I opened my mouth, but words wouldn’t come. I cleared my throat before trying again. “How can you be so sure?”
“The gods have a plan for us all.” Ilta replied, squeezing my hand in support once more. “Look at all that has happened to bring you here, and from what Liviana told us, there’s more to come for you. I can’t believe the gods would do all of this, only for your destiny to leave you unhappy. I don’t know what may happen, I don’t know if Calix will find his soulmate, or not. There’s so many questions, and no answers. I know Calix is a good man, despite what he thinks. I know he thinks himself half a villain, for what he’s had to do, for the things he’s done in the past. And yes, to some, he’s the monster they claim he is, but he’s truly a good man. A loyal one—and I know he won’t ever be disloyal to those he loves. But he also can’t deny whatever this issizzling between you two. So, I have to believe the gods have a plan for you both, and that in the end, you’ll find happiness.”
I let out a shaking sigh and jumped in my chair as I heard a soft, “She’s right, you know.”
Delia smiled kindly from the doorway, where she leaned against the frame. “Sorry, I didn’t want to interrupt, but it’s important you know that she’s correct. The Goddess Ziva is there for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need her. Fae or human, it doesn’t matter, the Goddess of Love works to ensure all our happiness.”
I wanted to believe that, but it seemed like a fairytale. I was already happier than I’d ever been, aside from this thing with Calix. I couldn’t ask for more than that.
I stood up, Ilta following suit, and we followed Delia inside, both honoring my silent cue to let talk of Calix and destiny rest. Delia turned her head to smile back at me. “I have your dress, Asteria! You aren’t going to believe this.”
“Oh! Let me see! Let me see!” Ilta bounced on her toes.
“Don’t you need to go get ready yourself?” Delia raised a brow at our excitable friend, while I tried to contain my giggles.
“Of course!” Ilta rolled her eyes. “But I can spare the time to see her dress!”
“Or you could wait to see the complete masterpiece.” Delia chuckled, and Ilta tipped her head side to side as she contemplated.
“Okay, you have a point!” She skipped over to me, leaning down slightly to kiss my cheek, and then whispered in my ear. “Make Calix swallow his tongue.”
I burst out laughing and Ilta smiled, pleased with my reaction, before she floated out the door once more.
“Sometimes I wonder how Ilta manages to be a ball of sunshine all the time.” Delia confessed as she shook her head fondly.
“You’re fairly sunny yourself there, Delia.” I countered, raising a brow at her.
“Nothing like that!” She laughed. “I like to stay positive, and I believe you get more done with magic than iron, but that’s different than the natural bubbliness Ilta possesses.”
“True.” I nodded, conceding her point. “Still, the two of you are—different, somehow. Lilith and Harpina, even Callisto—”
“They’re all warriors.” Delia interrupted with a small smile. “While Ilta is trained, it’s not her favorite. Me, on the other hand? I never learned to fight. I think something about training, learning how to kill, hardens you a bit over time. Or maybe they were always more serious, and that helped them gravitate towards it.” Delia shrugged, “Who knows? But they all have other sides to them. Just wait for the next holiday—you may discover something new about yourself as well.” She wiggled her brows at me, causing me to snort out a laugh.
“It’s next week, right? The Festival of Faunus?” I asked as I sat down for her to begin my hair.
“It is.” She nodded, beginning to weave small braids into my hair. “You’re going tolove it. The holidays here are always amazing—the kind of event you never forget.” Her reflection winked in the mirror.
I smiled back at her, but bit my lip, debating asking my next question. “Do you normally—participate?” I swallowed, trying to wet my suddenly dry mouth, as a blush lit the apples of my cheeks. “In the—orgy?” I practically whispered the last word, to my horror.
I wasn’t inexperienced, and by the Otherworld I love sex, but I wasn’torgy levelexperienced. I’d had minimal partners, and I couldn’t imagine having sex in front of hundreds of people—especially when my friends were counted among them.
“Of course!” Delia giggled, shaking her head like I was crazy. “You have nothing to worry about, I promise. Plus, I’m sureyou’ll get a warmup tonight.” Her smirk promised debauchery, something I never imagined crossing her innocent doe-like face. Old G—Nox? I still hadn’t got the hang of that. But—fuck! Literally. Was I expected to…
Delia could clearly see my thoughts spiraling, and she grabbed both of my shoulders. “Asteria! Calm down.” She laughed lightly. “I promise you’ll be fine. You won’t ever be required to do anything you don’t want to.Never. It’s completely consensual. You’ll never be forced into anything; I swear on Nox.”
“I know.” I acknowledged, nodding as I let out a puff of breath. “It’s just—new. That’s all.” Delia nodded sagely, and I decided to focus on watching her. The two braids she wove on each side were made to slant sideways and then to disappear into the curls of my hair. Delia brought half my hair up, including the braids, and made a voluminous ponytail, while the rest lay curled against my shoulders. My hair normally fell to my waist, but the large curls meant it now fell to just below my breasts. My makeup was quickly applied until my skin shone and my eyes popped.
Delia took a small diadem out of a case, and I inhaled sharply at the sight of it. The diadem was made of silverium, the glittering silver metal from Day Kingdom. A crescent moon made of star opal sat in the center, propped up by a line of actual stars made of star opal on each side. Diamonds accented them the entire way up and lined the bottom of the piece as well. She placed it gently on top of my head, and I blinked in the mirror.
“It’s a crown.” I breathed shakily.
“It’s a diadem.” Delia insisted. “All the ladies will be wearing one. It’s not a true crown, like the king will wear. They’re common at formal events like the ball tonight.” I nodded, appeased I wouldn’t be alone.
“It’s gorgeous.” I whispered, wishing I could wear the necklace from my parents to match it. And wasn’t that something? I oncethought having that much star opal was incredible and once in a lifetime. Now, I live in a palace made of it, and wore even more on my head.
“Calix thought you’d like it.” Delia smiled gently, a twinkle in her eye.
“Calix?” I repeated, my head tilting to the side.
