I stammer, “I don’t know if I’ll have everything ready to…to propose this week?”
Lazul’s blue eyes find me and blink, innocence radiating from them. “What does that matter?”
Maybe I’m confused. Heat fills my cheeks. “Uh. Doesn’t Samson need to accept my proposal before you do paperwork stuff?”
He laughs. And Ines laughs. And Aurelia and Chrysa giggle.
“Samson may not be entirely fond of me, but that doesn’t mean I think poorly of him. The Ridge has flourished more deeply with his care, just as it has with yours. You won’t catch me believing him to bear the same mental facilities he often thrusts upon my character.”
I think that’s fancy lord speak forI don’t think he’s an idiot even if he thinks I’m one. Which translates further intoyou two are getting married because to not marry you would be stupid.
It is a sentiment I appreciate, really.
I just in no way have that kind of faith in myself.
And here I thought I’d be the insane one spouting nonsense tonight.
Warmly, Lazul smiles. “I cannot think of a more perfect union. You and Samson are two of the kindest, most hard-working people I know. There are very few communities like ours these days that cling to the values of ages past, when magicflowed more freely and people cared more openly about one another. I am honored to approve this relationship and bind you together for the future.” A twinkle glistens in the lord’s eye. “After all…Gem Ridge does not let just anyone within its sanctuary.”
I stare at him. I blink. “I’m sorry. What?”
Ines snorts while Aurelia explains, “Don’t you think it’s odd that not more people travel here? We survive solely on our own independence and Mimet’s efforts. Gem Ridge is invite-only, and it’s certainly not any of us who can extend the invitation.”
“But…Samson. When you met and he got injured, youbroughthim here.”
Aurelia covers her lips with her hand and shakes her head. “He was unconscious. We were closer to the city. Austin and I would have taken him there and begged help from any medic we could find. Nature itself didn’t give us a choice. One step toward the city, and we were at Peri’s door.”
“And…you never told him?” My mind feels like soup attempting to wrap itself around this new lore drop. “But…you’re tellingme?”
“Well…it’s not exactly a secret.” Aurelia’s attention slips toward Lazul.
The man clears his throat. “What? You can’t be blaming me that the man remains oblivious.”
“Lord Lazul told him,” Aurelia says. “Ever the skeptic, Samson assumed it was an outrageous sale tactic in getting him to stay.”
“He narrowed his eyes at me before he rolled them and asked how much I wanted for the farm. Before I could tell him I wasn’t charging, he shoved a bag of money at me, said it was all he had, and slammed the door in my face.”
My mouth opens, but I close it. This…is world-changing information. This means I’m here for a reason that surpassesmy understanding. This means that when Lazul gave me a shack house and land, it’s because I wasn’t a person in need who was meant to stay in the guest room of anyone who had the space so shortly after the storm; he was setting me up tostay.
Because he knew the fact I was here at all meant I’d been chosen to be a part of this community.
He knew Ibelongedhere.
I…belong…here.
“I…” It feels like I could evaporate into thin air at a moment’s notice. “I don’t know what to say.”
Lazul chuckles. “This world is full of wonders; some you’ve uncovered in your short time here already. Sometimes, I think maybe people forget that, so—sometimes—something sends a reminder.”
Aurelia wraps her arms around me in the least awkward side hug I’ve ever been subjected to. Perhaps since it’s theonlyside hug I’ve ever been subjected to. “We’reallblessed and gifted in different ways. Sometimes, a person is the blessing itself. Samson gave Austin and I our lives when we met. So, to me, he’s more gifted than anyone.” Pulling away, she beams. “Whether the world at large realizes it or not, whether you’ve some specific skill that taps into the magic all around or not, it’s all of us. The real magic…isallof us. And, since you’re here, it’syou.”
Yep.
That’ll do it.
My throat closes as the tears I’ve been fighting spill free, choking me.
Aurelia’s arms circle again as Ines’s join. “Oh, lovely,” she murmurs. “It’s okay.”
