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“No, a house of representatives,” Abbie whispers back.

“So, I will now read the representatives of each faction. I believe with working with each other, we can continue to grow as a united kingdom, a community based on trust and the wellbeing of everyone. I understand a lot of you were hesitant with what I asked but I can assure you we have seen the error of our ways and that is why we asked for your input, have your say and to let our community continue to grow.”

I continue watching as he calls out a man and woman from each species as a representative for their area. Victor and Patricia are chosen for the human faction. Aldrin and his wife for The Fae faction. I am surprised to see Taylor is called for the Werewolves along with another male wolf, and a man and woman for the Vampires. Lastly, only Abigail for the Witches since there are hardly any left.

Silas comes back to the table, sitting next to me and draping his arm across my shoulders while people chatter excitedly amongst themselves. After a while of people snacking, chatting and drinking, Silas turns to me.

“I have a surprise for you and everyone else.”

“What is it?” I ask, and he looks toward the fountain.

“I wanted to show that I accept you being Fae. I also wanted to show everyone that this is a time for change, so remember those rocks you saw Matitus hauling around?” I nod. “They are actually ruins of the Fae Kingdom, your bloodline’s Kingdom,” he says, standing up and grabbing everyone’s attention once more.

“If everyone would like to follow me, I have something to show you, something to mark this day in history. A reminder of our past but also our future now that we stand as one people,” Silas says. Silas holds his hand out to me, and I let him pull me to my feet. I follow him, anxious to see the giant stones.

We wait while everyone gathers around. Matitus hands Darshan to Dakari and comes over with Dragus to stand beside us.

Everyone eagerly waits to see what is under the sheet. Silas nods toward me, “Go on,” he says pushing me forward to pull off the sheet. I tug on it. The sheet falls and I gasp in amazement. There are giant figures standing, facing each other against a wall. The wall behind it is about 20 feet long and has LED lights attached, illuminating everything. I am mesmerized. Like the cradle, the stones are carved to perfection. Standing in the middle is a huge Fae with wings looking up at a Dragon. It’s so detailed that I can even make out its scales. Those two figures stand the tallest as the Fae’s wings spread out behind her and the Dragons as it gazes at her with honor and respect. Three smaller statues are kneeling, facing the crowd with hands joined, easily identifiable as Vampire, human, and Witch. A Werewolf is laying on the bottoms of the statue, just above the water at their feet.

Murmurs ripple through the crowd as they look up at the marvellous statue representing each faction coming together as one, our kingdom’s people coming together as one. Turning around after marveling at the masterpiece, I look out at the crowd who seem to all bow their heads in respect, turning back to the statue. Taking a closer look, I notice the wall behind the statue and the gold plaques attached to it. I walk around the statue to get a closer look, tears slipping down my face as Aldrin steps forward too. I find Marians and my grandmother’s names along with a plaque for each bloodline of each species, Aziza being at the top center of the wall along with Helcate and Zena.

People approach, eager to search for their family’s name, to represent all those they lost.

“You like it?” Silas asks behind me. I nod, completely unable to find words. “Took Aldrin and I hours to find the last name of each family in the kingdom and the bloodlines that are gone completely,” he says.

“How many plaques?” I ask at the overwhelming number along the wall.

“Just under 5000 plaques representing each family name, plus two special plaques one for the woman who raised my Queen and one for Marian, the woman who died for her,” he says.

“A memorial for all those lost,” Matitus says, inclining his head.

I nod, tears springing in my eyes along with half the crowd when they realize their families’ names are on it.

Hours pass and after the feast, everyone moves to the amusement park that has been constructed for the celebration. Kids going off to play while everyone mingles. It is by far one of the happiest days this kingdom has seen. At the end of the evening, fireworks are let out, much to the delight of all the children. Even the elderly take out picnic blankets to watch as the sky explodes in sparks of color, signalling the night’s end.

I am so absorbed watching the fireworks that I never see them leave, only realising when Abbie taps my shoulder. “Come we should head back to the castle,” she says. I nod, following her and Dakari back. Last I saw, Silas had Darshan so I assume he must be putting him to bed. Only when I come to the front of the castle, I stop to stare at the statue that sits in the center near the front gates, the wall behind it illuminating under the lights along with the statue. Abigail tugs my arm, opening the doors to the castle where I find candles running along the floor. Confused, I follow them only to turn around and ask Abbie what’s going on when I notice she is gone, and I am standing in the corridor by myself. Hmm, I think.

I follow the candles thinking about the chances of them burning the castle down and what a bastard it’s going to be to blow them all out. They are even on the stairs along with rose petals as I reach the bedroom door, I push it open.

“Do you have any idea how long it is going to take to blow those candles out,” I tell them, shutting the door only to turn around and find them all on one knee.

“Elora Aziza, will you marry us?” I stare at them, a grin lighting up my face seeing my Kings on their knees for me.