How am I supposed to know what some Goddess intended an unknown number of years ago when She prophesied my birth?
Groaning with my lack of progress, I dig through my herbs, pulling out lemon balm, passionflower, and holy basil. With the brewed tea in hand, I walk the empty hallways towards the archives. Maybe I can find something helpful now that I know the context of the prophecy and how Varethiel is connected.
Cyndr lays curled up in a ball at the lip of the fire basin, one golden eye cracking open as I walk into the room. When he sees me his little spiked tail flips up in response. He stands stretching his wings out, and then sits at the edge patiently waiting for me to approach.
“Hey friend,” I smile as I ruffle the feathers on the top of his head. “I can’t tell you how good it is to see you.” I hold my hand out to him and he scurries up my arm, nuzzling into my neck with a content rumble. I giggle, heading to one of the chairs surrounding the earth basin.
I drop down in the vine woven seating to drink my tea, tired down to my roots. I lift the mug to my mouth and take a sip, savoring the warmth that fills me. Leaning my head back, I close my eyes and wait for the calming and mental benefits of the concoction to take effect. Cyndr takes up a new position in my lap and I unconsciously rub his back.
What does Isolde know? According to Celyste, she knew about the prophecy and still sent me away.
She doesn’t know if they need me for Caspien to become king but isn’t willing to risk it. Beyond those few things, I’m only guessing and I have no intention of asking her about it.
Taking another sip, I run the prophecy over in my head again.
When twin daughters bloom beneath the veiled skies…
I open my eyes staring up through the glass ceiling, the starry night stretching out above me. Beams of moon light spill into the room through the domed windows.
With the light falling across my face, I freeze taking in the moon above me. Could that be…Oh my Goddess.
“Cyndr, that could be it!” The little dryrd perks up, flapping his wings in response to my excitement.
“Come on, we have to find Cillian!”
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
NISSA
The gold-framed floor length mirror reflects the most beautiful dress back at me. The straps are made from the same lace that covers the front bodice of the dress. The delicate vine runs over my shoulders and down my back before meeting right above my lower back. I run my hands down my hips along the deep green fabric that is fitted down my legs before flaring out into a perfect mermaid cut.
The guilt that has been pressing in on me since I first decided to leave has eased. I know this is the right thing. I have to trust Gaia. I have to trust that the divine bond will be there. That I will be happy at the end of all of this. But even if I’m not, Castara will begin to heal, and I will survive.
All this tragedy-—Nova’s death, the destruction of the elemental lands, me believing I could run and have a normal life—all started because of Fae believing that they knew better than the Goddess, trying to change fate.
And look where it has led us. I won’t make the same mistakes. I may not be trained to be the queen like Nova, but I can do better than those before us and bring the kingdom back to what it’s supposed to be. Well, as close as it is can be with Nova gone.
Staring at the princess in the mirror in front of me, I keep reminding myself that I can stop the damage, help bring back the natural energy of this world, despite the fact that I am still dreading this.
The ancient sanctuaryis the most breathtaking place I’ve ever seen. Walls with soaring gothic arches match those inside the castle. The open ceiling exposes everything to the night sky. The fun moon and the stars light my way, assisted by fae fire candles that help illuminate the winding stone path to the altar.
Ivy grows up the walls, trees pregnant with buds hang down over the walkway. Streams wind in and out of the beautiful flowering bushes on either side of the path. The sound of trickling water meets my ears, and the delicate floral scent fills my nose. As I stare at the stars reflecting in the stream running through the ancient haven, I realize they are actually luminescent fish, playfully following my path. Everywhere I can possibly look is a divine representation of all four of Gaia’s elements within the space.
Breathing in the energy from this space is intoxicating, my magic feeling stronger than ever.
I can see Caspien approaching from the opposite side, and a chill runs down my exposed spine. Each step towards him feels like I’m a lamb being led to slaughter.
I have to believe that I’m right.
I can bring peace to the Fae.
I will be a strong, fearless queen.
I hold my head high and refuse to show any fear that I could be wrong.
I almost miss a step when I spot Cillian at the edge of the altar, standing with Kiel and Isolde. He is the perfect image of male masculinity. My stomach muscles contract and my magic reaches out for him as I watch him run his hands through his hair. My eyes quickly snap to the stairs I’m approaching, resisting the pull.
