My brother moved me just beyond our borders to protect me—or so he said. My sister removed me from the danger.
“And I am grateful for all of it, truly, but I miss the life I once lived.” I softened my words as she shifted in the chair. “The invitation came at just the right time.”
“And what of the royal expectations? I know you haven’t forgotten what will be required of you if you marry Prince Soren.”
It was impossible to forget.
Royal marriages were secured for two reasons—political strengthening and heirs.
I knew politics—I could handle them, but motherhood didn’t appeal to me. My sister gave more of herself than she could afford to. She vanished under the weight of it until she just slowly started to reemerge.
There was a tiny shred of hope that I would find my match and maybe someday my mind would change. “It is possible Soren and I will see each other and fall madly in love and I will wish for nothing more.” I wasn’t truly expecting that, but more impossible things have happened in this life.
“Fyn has rubbed off on you more than I would like.” She was right. He had. “Please only make the decision there if you’re absolutely certain it’s one you can live with.”
“I assure you I have no intention of committing myself to a life I can’t endure.”
“This is doing nothing for my nerves.” Aelira looked to Cora, but Cora only stared out the window. “If you are set on going, Ashlyn, Fyn will take you.” Aelira said it as if it were the thing that would make me not want to go.
“Surely he has better things to do.” I hadn’t thought he would go with me. “Logistical trade overseeing or whatever it is he does.”
“It’s not up for debate. I won’t trust anyone else,” Aelira said.
“At least the trip won’t be boring.” Cora finally broke her silence.
I would let her have this one thing, only because I could tell how much it meant to her. “When do we leave?”
“Lioran and Fyn have arrangements to make before your journey is set.” Aelira’s guards received her at the door.
“It seems ironic to give me a choice and then not want me to make it.” My nervous laughter simmered.
“You can want someone to have a choice and also not want what they choose,” Cora said. “I know you will find the path that is best for you.”
I wasn’t afraid to go, but I was afraid of what it would require.
If I could go and keep control, then I wouldn’t be forced to be a mother before I was ready. “Cora? Fae females can prevent…” I truly didn’t want to have this conversation, but it seemed illogical not to. “They can delay pregnancy until they feel ready, correct?”
She studied me for a moment until her eyes flickered with recognition. “There is a potion that can be taken.”
“Is it easily accessible to anyone?” It wouldn’t be apermanent solution, but it would give me a chance to make a choice, even if it was temporary.
“Rowena keeps a supply of it on hand. You would have to take a lot with you. And then what? Does the human realm have the same?”
The idea of humanity accepting or inventing anything of the sort was laughable. “Not exactly. Women take things for the opposite effect. Could you acquire some for me?”
She folded her hands back in her lap. “No one should be forced to not have a choice. I’ll speak with Rowena tomorrow.”
“Thank you.” It wasn’t a perfect solution, but it was something.
Maybe it wouldn’t even be needed.
CHAPTER FOUR
ASHLYN
The stupid door was stuck.
It was more than stuck. Orion must have jammed it.
