For a moment, all I could do was stand in shock.What just happened?
“Princess Primelle! Welcome back.” Betsee folded the used fitted sheet with two hands, and the flat sheet with her others. It was quite impressive to watch. “I trust you enjoyed the meal with your family?” Her smile stayed plastered to her face, but her attention kept flicking to the blue cuff upon my wrist.
Nervously smoothing my hair, I grinned broadly and fell back on my usual response when something flustered me. “It was lovely.” I smiled even wider, then waved toward the newly made bed. “That was nice of you to provide clean sheets.”
“Of course, I was just turning it down for you. Shall I help you undress?”
Normally, I would have saidno, but the extravagant ballgown was heavy and cumbersome and had more buttons than I wanted to deal with. “That would be most kind. Thank you.”
Betsee helped me ready for bed, and after she left, I slipped under the covers and gazed up at the windows. Moonlight streamed into the chambers, the same moonlight that had been glimmering on the Nelive Sea as Kole’s and my words had danced around one another.
But one thing had become clear to me. Kole didn’t have Solis magic that prevented intimacy. Hecouldbe intimate, but that magic flaring around his wrist was the Council’s reminder that he shouldn’t. At least, not with me.
It was the last thought I had before I fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning,Betsee returned, helped me dress, and then began stripping the bed as I ate breakfast on the couch. As before, the magical potion had shone green after being dumped over my food.
While eating, I used the opportunity to check in with Ree. So much had happened since I’d spoken with her yesterday. Too much.
As she had the previous morning, she opened to me immediately.
Princess Primelle?she said in a teasing tone.
I stopped mid-chew.Wait, you already know? So that means you know who my true parents are?I hadn’t spokenwith her since everything had been revealed, but before I could continue, she sighed.
Indeed, I went to Gwen and Timith’s last night, probably not long after you were there. Oh, Prim. He’s saved! I’m so, so happy for all of you.
My heart warmed.Yes, that’s the best thing that’s come out of all of this.
I felt her nod.They also filled me in on everything since that warrior finally let me inside. So Opalin and Roosep aren’t actually Opalin and Roosep, eh?
I laughed inwardly.Thank the gods you already know. I wasn’t even sure where to start.
Her teasing tone vanished, her tone gentling.I can only imagine, but in all seriousness, that’s a lot to deal with. How are you faring?
I leaned back on the couch.Honestly, I don’t know. It’s...a lot.
Understatement of the millennium.
Yes, so true, and believe it or not, there’s more.I told her everything else that had happened, the stuff Gwen and Timith didn’t know about. I didn’t hold back, describing in detail what had happened with Verin, how the disastrous meeting with my sisters had gone, how I would one day have to marry someone suitable, my near panic attack, and Kole’s protective and caring response on the Nelive Sea, and how I’d finally learned what that magic was on his wrist.
When I at last finished, a long pause came from her.Okay, so Verin’s the most wicked witch ever, and I agree with Kole. Don’t for a moment feel guilty about what happened. She was out to hurt you. That in itself means she needed to die.
Her vehement response made me smile, even though I knew she didn’t actually wish anyone dead. But her loyalty was one ofthe reasons I loved her so much. I knew she would defend me until the day I died, just as I would for her.
I’m so lucky to have you, I said quietly.
Not nearly as lucky as I am to have you.Her words turned more cautious.But as for Kole, it sounds like he does have feelings for you.
I think so too, but he’s too duty-bound to admit it.
She sighed.Males. Can’t live with them. Can’t live without them.
I laughed out loud, which got me a side-eye from Betsee, so I muffled the sound and returned my attention inward.One of these days, I need to see you again and not just catch up with my magic.
I know. It’s been too long. Do you know how we can see each other?
I’ll speak with my parents and ask if you and Siam can come visit.
