2021 fantasy short story, side story in the Harwood Spellbook series.
After the events of the novels, Honoria Cosgrave has retired in
disgrace, abandoned by her husband as well as all her former friends.
But the faerie realm has not forgotten her.
It's a very short story, less than 4,000 words, so that's pretty
much the whole plot; it's much more of a scene of transition than it
is an exploration of what's led up to it (in the second novel) or what
may follow (to be speculated on). This is a close-up portrayal of the
moment of change, as Honoria lets go of her failures (for which she
has already paid) and takes stock of what she might still be able to
do.
Inevitably slight, but a pleasant end to the series, which has always
taken the approach that just because someone is opposed to the
protagonists they aren't necessary an irredeemable villain.
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