It took time to clear the rubble and bury the humans of the Blue Guard who died when the balcony collapsed. Not surprisingly, none of the gnome guards (except those who had been struck down by the sword) were anywhere to be found in the palace. Gandr explained that they had probably escaped into the ground, leaving the human traitors to face their punishment.

They searched long and hard for Cafer, but he was among the missing when it was all said and done. Without that final sense of closure, they moved on and turned to a time of celebration.

——————

The whole city of Valiant was decorated with blue and white, and the palace was no exception. The banquet hall was filled with a feast that could rival any in the world. Aurora and Devrim sat at the head of a long u-shaped table. While a more stately meal with Valiant's nobility had occurred the day before, this celebration was far more intimate.

The eleven councilmen, the prince and princess, Aurora's ladies-in-waiting, Nanny, the two elves, Gandr, Nurlan and Junayd were among the company. Even Bolemir's fairy family was there. Both they and Phoca had received an invitation from Brinn through a message ball, but the latter had graciously declined. With everyone assembled, an unofficial wedding reception was being held.

"Congratulations on your marriage!" Bolemir said as he raised his glass. Everyone toasted.

Having finished eating, Alaron, Mairwen, Gede and even baby Niko were running around the table playing a game of tag. Mairwen stopped suddenly next to her mother. "Why do they keep congratulating you on your marriage, Mother? Haven't you been married, I don't know, forever?"

The adults all chuckled. "It certainly feels that way," Aurora agreed as she laid a loving hand on the Emperor Consort's arm.

"And may you have many more happy years!" Zan added. Everyone toasted again. The children went back to playing happily unaware of the joke.

"I'm sorry you will not be staying with us, Alvar," Nurlan said to the elf. "We can always use another good man...er...elf in the army."

Alvar took the compliment with a nod. "I must go back and report everything to Their Majesties and Ithel. Perhaps with some persuasion, our kingdom can be a healthier and happier place to be." He gave a meaningful glance to Brinn. "I do wish my fiancée were returning with me though." Alvar made a kissing face at Brinn, and she rolled her eyes playfully.

"I have many more years yet before I will be wed, Alvar. I am told absence makes the heart grow fonder. I will return when I am ready. For now, the Empress needs a spymaster, and who better than a shape-shifting elf to fill the job?" Brinn smiled and tossed her fiery red hair with pride.

"What about you? What will you do now?" Junayd asked Gandr.

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Gandr looked pensive, "I have some wrongs I need to right in the land of magic. After that, I am not sure."

Now it was Alaron's turn to pause the children's game. He came and sat on his mother's knee. "You never told us if you got the answer to the question, Mother."

Mairwen also ran over and sat on her Mother at these words. The weight on Aurora's lap was nearly too much, but she would not have traded these tender affections for anything. "Yes, Mother, did the Fates tell you who was born first?"

Aurora shook her head, "They did not, my loves." Then she got very quiet, so that everyone around the table leaned in to hear. "But the Maker himself told me. He told me it did not matter who was born first. Sometimes not knowing is a great gift." These children were hers to raise, and the order of their birth did not matter. It was actually a relief to all of them, because there was not the guilt that would have plagued Aurora if she knew that one of them had a legitimate claim to the throne. The Empress reached around her children for her goblet of juice. "To not finding the answers you seek, but finding the answers you need," she toasted. The rest raised their cups as well.

Alaron did not understand. "Then how will you name an heir?" Aurora opened her mouth to speak when a great wind filled the room.

A beautiful lady in white robes appeared at the far end of the table. Her colorless iries were made small by her smiling cheeks. "Did you think you could have a party without me?" she asked.

Everyone stood out of respect. Those who knew her grinned in return while the rest looked on in shocked wonder. It was obvious this was no normal woman. "Hanna!" Holding the hands of her little ones, Aurora walked to greet the Fate warmly.

Hanna dipped her head, "Your Majesties, and Little Highnesses." The Fate picked up a slice of delectable fruit and placed it in her mouth. "I never get tired of the taste of delicious food," she said. Aurora ignored her seemingly rude behavior; she was used to the Fate's eccentricities.

"I am glad you could join us, Hanna." Devrim joined his bride. "Do you know where Cafer is?"

"Devrim!" Aurora was appalled by her husband's forwardness, but the Fate took no offense.

"Even if I know, I cannot reveal that information, unfortunately." Hanna gave a sigh. There was a brief silence as they contemplated that even the Fates have limitations.

"Alaron just asked me who would be my heir," Aurora changed the subject.

"That is why I am here."

Aurora chuckled, "You do not trust me?" The Empress pretended to be offended. Then she bent down to the height of her children. "The heir will be revealed in due course. For now I have no desire to burden anyone with that title. It is not a mantle any child should have to bear." In a lighter tone she added, "Anyway, I plan to live a long life so that this will not be an issue for many years to come." Aurora tickled the twins' chins.

"Here here!" Zan cheered.

"You have become the leader we hoped you would be. The Maker chose well." Hanna's smile showed her approval.

Devrim took his wife's and daughter's hands and led the family back to their seats. He took his cup and lifted it in a toast. "To Aurora: the Keeper of my heart, Ruler of Valiant, and Empress of the World."

"Glory to the Empress!"

_*_*_*_*_*_*_

EPILOGUE:

Alaron walked back to his room inside the nursery. He stopped at the door. "Stay here," he told his personal guard.

"But Your Highness, you are not supposed to be left alone. Cafer is still not accounted for and he may yet come after you." The guard furrowed his brow.

"If he hasn't done it yet, I don't think he will. Can't I get a blessed moment to myself?!" Alaron shouted. The guard had heard about the prince's erratic mood swings since Cafer left, but this was the first time he had witnessed it himself. The Empress had instructed everyone to tread lightly for now and to inform her of any developments.

"Of course, Your Highness. I will wait just outside the door if you need me." The guard watched as Alaron slammed the door.

The boy checked to make sure no servants were in his room. He removed his sister's painting from above his bed to reveal a hidden compartment in the wall. Cafer had helped him dig it out many months before to hide things when they had been meeting secretly. Now it held a gilded mirror with a small rose on it. It was glowing. Holding the mirror firmly in both hands, Alaron viewed the message.

Cafer's face came into view. "I am sorry that my absence vexes you so much. I would not be away from you if not for the misunderstanding I had with your mother. I only had your best interest at heart. You know that. Someday I will return and we will right this gross injustice. Until then, my son, be patient."

Alaron smiled warmly at the image in the mirror. It was good to hear his friend and mentor's voice. He held the mirror up to send his reply. "I will wait, Uncle Cafer. You can rely on me. Together we will make Mother see the truth."