Being your mother, I am sure I was the only one to notice just how nervous you were when you came into the receiving hall just moments ago, after dragging your feet the whole way, trying to prolong the journey. You’ve learned the art of hiding your reactions well from everyone, except me. I take that back. You did show some of your displeasure when you exited the room, but again I was the only one to know the true meaning behind your coldness.
Your face held such hope and denial all at once that we were mistaken in your mark’s appearance. As if your mother didn’t have every single mark on your body memorized from birth. I will never be able to forget anything about you for as long as I live. You’re my heart, little Sinopa.
As I write this, you’re packing your trunk and preparing for your journey to meet your mate for the first time. I know you aren't looking forward to this union, but trust me when I say that the Fates truly know who will bind to our soul completely. Your reaction may surprise you when you finally meet him.
We are so very proud of you for starting off on this new journey, especially with your emotional fortitude, given these unexpected circumstances. I know you wanted more time before finding your mate, but we believe that you being so young just proves how strong you’re going to be.
We will miss you while you’re off forging a bond with your mate, but know we’re here waiting in anticipation, looking forward to meeting the soulmate the Fates have graced you with. Upon your arrival home, your father and I will train you and your mate on how to properly anchor our people’s power through your mate bond.
In the meantime, we will perform the ceremony to pass on the Alpha Queen power to you. Unfortunately, we overlooked teaching you everything about the in-between time of gaining the power and sealing the bond. We just thought we had more time. If we could postpone transferring the power, we would, but it is needed for your true alpha mate bond to form. Just make sure you stay safe and ever vigilant.
May the Fates watch over you on your journey!
With all of our love,
Mom & Dad
A light knock sounds at my door. There are only three options for who stands on the other side. It could be one of my guards, a maid wanting to clean the room, or Marcellus come to fetch me for another pointless session of “getting to know each other.” Of course, Silas will be right behind him, his shadow a few feet away, looming like a dark storm on the horizon.
What am I even thinking? I’m to be Alpha Queen, and not in the far off future like I once thought, but incredibly soon. Why am I letting a man who I don’t trust one bit intimidate me into not defending myself? This is one reason I believe I’m not ready to be Queen. I should never have let this carry on for one moment, much less several days.
The knock sounds again, and I’m immediately jarred from my thoughts. Having a newfound strength within, I get up to answer the door. Swinging it open, I come face to face with Marcellus. His smile has waned with each greeting. I'm sure he’s picked up on my mounting discomfort with his uncle’s persistent presence.
I peek over his shoulder, and sure enough, the dark shadow is there. My eyes narrow on his form, searching for a reason why he unsettles me so much. Where does this root of uneasiness stem from when I am in his presence? I see Marcellus frown from the corner of my eye. Perhaps he knows his uncle is the reason for my silence around him.
“Good morning, Marcellus,” I greet him while dismissing the fact his uncle is standing there too. Disrespectful, I know.
“Good morning, Your Highness. I noticed your absence at breakfast and was told you had a tray sent to your chambers. I wanted to check on you.”
I offer him a small smile at his concern and reply with my voice lowered to keep the conversation between the two of us. “I just had some letters I wished to respond to. I also wasn’t in the mood to be interrupted after every other word.” With my last statement, I offer a pointed glare toward Lord Silas. Marcellus pauses before answering. He has that expression on his face again, making me believe he’s trying to solve a problem.
“Would you like to take a walk with me? The kitchen keeps a rather impressive garden, and the rain has finally stopped.” The change in weather is news to me. There’s only one window in my room, which is only the size of an archer’s arrowslit. It barely lets in any light and requires you to be standing right there to get any kind of view outside.
“That sounds wonderful. I would love to soak in some sunshine.” My answer causes a relieved smile to spread across his face. His eyes sparkle down at me, and I can’t help the catch in my breath. My cheeks heat and I duck my head to hide it. Marcellus reaches a hand out and catches my chin between his forefinger and thumb, then tilts my head back to study my features.
He takes a small step forward, leaving barely any space between us. I try to glance over at his uncle, feeling a bit embarrassed, but when I move my head a bit to look, he holds firm not allowing my gaze to wander. “Would you prefer it if it was just the two of us?” he whispers, and his breath feathers against my cheek with each word spoken. I love that unintentional caress, and unconsciously lean into it.
I swallow but can’t be certain my voice won’t give away his effect on me, so I just nod my head as I gaze into his eyes. “My apologies, Cecily. I know I haven’t been doing a good job of trying to stop my uncle from interfering. I’ll try to do a better job from here on out.”
I would probably be suspicious of his claims if I wasn’t peering into his eyes. They gaze down into mine with a mix of sorrow and pleading within their blue depths. “Thank you, Marcellus. I honestly just want the chance for us to genuinely get to know each other,” I finally whisper to him.
We’re both startled when the sound of someone clearing their throat sounds behind him. I’ve been so swept up with how close he is standing to me and the sincerity in his eyes, that I forgot his uncle is standing several feet behind him. Marcellus doesn’t take a step back, though.
Not one to be ignored, Silas speaks up trying to demand the attention he wants. “What are you two whispering about over there?” Silas demands. Is he serious? He’s nothing but consistent; I’ll give him that.
“It’s none of your concern, Uncle,” Marcellus tells him, respecting the privacy of our moment, then to me, he says, “Do you need anything before we head off for our walk?”
My voice is light and airy when I say, “No, I believe I’m ready.” He holds out his hand for me to take instead of offering his arm. I can’t help the broad smile overtaking my face and place my hand in his. He threads our fingers together and leads me to the garden. I've never held hands like this with anyone, much less a man, and the intimacy sends a thrill of excitement coursing through me.
A magical privacy bubble! Why didn’t I think of it before now? That would solve so many of our problems with his uncle. We are only limited by our lack of imagination when utilizing our magic.
I feel like I’m floating as we walk through the halls hand in hand, now that one of my greatest frustrations of late has been addressed. I’ve grown used to relying on my night vision to navigate the pitch black halls, so when we open the door leading outside, I’m shocked with how bright the sun is shining.
Marcellus pauses, allowing us time to adjust to the brightness. I close my eyes and turn my head up, enjoying the heat of the sun on my skin. I didn’t realize how much the castle’s darkness has been affecting my mood. The warmth feels heavenly as if it’s beating away a dark sludge weighing me down that snuck up and wrapped itself around me without my notice.
I blink my eyes open, able to see now that they’ve adjusted. Peering over at Marcellus, intending to ask if he’s ready to continue on, I find he’s watching me. “Your joy seems to be shining brighter than the sun right now. I can’t help but think I’m finally getting my first glimpse of you.” Marcellus seems mesmerized. Like he’s seeing something other than what he expected.
“Just you wait, Marcellus, I've no doubts you’re about to get to know me a lot better fairly soon.” I honestly feel like a different person after reading the letter from my mother this morning. My confidence has returned, and the sunshine is only helping things.
