If only he was better at missing my nuts when he jumped in my lap, that would be ideal. But I’ve had enough wins to last me a good long time. No use getting greedy.
“That’s the last box,” Ariel says, dropping it on our new kitchen countertop with the rest.
Aurora and I got the keys to our new loft at the top of an old industrial building, the kind with exposed steel beams and pipes that hum faintly when the water’s running. We have roof access now—perfect for when I want to stretch my wings without taking the long way around. The light here is better too, the sunlight pouring in through the massive windows like it’s trying to fill up every inch of the space with warmth.
It didn’t take much to convince her. Just a few well-placed arguments, and a long afternoon of edging her into agreement, both literally and figuratively. We’re staying. We’re building something. Might as well have a place that feels like it.
Gone is the mildew and cloying candle stink of the old apartment, replaced now with the clean scent of fresh paint and wood polish. The long brick wall is weathered but solid, full of that lived-in charm Aurora calls character. Opposite it, a wall of tall windows frames the daytime view of Back Bay. The buildings, sky, and water layered together in an appealing mosaic.
It feels like a start. Maybe even a good one.
“Thank you, Ariel,” I say sincerely.
“Hey, we helped too,” Snow protests from the large slate gray couch she’s currently sunk into next to Cinder and Aurora.
“Only the hardest workers get pizza,” Kai says from the ground where he puts together a small bookshelf with impossibly small screwdrivers.
A cry of protest arises from the couch.
I keep it to myself that I still think we should have got lobster rolls from a certain food truck. When I suggested it earlier, I got a number of pillows to the head with vocal protests that I can’t reward their help with food poisoning.
“As much as I like that idea,” Ariel says to Kai, “I think you risk being stabbed by Ms. Stabby McGee over there if you try to hold out on her.”
True to Ariel’s word, Snow plays menacingly with one of her daggers.
“Don’t forget, your parents are coming to visit next weekend,” I remind Aurora because I know she will. I mentally make a note to get magnets so I can put it up on the fridge where she’d be hard pressed to miss it.
Relations between Midnight and the Realm of Roses have turned a new corner as Kai and King Roland forged a new relationship on the blood-soaked Rosari ground that day.
And Aurora’s parents were as ecstatic to have Aurora home as they were grateful for all our efforts to protect their land. They quickly realized how Aurora had changed. How she yearned to be new, to live differently. So while she may be the heir to the throne, they agreed to letting her live her way for a while.
In sin. In Boston. With me.
Though I did get a stern side talking to from her father, who said if I didn’t continue to protect his little girl’s heart with the same vigor I’d always protected her with, he’d tear my wings off himself. Then he patted me on the back with a fatherly look that made me feel warm in places I didn’t know I could.
“Are your parents really cool with you staying in Boston?” Ariel asks.
Aurora grins. “They know I’m happy here.”
“You sure you don’t want to go back to all your other friends in Realm of Roses?” Snow tests.
Whatever seal Aurora had been kept under had broken after that night with Mal. The royal court practically came crashing down on her with warmth, gratitude, and not a little inappropriate curiosity. Thankfully, no one was stupid enough to outright ask if she had any connections to the secret beast of the castle or the disappearances. I’m not sure who was more of a threat on that front, me or Aurora’s father.
Aurora was overwhelmed by all the attention she got, but happy that the glass around her had been broken.
“I’m glad I’m not seen as some ice princess, or worse, some monster.” Aurora looks at me with the same dazed expression she’s had in her eyes since that day. “But my people are right here.” She reaches around the girls as best she can, and squeezesthem while stretching out a toe to put on Ariel’s arm, including her too. Ariel pinches her calf and earns a squeal.
“Alright, everyone take your pizza to go, because I am also hungry,” Aurora announces, standing and lightly slapping Ariel’s knee. “Starving, in fact,” she says, grinning wickedly at me.
Snow rolls her eyes even as she grabs an entire box. “Fine, bang it out in your new place. But I’m coming back here to this swanky joint to watch the next episode ofHex Islandwhen it drops Thursday. And you can’t stop me.”
“Yep,” Ariel nods, as she steals a cheesy slice from Snow’s box. “If you are going to have a place this cool with all your princess rule, you have to hostHex Islandnights.”
“I’m in.” A small enigmatic smile curves Snow’s lips. “If that’s…okay.” She adds, looking at Aurora with sudden uncertainty.
“I’d love that,” Aurora says, warmth softening her expression.
Cinder bumps her fist against hers as Kai sidles up to me. “Talon. My guy. My man. Hot boy of the hour.” Not sure I love his joining in on the nickname, and somehow making it even worse. “While the women watch their petty TV dramas, maybe we can have some manly time. Drink beers. Or hunt…something.” He scratches the back of his head, clearly at a loss for what other manly activities there are.
