Seeing an opportunity to learn more about the bond, I question, “Exactly how do bonds work? Are they fully complete through mark and consummation?”
Cara shakes her head. “Marking and physical consummation are two integral and significant steps to completing a bond, but they alone can’t fully complete a bond. For a mating bond to fully take hold there needs to be emotional, physical, and soul intimacy between a couple. Only marked and consummated, the bond is mostly formed; in cases where shifters are mated to humans, the acts together strengthen thebond to the extent that the human would receive some of the shifter's strength and accelerated healing, but to have it fully functional, two beings need to become one.”
Interesting. I’d always assumed that the bite and the sex were what constituted a fully formed mate bond; I didn’t know it was more complex. That’s something I’ll need to think on. “One more question, if I haven’t annoyed you too much,” I say.
Cara’s smile reappears in full-force. “It’s not annoying, Your Maj—Sierra. It’s rather endearing you wish to learn more. Please, go ahead.”
I nod pensively, then blurt the question I’ve been wondering for my entire life because no books I could get my hands on covered such topics. “Why did mythics leave their realm? Is anyone still residing in your home realm? Do you ever intend to return?”
Cara pauses for a long moment, her fingers stilling in my hair. Finally, she says, “The mythics who came to Earth were drawn here by the abundant natural resources, some of which were absent in our home realm, as well as the magic of the nature itself. As for our home realm, Mythicacia, our kind still reside there with their own hierarchies and power structures, though they mirror ones on Earth and are loyal to the leaders on Earth. In terms of return…few mythics who walk this world and experience its beauty and abundancewantto return.”
She finishes styling my hair as I fall silent, digesting all the information she’s given me. I never truly thought mythics wished to return to their own realms, after all, they’ve stayed here for over two centuries, but I had the faintest hope someday they’d get sick of this world and leave. Perhaps not a hope, but a dream—the possibility of a distant future in which the planet returns to humans.
Then again, there’s no point in denying that humans didn’t exactly treat this planet well; they drove it to the very brink of collapse, and as much as I hate to admit it, the shifter invasion is what saved it. They destroyed humans but saved and restored nature.
Removing her hands from my hair, Cara asks, “What do you think?”
I meet my eyes in the mirror before taking in the intricate layers of braids weaved into my hair. The plaits are small and delicate, forming a knot at the back of my head that flows down with the rest of my hair, the majority of which was left untouched. The irritating fly-away strands that always get stuck on my forehead are pulled back into the braids, and the style, along with the dress, makes me appear regal in a way I never could’ve imagined.
“It looks beautiful,” I respond, snapping out of my dismal thoughts with amazement. Cara couldn’t have been working on me for more than twenty minutes, yet she managed to create a genuine work of art.
Cara beams. “I’m glad you like it! Dinner’s in about fifteen minutes—I can show you the way when you’re ready. Do you need anything else in the meantime?”
I shake my head, still trying to wrap my mind around having someone whose job is to serve me. For someone who’s only been able to rely on herself for the better part of a decade, the very concept of a person existing to aid me is jarring.
“In that case, I’ll be right outside. Greta just finished up with Leisel, so we’ll wait for you in the hall—come on out when you’re ready.”
I walk her to the door of my room, thanking her again before shutting it behind her. Leisel wanders into my room then, looking nothing short of adorable in a blue sundress and matching sandals. Her hair was left untouched, flowing down her back in its usual beautiful waves.
“Chip’s sleepy, so I left him in bed to rest.” She bites her bottom lip. “Is it bad that I like Greta?” Leisel asks.
My heart sinks. “No, sweet girl. A person’s value is based on their soul—not the species they were born into.”
I worry that my innate prejudice against the beings who destroyed my family has stained Leisel, which I don’t want. I’ll need to get over my prejudice if I’m going to get any good work done—I’m going to have to listen to my own words. My mother's words really. She hated mythics on principle, but even so would always tell me to judge a person on their soul and not anything else.
Getting to know shifters intimately, as I just did Cara, might not make that as much of a herculean task as I’d previously assumed. They have more humanity in them than I expected.
I’m relieved when Leisel nods in understanding, taking me at my word.
She gives me a long look over, taking in my hair and dress, and then says, “You look like a princess.”
My heart warms, and I smile at her, taking her hand in mine. “No,youlook like a princess. Now, let’s go eat. Then we can find that library Camden mentioned. Sound good?”
Leisel nods. “Sounds good.”
Chapter Nineteen
Greta takes the liberty of escorting Leisel and me to dinner. It’s on the ground floor of the castle, in a room that looks more like a work of art than a place to use for meals. Every room in the castle—that I’ve seen so far—is a work of art. From the masterful paintings and colorful tapestries that decorate the walls, to the sculptures situated strategically, to the chandeliers and beautiful light fixtures. The dining hall is no exception.
The flooring is made of cream-colored marble and the walls are white stone. Along the walls are a collection of paintings depicting landscapes and solemn-looking rulers sitting with their families. In each corner of the room, there are statues of what appear to be gods atop marble plinths. The ceiling is high and vaulted, with a magnificent crystal chandelier that’s holding upfloating orbs of light. Those orbs combined with the crystals hanging beneath them cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the room.
Camden sits at the head of a long table made of dark wood, situated in the center of the room, with Wyatt seated to his left. The room seems disproportionately large with only them, Leisel, and me inside, as does the spread of foreign-looking foods on the table that makes mymouth water. It’s been days since I’ve had anything substantial to eat, so even the sight and smell of such an elaborate meal has me drawn to it like a bee to sweet nectar.
Camden stands from his seat as Leisel and I appear in the stone arch entrance to the room, as does Wyatt. Camden looks me up and down with heated eyes, before offering me a sinfully attractive smile. The curl of his lips is somehow carnal and seductive, yet at the same time subdued. Like a wolf who’s choosing to be polite rather than pouncing on its prey. Dangerous, taut, ready to spring into action.
“Good evening,” he greets as I lead Leisel to the table. There are two seats with white and crystal-studded plates; one to the right of Camden, the other next to Wyatt.
“Evening,” I respond, settling Leisel in the seat beside mine. I then reach across the table to drag the placemat next to Wyatt in front of her, prompting him to let out a sigh. Dishware clatters with my abrupt gesture, and a crystal glass nearly tips over, making a clattering noise that echoes around the room.
