A chuckle escaped me as I recalled the pure consternation on his face while fumbling with the television remote, pressing buttons as if it might bite him.
Emily beamed, her joy as radiant as the morning light. “That’s incredible, Olivia! I’m so happy for you!”
She pulled me into a tight embrace, holding me close.
Rosie squealed and launched onto the bed, wrapping her small arms around us.
Laughter bubbled up in my chest, caught in the warmth of their love, their unshakable presence.
But then?—
Malik.
Balthazar.
Their names repeated through my mind, ruining the moment of peace.
I gently extracted myself from Rosie’s and Emily’s arms and stood. “Let’s eat. I’m famished. Give me a moment to dress, and we’ll head down together.”
I crossed to the armoire and swung open the doors.
Inside, an array of delicate dresses, blouses, and skirts hung neatly from wooden hangers—soft fabrics in cream, rose, and sapphire.
I traced my fingers over the garments before selecting a beautiful blue dress of fine linen and spreading it across the bed.
In the dresser, I found pale white underthings, crisp and pristine.
As I slipped them on, Emily spoke. “I’d like to learn more about what Malik meant when he called me a Timebound.” Her voice was thoughtful with curiosity. “What do you think that means? And how does a Timebound differ from a Timeborne?”
“I wonder that too,” I admitted, struggling to fasten the tiny buttons of my bodice through the equally infuriatingly small holes.
My fingers fumbled. “I guess we’ll have to ask Malik and see if he’s willing to answer.”
Finally managing the last button, I smoothed the front of my dress and twirled. “How do I look?”
Emily grinned. “Once your hair is combed, you’ll look beautiful.”
She retrieved a silver brush from the dresser and held it up. “Come here.”
Obediently, I turned, allowing Emily to pivot me so I stood before her.
As the brush glided through my hair, smoothing the tangled strands intoa glossy sheen, I let my eyes slip closed for just a moment, letting myself breathe.
“How does she look, Rosie?” Emily asked, stepping back to study me.
Rosie clapped her hands together, her little face lighting up. “So pretty! We all look like princesses!”
With a laugh, we went downstairs and entered the dining room.
I halted.
The table was lavish—an absurd amount of food, enough for an army, stretched across the elegant blue and gold runner.
Four place settings sat neatly arranged, gleaming silverware atop matching blue and gold napkins. Crystal goblets, their rims lined with gold, stood near each plate.
Emily gasped. “Oh, my goodness.”
Rosie squealed in delight, running toward the table. “So much pretty food!”
