“Your wife deserves a ring fit for a queen, and so, she will have this.” Cassiel stopped in front of one of the displays, then placed a ring in my hand.
I ran my fingers over it. The stone was large and square, and it had a smaller collection of stones around the edge. It reminded me of the ring in Cassiel’s vision, before I realized itwas.This was my grandmother’s ring. It had to be.
“I can’t just… take this out of the treasury,” I stated. “This has sentimental value to you.”
“And that’s exactly why I want you to have it,” Cassiel said, closing my hand around the stone. “This ring belonged to the love of my life, and now, I want it to belong to yours. This ring is meant to be worn by an Empress.”
My breath caught in my throat. I couldn’t imagine getting rid of something of Ava’s if I lost her, but that’s what my grandpa was doing for me. He was willing to let go of this part of his wife to make me happy. I could never thank him enough.
“Then I guess there’s just one more thing to do,” I stated. “I need to talk to Ava’s father.”
After my grandfatherand I had discussed plans about the proposal, Oberi and I left the treasury and headed toward Ez’s suite. Ava was busy in mystic training with Abigail, learning Elvish customs and about the goddesses, so I knew she’d be preoccupied all day. Now was the perfect time to talk to her brother.
Why do you feel the need to ask her family’s permission?Oberi wondered on the way.You’re already married. It’s not like you can take it back.
I frowned. “I’m not asking permission. I know I don’t need it. I’m respecting our culture and following tradition. In Hawkei weddings, the whole family is involved. The tradition isn’t about asking for their permission to marry her. It’s about asking ifthey’ll accept me as part of their family. I know Ava will choose me either way, but I never got a chance to ask if her family will. My culture was robbed from me as a child, and Ava and I never got to get married in the traditions of our tribe. I want to do it right and gain their acceptance.”
Oh, I understand,Oberi said brightly.You’re looking for a family.
“No!” I shot back. Something inside me recoiled, though I wasn’t sure what it meant. “I don’t need anyone but Ava.”
That’s not correct, Oberi insisted.You were taken from your family before you can remember, and you grew up without a home. You were on the streets, and then you went to prison. You never had a family. Now your estranged father isn’t there for you?—
“I get it,” I snapped. “You don’t have to make a list.”
It’s fine,Oberi said nonchalantly.Liam will be a better dad for you, anyway.
My breath caught in my chest, but I wasn’t going to tell Oberi he’d guessed what I’d secretly been hoping for. “I don’t need a dad,” I mumbled.
Of course not, because Liam’s already there for you!
I wasn’t talking about this. We reached Ez’s suite, and I knocked.
He answered right away. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Can we talk?” I asked. “Alone?”
“Sure. Opal’s at the temple with Ava, and Marina is at a playdate. I was just studying for my med class.” Ez opened the door and invited me inside.
I sat on the couch, and Oberi hopped up beside me. “Ava told me your plans to propose to Opal. I came by to congratulate you.”
No, you didn’t,Oberi said snidely.Stop lying.
A half-truth is still a truth. Shut up. I need to concentrate,I replied.
Ez instantly began gushing. “Yeah, I’m really excited. I’ve got the ring picked out and everything. But I’m going to wait until her birthday. I want to take her out on a special date, but if I do anything before her birthday, she’ll suspect something. I want her to be surprised.”
“Cool,” I said. “When’s her birthday?”
“January. There’s an ocean sanctuary on the other side of Ilamanthe. In January, they’re doing an open swim so people can swim with the animals,” Ez said eagerly. “I think that’d be cool to take Opal to and propose there.”
“That’s a few months away,” I pointed out. “I don’t want to steal your thunder, but there might be another wedding before then.”
“Cool. Who’s getting married?” Ez asked. “Wait— did Alistair propose?”
“Uh, no. I’m sure if he did, Eddie wouldn’t shut up about it,” I joked. “I’m actually talking about me and your sister. We never got to have a traditional wedding, and I wanted to do it over again.”
Ez let out a huge gasp. “Ancestors!” He threw his arms around my neck and squeezed me tight. “That’s a great idea! Man, this is so cool. I can’t wait for you to be my brother again.”
