seul’s Reviews > Two Twisted Crowns > Status Update

He'd used his magic to destroy the final Scythe Card. And though he had said it to me only in the quiet of our room, he did not wish to be cured. He, in his own small way, was still holding on to what had happened in the alderwood. To his magic, his secret legacy. To Taxus.

"Thinking about the last time we were here?" he said, offering me his hand. "When you pummeled me to the ground?"

I pulled him close, stood on my toes, whispered into his lips. "One of my fondest memories."

He kissed me, fingers weaving into my hair. "Mine too, Miss Spindle."

… we threw yellow irises in the air. Irises, for my mother. And yellow because... well, Elm had been particular about that.

When Filick handed them their gold bands, Elm looked into lone's eyes. "A hundred years," he said to her, as if she were the only one in the room. "I'll love you for a hundred years—and an eternity after."

Ione didn't wait for him to slip the ring over her finger. She threw her arms around him, kissed him unabashedly, earning a jubilant shout from Emory and many more tears from the rest of us.

When the ceremony began, Ravyn stood at Elm's side and I at lone's. Ravyn's hands were clasped in front of him, unshaking. When he glanced my way, the corner of his mouth lifted as it often did. Only this time, he let his smile bloom until it took over his entire face.

I couldn't go on.

Elspeth.

No. I'm not ready. Not yet.

Finish the story, dear one.

My voice shook. The two were together—

Together.

So the two were the same.

The girl, he whispered, honey and oil and silk.

The King…

We said the final words together, our voices echoing, listless, through the dark. A final note. An eternal farewell. And the monster they became.

"It's time to let her out."

Ravyn didn't move.

The Nightmare turned, his mouth a hard line. "Do it now."

"Don't you want to say goodbye?"

"To you, stupid bird?"

Ravyn crossed his arms over his chest. "To her, parasite."

"I had my Deck to collect. History to revisit—and rewrite. A path to draw for you and the Princeling, both of you Kings in your own right." The Nightmare clung only a moment longer to his namesake Card, then released it into Ravyn's hand. "And I was not yet ready to bid Elspeth goodbye."

"You're telling me I've had the means to free her all this time?"

The Nightmare grinned. "Yes."

"You didn't—Why—" He pinched his nose, swallowing fury. "You make it so hard not to hate you."

"Please. Have I not paid? Have I not lost pieces of myself, following you into the wood? It was for her." He looked up into those ancient yellow eyes, tears threatening his own. "Tell me the truth. Is there a way Elspeth and I will meet again on this side of the veil?"