I was an engaged woman. For the most part, a happily engaged woman.
Just because I had strange feelings regarding another man, a man who could never have me—who would never want me—shouldn’t get in the way of potential marital bliss.
Should it?
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
A brief visit to my family was supposed to have cooled some of the anxiety that had simmered within me. I should’ve been missing David while at home—his steady warmth, his gentle touch. But instead, my mind returned again and again to the prince with a cocky attitude, flipping through books and bossing me around.
I’d lost my mind.
I sat at the kitchen table with my morning coffee, light flooding the small room through the window, sunlight blanketing me with a golden warmth.
Thomas would be gone soon. His semester started in a mere two weeks. And then? Then, I wouldn’t have to sit in this turmoil anymore, or fight this strange attraction to him that was a shallow mockery of love. I could return to wedding planning, finish my final months at the palace, and prepare for a life of staying at home.
Of no magic.
My shoulders sank. There was still a chance David could change his mind about my magic training. Yet every time I’d brought it up, he had that same wrinkle in his brow, that same guardedexpression.
To believe otherwise, that he’d support my ambitions, was only foolishness.
I stared at my mug, willing the coffee to move. The black liquid swirled around the rim, just as Thom had turned the pond into a whirlpool only two months ago. I was excelling so fast, faster than both he and I had expected. And to sacrifice all of it…
The creak of well-worn floorboards made me glance up.
Kelara gave me a small smile. “Copper for your thoughts?” She helped herself to the morning brew, ladling out a mugful from the pot hanging over the hearth. She took a sip and grimaced. “That’s strong.”
“It was a Junirian blend from the market,” I said. “I wanted to try it.”
“You’re always wanting to try new stuff.” She came and sat beside me. We watched through the window as horses flew past, carrying riders and carriages along with them. “Why not stick to what you know is good?”
“Like Felipe?” I turned to her, and her body stilled. “I saw you two when I was home last. You’re not…”
“That’s none of your business, Lyra.”
“And that’s not a reason.”
She exhaled. Her fingers wrapped around her mug tightly as bitter steam rose and curled in the air between us. “He’s Asha’s papa.”
“That’s why I’m worried.”
“It’s been years.”
“He’s still Felipe.” I gave her a sad smile. “He wasn’t here to pick up the pieces he left behind after he betrayed you.Iwas. I was the one who held you when you cried for hours in the dark. I had to take time off work to make sure you washed and ate. And I keptAsha smiling while you fell apart.”
“Lyra…”
I huffed. “Felipe didn’t want anything to do with either of you when he left. I think it should stay that way.”
Kelara ran her hands over her face, leaving a flustered redness behind. She leaned onto the table. “Asha deserves a father.”
“Yes.” I reached out, my hand on her arm. “But she deserves a good one. And you deserve a good man who is loyal and kind. Felipe was not that man.”
“I’m so lonely, Lyra. And with Gina turning for the worst—” She blinked rapidly, and a tear slipped down her cheek. She sniffled. “Spirits, I hate crying. I wish I had your resolve.” She laughed bitterly through the tears.
I rubbed my thumb over her shoulder. “And I wish I had your resilience. Don’t give up now. Not when Asha needs you. When I need you.”
She nodded. “And what about you?”
