I’m standing by a large window in a cold, empty room. It’s dark in here, the only light coming from the moons and the bright shining stars on the other side of the glass. I couldn’t handle much more painful small talk and watching couples dance together while I stood to the side. Solas had been busy talking with advisors and delegates and politicians all night long. Understandable, of course. He’s the king now. I will be leaving tomorrow morning. I have to keep reminding myself that this is it. It’s all over now. I’m startled out of my thoughts when I hear the door open. Just by the sound of his footsteps, I know who it is. I don’t say a word as he crosses the room to where I stand.
“Are you really leaving?” He asks, his voice low.
“I—well, I can’t stay here, can I?” I don’t look at him as I speak. I stare intently out the window, looking at the stars. My eyes are drawn to the Hester Borealis. With a pang, I remember that it was the first constellation he taught me in what was then foreign skies. I don’t remember when I started feeling at home here.
“Why not?” I can feel him standing right behind me, and I turn around to face him. The coronation was hours ago, and the celebration has been going on for ages, but he still looks perfectly awake. His navy blue suit is still perfectly neat, his tie straight, the earrings meant for special occasions winking at me in the dimness of the room. I can see faint traces of glitter in his dark hair, shining like the constellations in the sky outside the window next to me. At last, my gaze travels to the crown—his crown, now. It looks like it’s meant to be there. He’s young, compared to the other immortals we’re always surrounded by, but he looks like a proper king.
“It is your choice. I will not make it for you.” He takes a breath, takes off his crown, runs his hands through his hair. “But if you wished to stay, we could arrange something. You could take an official position at the palace, be a part of my advisory, help me rule. I did not save the galaxy myself. You were there with me, and I believe that the entire Delta Miriandynus galaxy owes you a favor.”
I take the crown from his hands. It is much heavier than I expected. It shimmers gold, with gems of topaz and sapphire adorning the rim. The sapphires match the color of his eyes. I carefully reach up and gently place it back on his head. His eyes never leave mine.
“I don’t belong here. I don’t belong in this world of immortality and royalty. I don’t belong with you.” I whisper. It’s like I can’t even convince myself of the words. But I don’t belong here. Solas is in a world of his own, a world that I am a visitor in. I need to go home. Back to university lectures and long evenings by the fireplace in the library. Back to the way my life used to be, before that night when Solas begged me to trust him, and for whatever reason, I followed him.
“I want you to be happy. After all that I dragged you into, it’s what you deserve.” He insists.
“You deserve better than me.” I manage to say.
“I disagree,” he whispers. “Stay.” His voice is so low I can barely register the word. He’s not smiling anymore, he’s pleading. I pause for a moment before responding.
“I can’t.” It hurts to look at him.
“Ultimately, it is your path.” He pauses, takes a breath. “If you decide to leave, and go back to your life on Earth, I just want you to know that you could always come back, that is, if you wish to. Delta Miriandynus galaxy. Head to the palace on Thexerus, third planet on the left, you can’t miss it. Ask for King Barchiel, and I’ll be there.” His smile is sad. I open my mouth to respond, but there’s nothing to be said. He starts to walk away, and I stand there in silence. When he gets halfway across the room, he turns to look at me. “If not—if you do stay on Earth...send me a postcard, will you?”
Before I can answer, he’s gone.
