“Thank you,” I nodded at Kalian, who stood up straight. “I would also like to suggest that you resume your position as General to the army. There’s no one as qualified as you to lead them in the protection of your people.”
At that, he couldn’t remain expressionless. His eyes shined as tears began to pool in his eyelids, and a smile I’d never seen on his face emerged. He nodded rapidly. “Th-thank you, your majesty. I hope I can do the job well.”
I smiled brightly at him and nodded. “Finally, I’d like to appoint the first two members of the cabinet and name them as Executive Ministers once the rest of parliament is formed. Darce and Rainier,” I looked to the two remaining members of Minerva’s council, the only two who’d been truly unaware and innocent of her plot against me, and the only two who’d given me the slightest impression that they wanted the best for people in the realm of the fae. Darce was an Unseelie woman, and Rainier was a Seelie man, both were strong-minded, and both were prepared to start making real changes to improve the lives of people there.
They both looked shocked and emotional at the request. Darce stood, followed by Rainier, and the two approached me. They both bowed without saying a word until, finally, Rainier stood and nodded. “I believe I speak for us both when I say we couldn’t be more pleased to serve in those roles.”
Darce stood and smiled at me like she wanted to hug me. I nodded at Kalian and muttered for him to lead the two of them behind the podium as I finished addressing the room. I turned back to the front and took another deep breath to steady myself and smiled. “I know this is a lot of change at one time. I know some of you might be skeptical or even scared. That’s okay. You’re welcome to ask those questions and voice your opinions. I know it won’t be easy or fast, but I hope one day to gain your trust.”
The fae began clapping once again. I bit the inside of my lip to keep my eyes from tearing up. I had felt a massive relief after I’d saved the mother and her baby, and I thought it was just because no one got hurt, but I began to realize it was deeper. I couldn’t explain how I knew this, but I just had a feeling. That was the moment that things truly shifted. What I’d seen on the Floor of Dreams, the world where people were revolting and killing each other, was no longer a possibility. I’d still keep an eye on some areas of the realm to make sure the chance never emerged for it to become a reality once again, but I felt, for the first time since I’d seen that vision, as though I could truly rest.
I dismissed the meeting, and in an instant, Daath and Syrion were by my side. Their smiles were subtle, but I could tell on both their faces that they were proud.
“You did well, little owl,” Daath smiled. “Not quite what I would have done, but-”
“You would have announced you were King and would kill anyone who tried to oppose that,” I laughed. He smirked and flexed an eyebrow.
“Well, probably. But you didn’t. And I must admit, this was a positive outcome.”
I nodded. “Thank you both for not interfering. I know it must have been hard.”
Syrion sighed and shook his head. “Watching you run at someone with a weapon drawn knowing we could end his life without you having to lift a finger was by far the most distressing thing I think I’ve ever done.” He put his arm around my shoulders and drew me close, kissing my head. “But you really didn’t need us.”
“You trained me well,” I shrugged, winking at the tall, silver-haired man.
“Myrcedes?” I turned to see Kalian behind me. I smiled at him, but his expression was serious.
“What’s wrong?”
“I do intend to thank you properly,” he nodded. “But for now, I thought it wise to ask what you want done with the Lieutenant.”
I blinked. I’d completely forgotten Bahz was there after Kalian let him go. I glanced over the General’s shoulder and saw the soldier in question surrounded by fae who were shouting at him. Amidst all the voices in the hall, I hadn’t noticed. I had to admit, I was a little proud that people were already tearing him apart over his rejection of my title. I smiled and looked back at Kalian.
“Well, as Prime Minister and General of the army, he’s one of your soldiers,” I nodded. “I believe it’s up to you entirely what should be done with him.”
The corner of his mouth twitched up as he tried to hide a cocky, satisfied smile. He nodded and turned to break up the group of fae.
“Excuse me,” he said in a commanding tone that seemed very well suited to an army General. The fae turned to look at who was interrupting their harassment of the man and quickly excused themselves, dispersing back into the rest of the crowd. Bahz glared daggers at Kalian.
“What the fuck do you want?”
“I want to know you’re going to be as loyal to your Queen as you were to your old one.”
He scoffed and opened his mouth to speak, but Kalian cut him off.
“I’m serious. I know how it feels to have your position stripped of you, Lieutenant.” Kalian took a threatening step towards Bahz. “Nothing else matters. Nothing else feels real. This has been your life since the moment you turned twenty, and you’re a hell of a lot older now, aren’t you?”
The pale soldier averted his eyes and swallowed hard.
“Yeah. I thought so. Your Queen has every right to call for your public execution, but
