A week later.

  The weather was turning, and the trees of the Dark Enchanted Forest were starting to change into their autumn colours. The first few leaves had fallen that morning, floating in the moat below my door.

  My kitchen window looked out over the moat of the Black Fortress. I’d moved it here when I invited my Dark Lady, Queen Henrietta of Nilheim, over for lunch.

  Henrietta “Is that?”

  “Mmhmm.” I brought over two cups of warm unigoat milk mixed with the powdered markleberry mix. “Hot chocolate.”

  She eyed the drink with ferver, her excitement palpable. “You mentioned it in your cookbook.”

  “If you can figure out a way to make markleberry powder without pixie magic, I expect you to share.” I informed the woman.

  Henrietta laughed and solemnly swore to do so.

  “Now!” I said, pushing a cup toward the queen. “Before I add the toppings, you should taste it as it is.”

  She took a sip and made an appreciative hum. “It’s so rich! And so different from the tea. I love it.”

  As much as markleberry had a chocolaty flavour, the berry was commonly processed into jams and jellies in Valaria, and added to hot water. It made a weaker, watery chocolate jelly tea that was nothing like the creamy delicacy I was currently holding in my hand.

  I lifted my own cup and breathed deeply, smelling the familiar scent. The nostalgia alone almost made me cry.

  “Wait until you try it with whipped cream and sprinkles.”

  I pulled out a bowl of each, homemade.

  …

  The next morning was still dark on the horizon when my eyes shot open; I was wide awake and with a restless energy that wouldn’t settle.

  I checked my character sheet.

  My [Domain] was safe and my [Danger Sense] was silent.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  I was just awake.

  There was no chance of falling back asleep, so I decided to treat myself to a long luxurious bubble bath.

  Julian mumbled unhappy noises when I lifted the blankets to escape, but he went back to sleep.

  The half-elf had practically moved in, and I would pick him up every day after work in the palace. True to his word, Julian was taking over for his mother. It was all consuming work, learning the ins and outs of ruling North Sumbria, but he was managing well.

  For me, my job had only gotten easier with hiring a bridge brigade.

  I came out for important travellers or elite making their way through the Dark Enchanted Forest, and otherwise passed along new riddles for my bridge minions to use every week.

  I had no idea how things were going to work if I decided to accept the coronet and rule North Sumbria with Julian… Keith would never allow me to continue to control all of his major highways as the ruler of a foreign nation, and I wouldn’t expect him to.

  Maybe it was time I considered conquering all of the bridges in North Sumbria?

  The bubble bath was heavenly, and Julian even managed to join me for a bit before it was time to get ready and grab breakfast.

  I’d made a fresh citrus loaf with a drizzled sugar glaze the night before, and couldn’t wait to enjoy a bite.

  “Do you have any exciting plans for today?” I asked when we sat down at the kitchen table. It had become a habit to check each other’s schedule so I knew when I should come get him. I wondered if there was a Bridge Magic spell that could let him use my Domain without relying on me every time…

  “The same old. With the Fall ball only a week away, mother has abandoned me to run the duchy while she prepares.” He let me know. “Though Lord Johnathon just bought a new manor and I think we should send over a gift. Do you want to visit the market with me tonight?”

  It took me a second to process that he was talking about John the rogue. “Absolutely. Actually, let me check to make sure we don't have any surprises.”

  This had also become a habit. Julian would stay with me while I checked on my daily notifications and then we would discuss.

  There was an unexpected notification prompt waiting for me.

  [Oracle: You are witness to the strings of Fate and her weave. The story unfolds and the Chosen of each deity mark the way. You have found 12/12 Chosen.

  Impending Scenarios effect 1/12 Chosen. Select scenario:

  Keeper of Fate - A New Beginning

  Timeline access granted. All Scenarios within Valaria available. Oracle timeline 4 mins 30 seconds. Please select Chosen.]

  My [Oracle] restrictions had been lifted. I would have to ask Fate what that meant, but that could wait until later.

  I was more interested in whomever had taken over for Alice as Fate’s new chosen.

  My mana flared as swirls of teal light flooded my vision.

  “It is an honour that Nilhieim should welcome you, Keeper of Fate, I am Lady Moira” An elf priestess smiled warmly as she welcomed me into the Saren Sanctum. “The Dark Lord has always been a follower of Fate, and I’m sure he’ll be so pleased to hear the Goddess has announced that you are her new Chosen. Please, come this way.”

  I decided to hold my tongue and simply nod, knowing that King Keith was going to be anything but pleased by my new title… and I wasn’t too thrilled myself.

  It would have been polite of Fate to at least ask me before she announced her prophecy in every temple across Valaria. Instead, she’d done it before I had breakfast.

  The Saren Sanctum was as beautiful as I remembered it. Tall silver pillars lined both sides and Fate’s statue stood twenty feet tall at the front of the room. There were two other priests standing at the Goddess’s feet, waiting for us, but the place was otherwise empty.

  “Welcome, Keeper of Fate.” The older priest, a lizardkin, bowed. “We are so happy you are here. I am Monk Monlith”

  “Welcome, Keeper of Fate. I am Novice Venlith” The younger priest, a lizardkin barely twenty, also gave a courtesy bow. His eyes were shining when he said. “And may I say, it is such an honour to meet you, Madame Potts.”