I kicked off my golden slippers. “Could be entertaining, though.”
“When was the last you heard from your sister?”
“I received her letter two days ago. She wrote that she and Henry were on their way back from the southern coast. They were going to stay the night in The Hollow before getting here.” I glanced at Delysia’s curly handwriting in the letter on my table. “She seems very happy.”
“I imagine she is. A sweet little wedding to our new High General followed by a honeymoon along Rellmira’s finest coasts is very romantic.”
I smiled, gazing out of my open balcony doors. A playful breeze toyed with my silk skirts, smelling of fresh grass and endless possibility.
It’d been two months since Aiden had proposed to me.
We would’ve married sooner, if not for his insistence that we construct another throne and crown for me first. My throne, the twin of his, now also sat on the dais, waiting for me. My crown was likely at the Temple, also next to his.
Meanwhile, construction continued on a more permanent bridge between the palace and the city.
I’d grown quite adept at crossing the rope ladder, but I was excited for the day I could walk on solid stone once more.
After Henry and Delysia had returned from cleaning out the Twaryn fort, with Wicked and Ozlow in hand, they asked to get married quickly and with little fanfare.
Aiden and I agreed.
Everett, even though he was one of their newest Teachers in training, helped perform the ceremony in the Temple. Librius, our High Teacher, presided. I brought as many fresh flowers as I could from Mother’s garden.
I spent much of my spare time reviving the garden she loved so much. The only battles I fought anymore were against the weeds that never gave me rest. Aiden helped when he could, crawling on his hands and knees through the dirt, sweat on his brow, despite his new status.
More often than not, we ended up stealing kisses amid the lilies and jasmine and would run to the bathing pool covered in dirt.
It was sheer bliss.
With each passing day, we carved away more of Father’s and Renwell’s influence and memory and created something beautiful in their place.
I didn’t feel the need to skulk through the crested halls as the forgotten princess or the shameful apprentice. I held my head high and greeted those I walked past with mirrored smiles. I strolled arm-in-arm with Aiden, laughing and telling him a story from my day and discussing everything under the sun.
I looked forward to every part of the day, meals with Aiden or with friends like Melaena and overseeing repairs to the city and the reintegration of former refugees and prisoners.
At night, I would attend a show atThe Silk Danceror throw knives atThe Weary Traveleror lounge on the Temple roof. Always with Aiden.
Then we’d spend the last few hours of the day wrapped in each other’s arms, whispering our hearts. Every morning began with a smile and kiss before the day’s work.
I had never felt freer—or happier—in my life.
And today... Today I would get to promise forever.
Yet, this last hour was taking forever to pass.
I rose to my bare feet and padded around my room once more. I smiled at Aiden’s dirty, everyday boots that he’d left by his side of the bed. He’d be wearing a new, shiny pair today. Waiting for me in the Temple.
Anticipation bubbled under my skin, and I cast about for a distraction. “Have the votes come in yet?” I asked Melaena as she idly twirled her long black curls.
She pursed her lips, clearly pondering on what answer to give, which could only mean one thing.
I sank onto the bed next to her. “They did! Tell me.”
“I didn’t want to until after your wedding.”
“I need a distraction, or else I’ll keep pacing and ruin this dress.” I started to rise in mock threat.
She laughed, pushing me back down. “Very well, very well. The votes came in and... I have been nominated as a People’s Councilor for Aquinon.”
