Page 112 of His Realm

“I’m so tired all the time.”

She crossed her arms. “That’s because you are always trying to impress others with your strength and stamina. Embrace your humanity and rest.”

I smiled at her.

“Worry less, nap more.”

“I’d rather stay here with you,” I confessed.

She shook her head. “You cannot. Your love waits. You both had lessons to learn. His about taking life for granted, yours about the value of the same.”

“I don’t—what?”

“Listen, should you befriend Carice, I will not think you disloyal. Never that. I know I am beloved. I saw you place my seal and Cassius’s livery collar at the front of the palace so that everyone who walks by gazes upon them. My heart is full.”

I nodded.

“I never hated Carice, only coveted what she stole from me.”

“He is returned to your arms.” I smiled at her.

“And is claimed for all time, yes. There are no secrets anymore.”

I hoped I wasn’t dreaming. I hoped this wasn’t all in my mind. I wanted it to be real.

“I’m really here,” she declared, squeezing my hand, “and I need you to know that even though we were together only a short time, in our way, we were soulmates.”

“Yes,” I choked out, sounding nasally, my voice clogged with tears. “I feel the same.”

We hugged again, tight, and held on a long time.

“Bring more people close to you. You will not lose them.”

“That’s not true. I lost Sibel and Eris.”

“Not lost, much like myself. Just out of sight for a time.”

“Could I…see them?”

She shook her head. “Too soon. They have to rest. We all rest first.”

That made sense. Or didn’t. “I want them to know I love them.”

“They know. Everyone always knows how you feel, and that’s a gift. You never make anyone guess,” she said, taking my hand.

We walked together for a bit to the other side of the patio. When we stopped, I closed my eyes and turned my face into the warm breeze.

“Look at me.”

Opening my eyes, I turned to her. “I don’t want to lose anyone else.”

“That’s ridiculous, you will. That’s life.”

“And when your heart breaks?”

“Hearts heal, Jason. They are made to do so.”

I grunted.