Page 276 of Of Masks and Fury

“People are signing up for the first realm-wide Rite of Bonds this summer,” she said.

Candidates from all the courts would compete together, learning from each other. Trade agreements had already been established. Magic users were coming forward without fear.

Trew’s pride flowed through our bond. “You’ve accomplished a lot in just a few months.”

“I had a good example.” Addie looked at me. “Someone who showed me that real strength isn’t about maintaining power. It’s about knowing when to stomp on something that’s rotten and build something better in its place.”

My throat closed off. “You were always better at politics than me.”

“Maybe, but you were always better at burning things down when they needed burning. And Caldrith needed you to raze it to the ground before I could build it back up.”

We hugged, sisters who’d survived everything our father and the world had thrown at us.

“The nightmares still come sometimes,” Addie whispered. “The tower. Lord Alfred’s face. The feeling of the veil tearing me apart.”

“I have them too.” I squeezed her hands. “Father’s whip. The mask I hated wearing. All those faces watching me preside over death while pretending we were giving mercy.”

“But we’re healing.”

“We are.”

I held her tight, both of us blinking back tears. When we separated, she smiled through the wetness.

“Let’s set up monthly visits,” she said. “We’ll alternate kingdoms. One month you come to Caldrith, and the next I’ll come here.”

“I’d like that.”

She glanced around, making sure no one was close enough to overhear, then leaned in to speak by my ear. “Don’t tell anyone yet. Fenmark and I haven’t made a public announcement. I’m pregnant.” The words came out in a rush, her face coloring with happiness. “It’s early still, but I’m going to be a mother, Isi, and you’re going to be an aunt. I thought if we have a girl I’d name her Marlane.”

“Mother would love that.” I grabbed her in another hug, this one fierce enough to make her laugh. “That’s incredible. Amazing. Perfect.” Her eyes shone with tears. “Everything our father feared, we’ll embrace. Everything he tried to destroy, we’ll nurture and protect.”

“Exactly. I can’t wait to hold our precious child in my arms.”

The music shifted to something slower, more intimate, and we swayed together, happy with the choices we’d made and the lives we were building.

Finally, Trew raised his hand for silence. The crowd gradually quieted, conversation dying down as people turned to face their king.

“Thank you all for celebrating with us tonight,” he said, his voice carrying across the space. “Three months ago, we sealed the veil and ended a threat that had plagued our land for far too long. But the changes we’ve been implementing go beyond only defeating the Skathes.”

He gestured to where several large creatures stood at the ballroom’s edges, Beast Council representatives in their small forms, invited to witness this announcement.

“After extensive consultation with the Beast Council, we’re making changes to the Rite of Bonds. The trials will still testcandidates’ worthiness, and they’ll still demand courage, strength, and the ability to work together. But we’re implementing safety measures that should’ve existed from the beginning.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Some sounded approving, others uncertain.

I stepped forward to stand beside him. “Companions who reject a recruit will no longer kill them. Rejected recruits will have the opportunity to try again in future Rites or serve in other capacities within the kingdom. There are many ways to contribute beyond bonding.”

More murmurs rang out, louder now. A few nobles looked scandalized at the idea of softening the Rite’s deadly nature.

“The first modified Rite will include recruits from Syllavar, Caldrith, and Velmire,” Trew said. “King Darvon has already sent word that twenty of his people are eager to participate, including himself. We’re building something bigger than any single kingdom, something that embraces differences instead of fearing them.”

The Beast Council representatives dipped their heads in unison, acknowledging the changes they’d helped shape.

A lord near the front spoke up. “But the danger made candidates prove themselves. Removing the threat of death takes away the motivation to excel.”

“Not really.” I met his eyes. “Honor isn’t found only in violence. Real strength is choosing life instead of death. Protecting your fellow recruits serves us all better than stepping over their bodies to claim victory.”

Silence held for a long moment.