I forced a smile to my lips, inclining my head. “We have waited so long. I can’t believe you’re finally here, Your Highness.”I had to bite my tongue not to make an unwelcome observation about his absent brother.
The prince nodded, disinterested. I felt for my sister. She was already looking at him with such hope. Like she was already anticipating a day when she would think it was he who put the stars in the sky. And he looked as though he couldn’t care less. But maybe that was better than the alternative. I’d heard the heir could be foul and ill-tempered. At least Alaric didn’t look the sort that would harm her, even if he was never interested in her.
I would do anything to make sure she was safe. I’d wed the future King and take the brunt of the abuse if she could be happy. But would she be happy being ignored? I hated that she may never know love, but it was what I’d always anticipated for us both. Because we all knew that no matter how many mistresses a King or prince had, their wives were never allowed the same happiness.
Through the small talk, the male in the back of the group kept his eyes on anything but me. Even though it was plainly obvious that no matter where his eyes looked, his attention was still fixed entirely on me. How no one else noticed was beyond me. The intensity of the feeling made me shift, despite my training on how to be a good little queen. Quiet, still, invisible. I feared someone would notice my fidgeting, so I clasped my hands and dug my talon-like nails into my palm to ground myself.
Thankfully,after the formalities, we got a reprieve while the royal party settled into their rooms to refresh themselves for the feast.
My sister flopped down on a chaise lounge, full skirts and all, presenting quite a sight. She looked like a ball of decorative fabric, and it was hard to believe there was a fae inside the mass.
I laughed when she gestured me over. “I don’t think there is any room for me left.”
“Was the dress too much? The prince hardly looked at me.” She slapped down some of the material so she could see me.
“I don’t think it was too much. You look lovely.” I knew the issue had nothing to do with the dress, but I didn’t want to burst her bubble if she was hoping for some affection from the prince. Hope was all she had.
She narrowed her eyes because she could read me too well. She always knew my mind. It was part of sharing the same womb and the birthing magic. The Sun God gave special gifts to all twins. We were one soul in two bodies, and the magic we shared was special. Which was why it was the custom of our people to marry twins to twins, as our magic increased, and so did the blessings from the God of Light.
“What are you keeping from me, sister mine?” Nova asked directly.
I crossed the room, taking the time to gather my thoughts, and sat next to her head in the only space available. “I know you’re looking forward to this, but you cannot expect him—” I didn’t know how to break this to her. I exhaled. “He has to get to know you. He’s probably as nervous as you. Most arranged marriages take time for love to grow.” I didn’t want to take away all her hope. I really wished that they would get there eventually for her sake.
The prince seemed nicer than I’d heard, but I didn’t dare to let myself believe that might be the case for his brother, my betrothed, as well. The rumors of his reputation ranged too far into detail to be false.
“I know all that,” she sighed. “I just wish…”
I combed my fingers through her hair. “What do you wish?”
She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter what I wish. I know this is our duty, and I’m happy to do it. I will be with you, and we will be free from under our father’s thumb at least.”
He’d kept us cloistered so we couldn’t be ‘corrupted’ before we were given to the princes.
“You’re not worried we’re trading one prison for another?” I finally released the words I’d been holding in for so long.
“You will be a queen. I will be a princess. Who will defy us? I hardly think they will be able to keep hold of us. Our husbands maybe, but they will be busy with the war and governing the kingdoms.” Nova dropped all pretense of the mask she wore. She’d always been brilliant, and half the time I forgot how she could be when she wasn’t leading with her kindness.
We were born from the same magic, after all.
“When the history books write of you, they will call you ruthlessly kind,”I told her.
She smiled, letting her dimples show. “I believe Seraphic, God of Light and love, will hold to his promise to always protect the daughters of Light.”
“And he’s doing that by letting us be married off to Night?”
“His promise ensures us a way free from the chains that bind him. There are reasons for everything.” She stood steadfast in her meaning.
“You think we are meant to free our people?” My chest tightened. I never believed like my sister did. She trusted Seraphic and the other lesser Gods to protect her and guide her on her path.
She lifted her shoulders. “I believe I am sent where we are meant to be.’
We.
I heard the meaning loud and clear.
I did not take her meaning lightly, but I was beginning to think I’d misunderstood her need to be loved by her husband. IfAlaric does not love her, then he’s against her, and I pitied any male who stands against her. Maybe she should have been born first.She might have been a better match for the wayward heir than I.
“What of you?” she nudged.
