63

“We thought as much.” The man had an wistful look in his eyes. “Everyone who’s met her has said something similar. I can’t wait until it’s our turn.”

“Your turn will be here before you know it. Have a good day,” I said, leaving the man to his waiting.

I walked for most of the day, looking at the fields that were just starting to be tilled, where crimson pitaya and the kingdom’s food would grow. I sat for hours there, watching a carpenter build a house near a clear creek that flowed through the rubble and debris. The kingdom had been cleaned up, but remnants of the destruction lingered as the magic had not been able to wipe everything away.

I hoped one day, all memories of the sad time in history when Onyx Rah had been destroyed would be forgotten. But for now, the debris and burn marks proved the wounds of the kingdom were still fresh. I admired Aria for stepping into such a difficult role with no training or real experience. As she always has said to me in the quiet moments when she