, of fighting and wandering, of fear and uncertainty. Because, as far as endings went, he couldn’t think of anything better than this new life he was building for himself. He had a home here on Inselgrau with a new family, and one that floated in the sky with an old family he would always love, and who would always be a part of him, no matter where he went. He had Malita, which never should’ve happened, but somehow it had. He had joy, hope, and love, and he’d try his best to live out his days never taking those things for granted.
“I will stay here,” Niffin said.
His mother opened her mouth, presumably to object, but he raised a hand, and she paused. That was new. His mother had never withheld her opinion before.
“On the condition that I can return home whenever I like, and you will always make a place for me.”
Timony’s brow furrowed. “Of course, Niffin. No matter what, no matter where we go, we will always be your family.”
“You will make room for Malita too?”
A muscle jumped under his mother’s eye, but his father never hesitated. “Are you going to marry her?”
“If she will have me.”
Timony laughed. Emorelle snorted. His sister and her fiancé gave each other conspiratorial winks. Puri clapped her hands, obviously delighted.
With their most pressing issues addressed and concluded, Niffin’s family exited the circus tent and roamed the grounds together, sharing stories of the things that happened during their time apart. A miniscule black cloud sailed over his head and issued a perfunctory bark of thunder.
Niffin snorted and flicked an eyebrow. “I believe that the queen is summoning me.”
As his family returned to the fair, he strolled across the wide field toward Fallstaff. He entered through Gerda’s garden. Except for a few cabbages, squashes, and hearty herbs, her garden had gone dormant for the winter, but she had obviously cleaned out the weeds, trimmed back the ivy, and neatened everything for the coming spring. From the kitchen, he followed the sound of voices and found Evie in the room that had once been her father’s office. Gone were the swords and shields from the walls. In their place hung an assortment of colorful paintings and mirrors reflecting the sunlight. He took a seat beside Malita on the sofa across from Brahm and Hannah.
Falak, Genevieve, and Marlis had taken chairs near the window, and Genevieve basked in the sunlight like a cat. Evie sat behind her father’s desk, fingers tented together under her chin. Steadfast and watchful, Gideon stood at her right shoulder, arms behind his back.
“You’re all here because you’re my most trusted friends,” Evie said. “I wanted to thank you in person for everything you’ve done to make it possible for me to be here.” She narrowed her eyes. “Even you, Hannah.”
The blond girl across from Niffin scowled but said nothing.
“I owe each one of you my life. My people owe you their gratitude, and in time I hope legends are passed around that memorialize your deeds, your feats of bravery, and your generosity.”
Evie waggled her fingers at Gideon. He produced a small box that he must have been holding at his back and set it on the desk before her. She popped it open and revealed the contents. The velvet lining made a sumptuous presentation for one thin jeweled band and two matching lapel pins. Each pin was constructed from a collection of jagged diamonds, shaped to resemble a lightning bolt. The band was obviously a diadem of sorts, but it was so simple and understated it hardly seemed like something a queen should wear.
Adopting a look of pure devastation, Hannah gasped. “Oh, Evie, what have you done? Please tell me those aren’t the diamonds from your crown?”
Evie gave Hannah a cool smile, obviously enjoying the girl’s distress. “Tonight is the ceremony for my coronation. But instead of what my ancestors have always done in the past, I thought I would do something new.” She pointed at the pins. “My power comes not just from within me but also from the beliefs of my people. Their faith is the check and balance to my divinity, keeping me from becoming something terrible and uncontrollable. I think the people should also be the check and balance on my ability to wield the law.
“So for that reason, I’ll announce the institution of a new form of government in Inselgrau. A triumvirate of sorts, with representatives chosen by the people. The power to control this country will not lie solely in my hands but will be spread among two others, two regular people with no Magic, no divine blood in their veins.”
Brahm leaned forward, obviously intrigued. “And how will these representatives be chosen?”
“By a popular election. I’ve been studying in my spare time—”
Gideon snorted at that statement, and Evie shot him a wry look.
“And I’ve devised a system.” She pointed at Malita. “I’m hoping you’ll help me implement it. It’s not designing and installing a village water system, but it’s not exactly herding goats, either.”
Malita stiffened. She turned to Niffin and searched his face.
He knew Malita almost as well as he knew himself. “You can handle it,” he said. “It is the perfect job for you.”
A tentative smile played on her lips. “You believe so?”
“I do.”
Malita faced Evie again. “Then I would be... honored.”
Evie turned to Brahm and Hannah. “I haven’t forgotten my promise to you two, either. Neither have I forgotten the conditions of that promise. I will not wage open war against Aeolus Daeg, but I will sign a contract to purchase goods from your foundry. I’ll encourage other Inselgrish businesses to do the same, at least until the day Inselgrau builds a reliable foundry of its own. I’ll do whatever I can to promote business with the Schulzes, and I’ll openly shun the Daegs. I’ll do everything I can from here to destroy him financially and socially, but I won’t kill him.”
Hannah’s eyes gleamed. “I’d rather watch him die a poor and broken man, anyway.”
Evie turned her gaze to Niffin. “And you... I’ve already talked to Justina. I know the choice she gave you. Have you made a decision?”
Warmth rose from Niffin’s stomach into his cheeks. For once he had nothing clever to say. So instead, he offered the sweet, simple truth. “I’m staying. This is my home now.” He squeezed Malita’s hand. “You are my family.”
Evie exhaled, shoulders slumping with obvious relief. Had she really been worried he wouldn’t stay? Did she really want him that badly?
“You’re my family too,” she said. “All of you.”
Evie rose from her desk, and everyone else stood. She stopped as if surprised that they had all followed her cue. They had always followed her. Maybe someday that would stop surprising her.
“Um, that concludes our business. So... let’s get back to the party.”
As a unit, they all walked out of the room, out of the house, and into the brisk winter cold and sunshine. No clouds marred the bright-blue sky, but an unexpectedly balmy breeze blew up from the fairgrounds, encircling them like an embrace. A warm hug. The loving affection of an appreciative queen demonstrating her contentment and joy.
Her family was here, reunited as one.
At long last, they were all finally home.
—-THE END—-
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