It’s not even stamped in pretty script.
It should be pretty.
She deserves pretty.
She would have been twenty-five today.
This realm has been robbed. It needs more of her. Her laughter, her light, her care.Eveneeds more of her—deserves it.
Fumbling, I place the fresh flowers in the vase and swing myself around to lean against the wall. Letting my head fall back, I heave another sigh. And for a time, Cora and I sit together in silence.
Just as we used to in the temple library.
“Hey, Cora,” I say, not surprised my voice breaks and trembles.
But if there’s a chance her soul lingers here, watching me from the veil… she deserves to hear this. I suck in a breath, knowing it won’t steady me. Cora, unlike me, enjoyed practice of fae custom. This gift of silver would be no different—and fae… fae acknowledge when a gift has been bestowed.
They celebrate it.
Revere it.
“Congratulations,” I say softly and try my damnedest to smile.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Turns out, cominghome with a face full of tears is all I need to get out of sparring with Ryc. I would be lying if I said I didn’t tuck that fact away for future exploitation.
Without question, Ryc insisted we take the time together, doing whatever I wanted. And what I wanted was to talk about Cora. We sat together on the north lawn upon his laid out cloak. I curled into him, seeking his warmth to chase away the clinging chill.
I talked.
And helistened.
Like he genuinelycares.
Like my thoughts, feelings, and experiencesmatter.
I still don’t know what to make of it.
It’s one thing to simplydeclarelove.
It’s another to prove it—to live it.
And Ryc… has done nothing butprove.
His love lingers in every word, every gesture, every touch. It’s astounding, really, how earnestly he gives himself to me.
He deserves the same.
I want to give him the same.
I’m just not sure how.
The arrival of Olloran lords ended our afternoon together, because unlike me, Ryc has actual responsibilities. But before his departure, he left me with a dazzling smile and an odd request: take a book and visit the first floor of the southern wing.
Confused, but curious, I listened, snaggingFated Celestialsfrom my quarters.
I heave a tight sigh as I stalk through the halls of Castle Erus.While I’ve been plenty nosy over the last few months learning the layout of the grounds, I don’t recall seeing anything particularly noteworthy in the southern wing.
