“It took generations, but the Lunar and Solar Courts developed their own traditions, cultures, and belief systems. Monarchies became established, the Ascent system fully took root, feeding a constant line of Ascended Lunar and Solar rulers, and no one was ever able to claim that Divine Throne, keeping the Court Above as the final layer of power. All the things you know today are because the gods wanted you kept in the dark.”
Oestera’s eyes were wide, her pink cheeks sucked inward as she chewed on this information.
“I have to get to Leona. She needs to know.”
“Leona knows in many ways, Oestera. Ways unspoken. The Tether reveals things in unseen, unheard riddles. Take that black novel on the top with you. Read it. If you want to do something with the knowledge you’ve gained, you need to understand the full story. Start with the Rift—the only reason it exists is because a Shadow Goddess and Light God fell in love.”
Astra released Oestera’s hands, the echo of Ehlaria’s words sending a shiver through her. “How did Leona and Solan even come across one another?”
Oestera’s eyes darted to Ehlaria.
The ancient queen’s lips twisted into something like a smile. “Fate is a strange beast.”
“And sometimes Fate comes in the form of a Lunar Elf Queen who just forgot she invited both the Lunar and Solar heirs to an Equinox party.”
Astra turned toward the culprit in question.
“How many times have you done this, Ehlaria?”
“A few dozen,” she admitted. “But we’re getting close this time, I can feel it.”
Astra glanced at Lux who looked like he might vomit.
“Leona and Solan tried to ignore it,” Oestera said. “They did their best for years after they met. Solan married, had children, he did everything he could to be a dutiful king… but Leona called to him. Over and over. When she lost her grip on her sanity, we knew we had to stop the gods’ cursed rules that made it impossible for them to be together. You two probably don’t even realize the danger you’re in, do you?”
Astra’s eyes widened as Lux’s grip tightened on her knee.
“I think we both have a decent idea of what a cruel twist of Fate the Tether can be.”
Oestera nodded, her smile falling. “For centuries, the Solar and Lunar heirs that Tethered tried to ignore it. They let their hate for the other side overrule their hearts. They went mad, they killed themselves or each other to put an end to the torture. And if they didn’t, the Court Above intervened. Leona and Solan were as careful as they could have been.”
They twisted away again, landing in the gardens just outside.
“Hurry, Os!” Leona’s voice hissed as Oestera skipped across the garden pavers. It was late at night. The palace was quiet as they both flung themselves into the Rift. Leona reached back for Oestera’s hand, weaving their fingers together as she reached for a thread.
A pale green cord.
They landed at the Mercurian Gate, greeted by the kind gaze of a familiar face. “Kind Antares,” Oestera bowed and he returned the gesture.
“Through that hall,” he pointed to a door Astra had passed under before. “Solan arrived half an hour ago.”
Leona nodded, pulling her sister into the servant’s hall. Antares followed behind them.
They wove through alleys behind two Solarian soldiers, disappearing into the passage behind The Dune.
“Here!” Maeve Maelstrom waited for them, her bright red lips and aventurine beads illuminated by the Sun rising beyond the alleyway. She pushed open the back door, beckoning them in. Leona and Oestera bounded down the stairs into a basement’s cozy sitting area, chairs Astra recognized.
Solan occupied one, his High Lady Estelle in another. Leona greeted them both warmly, placing a kiss on Estelle’s cheek.
“How is he?”
Estelle beamed, “Oh, he’s a dream, Leona. I hope you’ll meet him one day.”
A ripple of emerald pain ran through Leona’s chest, but she smiled despite it.
“Enough pleasantries,” Maeve snapped, standing in the middle of the group. “We’ve got business to discuss.”
“Neptune and Uranus are in,” Solan reported. “I met with both of their leadership this week. They’ll back us.”
