Chapter 31: Restoring the Kingdom

The Forest house had been brought back to life. Fae whose families had worked for Illyra’s parents gladly returned to their stations as cooks, servants, guards, and attendees. They all wanted to wait on her hand and foot.

Everyone wore smiles around her, their skin and auras glowing with renewed energy, magic, and vigor.

It was powerful to watch, as her kingdom came back to life.

Bonfires weren’t held under the cover of darkness in corners of the woods anymore. Instead, the autumn fae burned the fires night and day, dancing and singing the forest back to life. Woodland creatures seemed more abundant than ever.

“You don’t seem happy, my dear,” Calista said, running a brush through Illyra’s hair.

The princess looked at her reflection in the mirror. She looked every bit the part of a princess, soon to be queen, save for her mouth. There was no smile there.

“I am happy that my country is thriving, that their hope and spirit have returned,” she explained.