“It can be all-encompassing sometimes,” I admitted. “We’re not just soulmates, wesharea soul. Things have stopped being about me or him, and have become about us. And I like it that way, because I think we work best when we’re acting as one being, instead of two separate people. It’s the way our magic works. But I love him so much that sometimes, that love is scary. I don’t know what I would do without him.”
I sighed and leaned back in my chair. “Though there’s one thing he can’t really understand. My brain’s never been right, but things have gotten worse since I came back. It’s hard for meto remember things from the Ancestral Lands. I get mixed up on what happened and what I’m making up. Part of me still thinks I died young— because I did— and the other part thinks that since I’m alive here, that never happened. Because logically, itcouldn’thave happened if I’m still around. I have a hard time keeping things straight.”
“I believe that’s normal. Our soul isn’t able to comprehend how powerful the spiritual realm is when it’s stuck in a mortal body,” Emma explained. “I have trouble with that, too. You’re not crazy. Just trying to figure out what’s real and what’s in your head. Though that doesn’t help, because I suppose it’sallin your head.”
“I’m just trying to put the pieces back together, one step at a time,” I hushed. “But there are gaps. And I’m never going to be able to see the whole picture until my soul goes somewhere else.”
“It’s not a simple process. I’ve had to deal with this alone for almost twenty years,” Emma said quietly. “And though I’m sad that you had to go through it, too, it makes me happy I have someone to share this experience with, because we can lean on each other.”
My eyes watered. “Thank you, Emma. I’m… I’m really glad you understand.”
We sat in silence for a moment. I played with my napkin and said, “It’s too bad Kallie’s not here. She used to tell me she missed tea parties back in Malovia. It’d be nice, the three of us.”
Emma chewed slowly on a cupcake. “I asked her to come today, and she didn’t show. She has to go through the grieving process, because her mating bond didn’t turn out to be the happy ending fae society promises.”
“What do you think she should do?” I dared to raise my eyes.
“I’ll support whatever Kallie needs. I told her before her bond was broken to keep fighting for Marcus. But now that bond is gone, and I understand why she’s tired of trying.” Emmafrowned. “Losing a mate is a devastating experience. It’s soul-damaging. I nearly went through it myself. I think she and Marcus would be good together. But that’s only if they can get out of their own way, and it seems too late to turn back now.”
“Maybe,” I said sadly. “Losing a bond is the hardest thing I could imagine.”
It was unfathomable to think about losing that connection to Charlie. I wouldn’t want to live anymore. Yet Kallie seemed like she’d needed the bond to break, so she could heal herself. I was both proud of her that she could be that strong, and sad things hadn’t worked out.
“Let’s hope they can keep working together,” Emma added. “Because even though their bond is broken, I’m not convinced they can cut each other off completely.”
I really hoped so, too. I went to say something else, but the door to the room creaked open. Aunt Imogen stuck her head in. “Ava, I hate to bother you, but Ezekiel is asking you to swing by as soon as you can.”
She closed the door, and Oberi nickered. “I’m sorry,” I said. “I can stay?—”
“It’s fine.” Emma put her teacup down wistfully. “I said what I needed to. Go spend some time with your brother.”
Her eyes glimmered as she whispered, “It’s more important than you know.”
I said goodbye, and Tygrys waved his feelers in farewell. The servants took me back to the palace, Eldin following behind. All of our friends had rooms in Charlie’s quarters, and Ez and Opal shared one there. I noticed my handmaiden wasn’t around as I entered the space. I told Eldin to stand guard outside.
My brother was pacing on the balcony. He looked… nervous. Tahoma was spread out across the bed and snoring loudly. Apparentlyhewasn’t worried about Ez’s freakout.
“You’re the only one who can summon a princess and get away with it,” I said as I approached my brother. “Look how much I love you.”
“Thanks for coming by on such short notice,” he said. “I didn’t want to lose my nerve. It’s about Opal.”
I gave a dramatic sigh. “Thisagain? Look, Ez, I’m sorry that you’re tired of other guys hitting on her. I don’t know how many times I gotta tell you, but Opal’s technically an available lady.Mylady. The Elf dudes at the palace couldn’t give a flying fuck if you’re her boyfriend. All of them want to elevate their positions, and marrying the princess’s handmaiden makes them look good to the Emperor. If you want to keep her, you’re gonna have to lock that shit down.”
Ez took a breath. “Actually… that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
Ez dug in his pocket. He took out a tiny box and opened it. Inside was a rose-gold engagement band with a fire opal set into the center.
“Well?” he burst anxiously.
“No way.” I looked up. “You’re really gonna ask?”
“Well, since she’s your lady, you technically have to approve any marriage proposals she’s given,” Ez said sheepishly. “And I figured I’d better ask you now, before you get pissed off at me for some stupid thing and tell me no.”
“I wouldn’t do that, shut up.” I leaned closer to inspect the ring. “That’s a pretty nice gemstone.”
“Yeah, it is. I don’t knowwhenI’m gonna ask her, but when I found this ring, I decided I should go for it.” He shrugged. “What do you think?”
“Wow, Ez.” I looked up at him. “Have you talked to Mama and Daddy about this?”
