His encouragement became stern as he cupped my cheeks in his hands, forcing me to meet the truth in his eyes. “And I’m going to tell you that every damned day until you can see it for yourself.”
I nodded, having run out of words to say, of reasons to object. I let his confidence in me rest on my heart. “I love you.”
His mouth crashed into mine, sealing his words with a burning kiss. When he pulled away, I could see he heard something. Since receiving Bonnie’s magic the second time, having the ability to transform into a beast or man on demand, some of his animal instincts carried over into his human form.
“What is it?”
“Jasper’s back. I need to go hear his report. You rest, my love. I’ll bring you some food after it’s cooked, maybe you can try and keep something down.”
Even though I hated interfering with his duties, a cavern opened in my chest, a darkness spreading over the idea that he’d leave. “I’ll miss you,” I admitted.
When he arose, he stood over me. A single finger traced the outline of his heart on his chest. He pretended to reach inward and sever the organ from his body, then cupped his hands and handed me the invisible thing. “You don’t need to miss me, my heart is with you. Keep that safe for me, I’ll be back to get it.” With a firm kiss planted on my forehead, he again told me he loved me and waited until I became more at ease before he slipped from our tent.
I turned to lie on my side, hugging that invisible organ tight, because I wasn’t sure what I would do if I ever lost him.
16
Melody
My golden hair glimmered in the light streaming through my window. I ran a brush through the portion that cascaded over my shoulder, counting the strokes so they were even on all sides. “Ninety-eight… Ninety-nine… One hundred.” I let the brush clatter on my desk, my arm pained from the third and final section.
I’d always taken care of my appearance—my mother not-so-subtly demanded it. After all, my one purpose was to capture the attention of a wealthy man and marry, to provide support and stability for the entire family. Maybe the routine had become ingrained in me, or I acknowledged the eyes of society fell upon the royal family. Either way, my routine didn’t falter.
The woman staring back at me in the mirror seemed…brighter. More sure of herself. More capable and confident. I fought a losing battle with the smile that broke free, even though it was silly to be smiling at myself. My life had become a dream, all the fears and concerns that plagued me before had simply vanished. Nora didn’t have to work herself to death at that dirtytavern, I didn’t have to entertain much older gentlemen, and the most exciting of all…
I raised my palm, letting a ball of light burst into existence. Small off shoots like tiny whips lashed around until I simply made it vanish by closing my hand. Staring at my balled fist, I felt a renewed sense of self, of power. My gaze pulled toward the window that overlooked the sea in the distance. The warmth of the sun shone on my skin, and while I considered all the possibilities that lay before me, my smile remained.
A knock at the door broke me from my trance. I quickly readjusted my light pink satin nightgown, tying it tight to cover my shift. “Yes?” I called.
“Miss Melody, you have a visitor,” one of the lovely staff said through the door.
A visitor? I hadn’t had anyone come to the castle for me when I hadn’t been expecting it. Kenzie had just left earlier this morning to go home, I doubt she would have returned so quickly.
“Who is it?”
“He told me to say, ‘your good luck charm’.”
“Oh my stars,” I whispered to myself. Heat bloomed over my cheeks, and I raced to change into something appropriate.
Tio had seen me after the awful ordeal on the ship, and after traveling for a day to their camp, but I still put in every effort I could to look presentable in the least amount of time. Each step down the hall, followed by a guard escort, strained my heart. Nervous and excited, the two emotions swelled and competed for first place.
When I stepped into the waiting room, with high ceilings and tall windows, he rose from the cream coloured, golden trimmedsofa. His blue-green eyes sparkled against his beautifully tan skin, his curls showcasing more highlights outside of the shadows in his tent.
While what he wore paled in comparison to the fashions of wealthy men that I’d become accustomed to, I assumed they were the most quality pieces he owned. A black button-up shirt with a few undone near his neck, and beige linen pants with minimal stains. He stood tall, offering me a bow in greeting with a cheeky little smile.
“Lady Melody.” He straightened, extending a beautiful bouquet of yellows and reds.
A small blush crept across my cheeks as I took his lovely offering. “Thank you—” I went to reply in kind, but realized I didn’t even know this man’s last name to address him formally. Having guardsmen present for the interaction made perspiration gather in my palms. This man’s tongue had been in my mouth days ago, and I didn’t even know how to formally address him.
I curtsied briefly, closing the distance between us, pitching onto my tiptoes, whispering, “I don’t know your last name.”
His laugh could calm a raging sea. He leaned in. “It’s Galakis.”
Promptly, I took a step back, removing the closeness. “Mr. Galakis, pleasure to see you again. To what do I owe this pleasant surprise?” I may have projected my voice a little too loud, hoping to establish myself as a proper lady in the castle who knew how to greet her guests.
He seemed to catch on, sharing a knowing look between us before clearing his throat and answering with matched volume. “I have come to share an update with the king and queen.”
That caused a twinge of disappointment in my belly. “Oh,” was all I managed to respond with.
