Indebted

85

The afternoon was spent hammering out peace accords between The Council and The Sovran Dragons. Followed by another long debate to hammer out the Sovran reunification terms, and integration with the larger world. Last Esti plead on behalf of the Earth dragons who only wanted to be left in peace. Given a chance to live free under their own terms. All parties managed to negotiate so none were fully satisfied, but no one was treated unequally. 

The Earth dragons would stay out of sight of the humans, only wanted a chance to live their lives. Needing time to discover how the world had changed. Esti and Atticus would acquire a property and establish a central kingdom to represent the dragons and offer them any assistance they needed in this new life. Damon volunteered to assist in the establishment of the kingdom, with no stake in the kingdom, and nothing asked in return.

Esti was glad the negotiations so far had been so positive. The Earth dragons were going to be safe. Have a chance to grow and prosper. Determine how their life cycles may have changed when all the sea serpents had exited the seas all at once. Fully metamorphosed from serpents to dragons instantly.

Magnus should have been glad. His court had been reunited, the negotiations had opened new trade and business options, and the technology available from the humans would greatly improve the quality of life for all in the kingdom. His people were happy, there had been essentially no injuries in this invasion and revolution.

The Council and The Sovran Court had both reluctantly agreed to relinquish their enslaved populations. Though much to Marisol's displeasure, contracts with demons binding them into service were allowed to continue both in The Sovran Kingdom and at The Council. There was a ring like bells as all the collars fell from the necks of all the people Magnus had forced into servitude after prison A cheer could be heard from within and without the castle as every banded slave had their collars fall off, granting them freedom.

The only counter demand that Magnus wanted in return for what he was considering his surrender, was that the Earth Dragon Queen be banished from his lands once all matters were settled. Terms to which Esti and Atticus readily agreed. They did not want to spend a minute longer than they needed to on Sovran lands, especially not now that Fowl and Lillybelle and everyone else could visit and leave court freely to visit them wherever they landed.

After a long day of negotiations, Nigella managed to coordinate a feast worthy of the events of today. More than enough servants had returned to court with the defectors, and many had chosen to stay and earn a living at the only life they had known.

Everyone from the delegation, all the lords, all those present at court enjoyed a meal together, served by those employees of the castle who chose to stay as paid servants. The mood lighter and more jovial than had been seen in months. Years perhaps.

Sheltered lords and ladies were nearly swamping Melody, Laurel, Delia, and Raven, wanting to hear everything about the modern world from their different perspectives. Melody and Laurel had even been raised as humans by humans. Making them deeply fascinating to the dragon court population.

After the feast, Esti and Atticus had a chance to catch up with Fowl and Lillybelle. Mace spent a long time speaking with Marisol about possible work options in The Council Tower. Mace wanted adventure, and to see more of the world.

Zinnia and Holly were going to stay at the castle, and help their mom recover. Birch felt he could improve the quality and health of the forests around the castle and was glad to stay with his soul mate. Atticus was talking with Fowl, Lillybelle and Mace had gone to join Zinnia and Holly, so happy to see them all safe.

Lord Roddington looked at his nieces, talking with Mace. The little women he had watched grow up together were all safe, would have a better life. He didn't care if anyone saw the happy tear trail down his cheek. Harlen was so happy and so proud of himself. He really felt like he had helped make this moment possible. That he by himself had done something to be proud of.

Esti was left turning in the full court room. Seeing everyone come together, court reunited. Her friends safe, she had freed countless slaves today and the only price required had been a promise to never return to the home that had made her. Esti was turning slowly in place. Trying to memorize every aspect of this room. Certainly she would never step foot in this castle again. She was banished for real this time, and she wouldn't want to come back either way.

While she was still focused on the carved trim along the ceiling of the cathedral ceiling, Norman and Nigella swept her up in a tandem hug between the two of them. Esti was first caught off guard by the body crushing all encompassing hug. Then she melted into their loving embrace. Wrapping her arms around each of them. Pulling her surrogate parents closer. Crying as they admonished her. She had not once called on them for help. Had not written. Esti was crying happy tears into each of their shoulders, whispering. "I missed you." and "I love you." Over and over.

Nigella kissed Esti's cheek. "Sweet girl, you have done the impossible. No tears from my queen today." Wiping away the tears on Esti's cheek. Nigella had seen it, she would tell anyone who would listen. She had seen little Esti and always known there was greatness inside that sweet little girl.

Atticus looked away from Fowl, smiling as he saw Esti enveloped between Norman and Nigella. Both free from the collars they had briefly worn. There was so much good at court right now. There had never been a better day to be at the Sovran Court, Zinnia and Holly were catching up with their uncle, who was refusing to admit to his part in making today the success it turned out to be. Mace had moved on first towards Marisol and the glittering promises of work the succubus offered, then moved on appearing to be flirting with one of the wolves Raven had brought.

Delia and Dotty were comparing magical histories and promising their two covens would be closer moving forward. Comparing their experiences with the original barrier spell before Esti and Zinnia had broken it.

Damon, Laurel, Fowl and Lillybelle were all talking business. Lillybelle's brother's very interested in the new options available to their various business ventures. Scribes were moving around the room freely. Some of the rebel lords had already vacated to ensure their apartments were in habitable conditions after their absence from court.

Everyone was so happy, so focused on the positive things that come from today. So busy catching up on all that was missed during the division in court. Nightmother was talking to Magnus in private on his raised dais. A privacy spell clear around them to any with even the slightest gift in magic.

Everyone was so happy. Every grievance thought to have been addressed. A celebratory mood thick in the air.  No one saw it coming as Myrrh sank an iron dagger into Esti's upper back while she was still enveloped in a hug from Nigella and Norman. 

Esti's limbs all went limp. The dagger in her back had severed her spine. She was no longer able to control her lungs, her entire body lost control and went limp. Norman and Nigella had not realized what had happened. Atticus had felt the knife cut into her flesh. The cold lack of sensation as her spinal column was severed. Felt her panic when her lungs would not move to bring in fresh air.

Mace was the first to apprehend Myrrh. Grabbing the bastard princess by her hair and pulling her off Esti. A dark crimson stain blooming on the gown Esti was wearing. Then the screams started. Atticus had come at a supernatural speed, was beside Esti who was struggling. Amber eyes begging for help as she felt her body dying . The knife had gone through her lung and hit her heart after stabbing into her spine.

Esti reached a shaking hand up to Atticus's cheek. He loved her. He saw her. He felt her. He knew her and he loved every single part of her. "I love you." Esti tried to whisper to him. With a silent voice, her lungs unable to move air past her vocal chords. She couldn't move most of her body. She felt the knife. She knew, her life was already over.

Esti could taste blood on her tongue. Felt her lungs struggle against their mortal injuries. Wanting to say "I love you Norman," instead Esti coughed, bright red spots appeared on the clothes of her loved ones who had gathered around her.  She wanted to say "I love you Nigella." Just say it one more time. Another cough, more blood.  Esti felt weak. black spots dancing in her vision. It was a strange hour for everything to be getting dark.

Esti felt like she was drowning. Or burried. Her limbs too heavy to move. She felt trapped in her body. Esti felt the world start to to go dark.  Everything closing in around her. Esti hoped her death wouldn't ruin any of the good that had happened today. That life would be better for everyone after she died. Looking up in Atticus's eyes as he watched her die in his arms. Her warm blood pooling underneath her while her lips turned blue. Amber eyes never leaving his.