There is immediate public outrage and quick clarifications by some of the lawmakers in Nesovia, especially those who have pretended to care about women’s rights and equality. And the scrutiny makes it harder for Doris and the others to escape thehammer of justice. I hope they get crushed like a nail made of balsa wood.
Ares comes home early and holds me the day the interview goes live. “I listened to the whole thing. I hate it that you had to suffer alone. I hate it that I wasn’t able to be there for you.”
“You didn’t know. We hadn’t even met back then.” I lay my head on his shoulder, content to be with him, his comforting body heat seeping into my bones. “Besides, all that led me to you. And I’m not going to live my life thinking about what could’ve been.”
“Lareina.” He presses kisses over my eyes. Each touch is so tender, like he cares deeply about me. “I don’t know how you can sound so calm.”
“Maybe because I’m at peace with you?” I smile. “I’m fine. Really.” I wrap my arms around his waist, hoping the close contact will give him the same ease and peace I’m feeling.
But that night he has a dream, and he calls for Queen. It’s always the same. “Queen. Where are you? Don’t leave me.”
I turn over and face him in the dark. Which one is his real feeling? The sweetness he shows while he’s awake that makes me think he might love me…or the urgent calling of that name in his sleep?
When he’s awake is what counts,the part of me that wants to be loved by him insists. But when he calls for Queen, it’s hard to listen to that voice.
* * *
My brothers-in-law’s texts arrive the next day.
–Bryce: You know you should’ve told us about all that shit.
–Josh: The family always comes first. Pietas et unitas. You’re one of us now.
–Me: Thank you, but I honestly didn’t realize they were stealing my paintings. I thought the poisoning was the worst thing they’d done.
–Bryce: I know a guy who knows a guy.
–Josh: Stop it. You don’t know anybody.
–Bryce: He’s just jealous of my connections. But honestly, nobody messes with one of us and get away with it. Ares is your husband, don’t forget. You have the entire Huxley clan behind you.
More buzzes. This time from the elders of the family—The Fogeys, as Ares calls them.
–Prescott: I’m always on your side, my dear. We should have dinner later this month when we aren’t swamped.
–Akiko: I saw the interview. I’m so sorry. I couldn’t stop crying. Remember—you’re my daughter too. Next time someone hurts you, you come to me.
–Catalina: Simply unconscionable. The entire might of Huxley & Webber is behind you. My connections are at your disposal. I’m going to do everything in my power, call in favors, to ensure they get the maximum sentences.
–Jeremiah: Why don’t we have the death penalty in our beautiful state anymore? It’s heartbreaking.
A bittersweet warmth unfurls in my heart. Their acceptance is absolute. As far as they’re concerned, I’m their family in every sense of the word. Of course, they don’t realize I’m not the one Ares really wants by his side. I force a small smile, because I’d rather smile than cry when so many people are behind me. I’m going to miss this when I leave.
Unlike my uber-busy in-laws, Lucie and Yuna manage to get past the reporters and sneak through the gates. They just hug me for a moment without a word.
“You’re one of the strongest people I know,” Yuna says finally. Her voice is choked up, but she doesn’t shed tears.
I squeeze her again.
“I’m so sorry you had to go through that alone. But don’t forget you have us now,” Lucie vows.
“Appalling. Absolutely appalling.” Yuna shakes her head.
“Don’t worry, they’re going to pay,” I say.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry.” Lucie smacks her forehead. “Why are we makingyouconsoleus?”
“You’re not. You’re showing me you care, and I’m showing you I appreciate it.” I put a hand on her shoulder and pull her close. “Do you know I never had friends I could talk to? And now here I am, with not just one buttwoamazing friends who rush to see if I’m okay?”
