27

Calliope stood beside the king as he introduced her to the cheering kingdom. Music filled the air and banners waved as people celebrated their free kingdom and its heroes. Mido and Calliope walked together through the city, greeting those who passed. Men and women bowed their heads to Calliope and children stared in wonder at the witch who passed them. She saw a young girl staring from behind her mother's dress. Calliope bent down and held out her palm, blowing across her hand, towards the girl. Flower petals appeared and twirled in the air around the girl's curly blonde locks. She giggled at the trick and picked the delicate petals off the ground.

Children looked on as Calliope performed her tricks, and they circled around her, their eyes full of curiosity. Calliope threw balls of fire high into the sky. The children cheered as they exploded in a rainbow of colors. William and Jon joined the group of amazed children as they watched Calliope perform her magical show. The children pointed and laughed at William and Jon as grey beards grew down their chins out of nowhere. William threw a fist in the air, chasing the children around the square.

"Give me back those apples," he shouted to them playfully, mocking the elderly merchant in Esmon. The children giggled and ran in circles before hiding behind Calliope's dress. Calliope put her hands on her hips as they giggled behind her back. With a wave of her hand, William's beard disappeared.

"Again! Again!" The children shouted, emerging from Calliope's protection. Mido watched Calliope play with the children and smiled.

"She's a hit," a voice from behind said. Mido turned and greeted Ian with a smile.

"Yeah, she is," he said.

"I'd say she's a hit with more than just the people of Librona," Ian said, winking at Mido.

Mido crossed his arms. "What? No. I don't know what you're talking about." He shifted his weight onto one foot and watched Calliope laugh with the children.

"Someone better tell her not to drain herself over petty tricks," Ian mumbled. "I don't think there will be anyone around to help her if she uses up all her powers. It will kill her."

"She doesn't need to use them."

"It would be useful if we were ever attacked."

Mido narrowed his eyes at Ian. "She will not be using them. She's done enough for us."

Ian threw his arms up in defense. "You're right, my apologies. I shouldn't be arguing with the husband." He winked at Mido.

"Husband?" a voice echoed. Maria joined at Ian's side.

"Calliope and Mido," Ian explained.

"Mido, ya leave that girl alone, yahear? Don't let me see 'er drunk on ya arm or so help me." Maria scolded.

"You have my word," Mido said with a bow. Maria gave him one last smile before turning to Ian.

"Care to escort a lady?" she asked him, offering him her arm. Ian bowed to her before taking her arm and disappearing into the crowd. Mido rolled his eyes and turned back to Calliope, meeting her gaze. She walked to him, leaving the children to play on their own.

"Don't kill yourself entertaining children, please," Mido joked to her.

Calliope smiled. "You'd think I'd learn by now, huh?"

Mido laughed. "So, you're sticking around, right?"

"I thought I didn't have a choice?"

"Well, you don't. If you tried to leave, I'd drag you right back."

"Don't worry, you won't be dragging me anywhere."

Mido smiled and offered his arm. She took it and they continued their walk through the city, celebrating with those around them.

#

King Sloan returned to his castle as darkness settled upon the land, but the kingdom continued to celebrate their heroes' victory. Shadows from the flickering flames of bonfires lit throughout the city danced along homes and shops. People danced to the music that filled the air in joyous melodies. Inside the castle walls, however, the happiness was muffled and an eerie, forlorn silence fell upon the king. Pieces of parchment were scattered over the wooden table in his chamber, just where he had left them the previous day. In all the chaos the kingdom had endured over the last few days, news had traveled quickly to the neighboring kingdoms, including news of their newest magical citizen. Asmar, however, was not happy with this news.

King Sloan looked over the letter from King Rowan. He had already read it three times over and knew exactly what it said, but he couldn't bring himself to believe it. Rowan was angry that they did not finish off Calliope with Scarletta. He and his kingdom had felt betrayed. After everything they had done to aid Librona, Librona was now home to the enemy. And King Rowan would no longer accept the treaty that King Sloan had signed and returned to him.

King Sloan feared the worst. He watched his people dance below, oblivious to the threat of war hanging just over their heads. He had just won the longest war in the kingdom's history, yet, another one waited just around the corner. A war which could have been avoided. But at what cost? Perhaps he was wrong to welcome Calliope into their home. But she wasn't like Scarletta. Perhaps he could convince King Rowan of this and earn his trust again.

He let King Rowan's threat of war fall from his hands; the papers floated down and scattered around his feet. A magical display in the center of the city caught his attention, and he could just barely pick out Calliope's figure, dazzling those around her with her tricks. King Sloan didn't have much time before Asmar would attack. He would have to come to a decision quickly; banish Calliope from the kingdom and save his people from another threat of war, or defend Calliope's honor. After all, they did owe her their lives.

But he had to be responsible. He had taken too many risks already. What was one life compared to thousands? He was torn by the moral dilemma that faced him and time was not on his side. He sighed, his warm breath fogging the cool window in front him. He turned his back to the celebrating kingdom below and left the dark room, leaving the threatening papers to gather dust on the floor.