I scowled. Never could be simple, could it? I grabbed my wheels and wrenched them around, saying, “Well, you can guide me back to the Ladies’ Court, because I can’t carry all this crap by myself.”
Mama smiled as she came to join me. She remained quiet as we entered my special closet, being nothing more than a silent mentor as I paused to observe all the things I’d collected… my dozens of dresses, the pool of diamonds, rows of precious necklaces, bracelets and gems.
“You’d better be worth this shit, Charlie,” I grumbled. I started yanking things off the shelves, tossing them to the floor. If I was giving up my entire closet, he’d better not fuck this up again.
Mama started helping me, placing things in neat piles on the floor. She was soundless, but I was loud, mumbling swear words under my breath as I tossed everything within reach onto the carpet.
Elrye was nearby, and she heard the commotion. She rushed into the room. Her eyes widened as she watched me toss my things, jaw dropping as she became speechless. She was followed by a large group of Elvish ladies who were staring at me like they figured I’d gone mad. “Princess, what is all of this?”
“I need boxes,” I demanded. “As many as you can find.”
Elrye blinked. “But princess, why?”
“I’m giving away all my things.”
Elrye gaped. It was an appropriate response. Everyone in the palace knew how obsessed I was with my closet and everything in it. “If you wish to divorce the prince, you need to know that you still retain ownership of everything you’ve been given. You don’t need to return any of our possessions. These things were the empire’s gift to you.”
“And I’m giving them all back. I’m not leaving Charlie. I’m following the traditions of my tribe,” I stated. “I want everyone who’s willing to help me grab whatever they can. The jewels, diamonds, all my dresses. Leave nothing in my closet or quarters.”
Elrye failed to respond for a moment or two. “Princess… are you sure?”
I didn’t pause, because I absolutely was. “Everything must go. I won’t hear any more questions about it.”
Elrye nodded. “Very well. Whatever you desire, we shall do.”
She clapped her hands, and the astounded Elvish ladies gathered around her jumped. “You heard the princess! Grab everything in sight!”
The room became a flurried mess as ladies hurried to nab items, their arms overflowing. Baskets and boxes were brought in, and chatter bustled throughout the space. Apparently, word had spread throughout the palace about what I was doing, and every Elvish female who had overheard the gossip had shown up to help in any way they could. There were almost a hundred women here, but I had so many things the extra hands were needed. Everyone had something to do. I found tears blurring my vision as everyone stepped in without having to be told what I needed. These women had shown up to help me without being asked, and it was one of the most precious gifts I’d ever been given.
I didn’t even look at any of it. I grabbed things and threw them, scooping up all my shoes, trinkets and valuables and throwing them into baskets. If anything, just the act of all these women showing up to support me was enough to pay back what I was losing.
This was worth it. Charlie was worth it. I believed he was, so he would be. I wouldn’t accept any other alternative. I could give up all these things and it wouldn’t mean anything, because I’d get them all back and more. I had total faith in that.
My best friend had heard the commotion and came by to see what was going on. When I explained the situation to her, the scowl written across her face was similar to a wolf’s sharp sneer.
“I’m not okay with this, Ava. It seems really messed up,” Kallie said in disapproval, shaking her head as boxes were carried out.
“You’re a fae. You’re not going to understand Hawkei traditions,” I replied. Ancestors knew a fae wouldn’t part from their treasures if the gods above demanded it.
“Why do you have to give up all your things? It seems misogynistic,” Kallie argued. “All Charlie has to do is climb a big rock.”
“Without any ropes, climbing gear, equipment, or safety precautions.”
Kallie rolled her eyes. “Big deal. He’s risking his life once. You’re risking your entire fortune, your livelihood.”
“That’s the point.” The closet was nearly empty now. It was eerie, standing in this huge space with absolutely nothing left in it. But to be blunt, there wasn’t anything in here that was of more value than my family, and I was willing to give it up for the chance to get it back. I wasn’t just doing this for Charlie. I was doing it for Casey, too. Mama said I didn’t have to feel anything toward him to show that I loved him. Might as well start here.
“You know, you could give some stuff to me to hold on to, just in case…” Kallie hinted. “It’s still giving your stuff away if I have it, right?”
“Can’t, it’s cheating. Stop being a villain and looking for ways to get around the rules,” I teased.
“It’s an old habit. One I’m not getting rid of any time soon,” Kallie said.
“If I’m going through with this, I have to be completely honest and commit to the process one hundred percent. Trying to save things and skirt the rules proves I should’ve decided differently, and chosen to leave. I can’t have any backup plans or one foot out the door. I’m either in or out. This proves that I’m in. At least for now.”
Kallie gave in. “Okay, fine. If this is what you want to do, I’ll back you up. But if Charlie fails to get all this stuff back to you, we’re going on a huge shopping spree with my royal allowance the minute you’re done with him, and you’re not allowed to say no to whatever I buy you.”
I grinned. “I consider you family, and part of my tribe. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the tribe providing for me in Charlie’s absence, so it’s a fair trade.”
