The words were so intelligible that she gasped.
"I-I understand," she echoed, belly flipping at the pleasure in Graves’s eyes. "You say it’s not weak, but I see you, I watch you all, and I notice things. How none of you seem to rely on the other. You do things on your own, without asking for help. If I am to be…withyou, then am I not to be held to the same standards?"
"We would never expect you to do the things we do," Graves rasped.
She huffed, and the curtains rippled from the wind. "That’s the problem, though. I don’t want you to view me as weak."
Vale took a measured step closer to her, imposing, but it was an imposition she treasured. She ran her fingers over the bracelet on her wrist. "You are not weak. Your strength manifests in other ways—not all strength is physical," Vale said. "I have never known another to endure what you have and still maintain that gentleness that clings to you like smoke."
Did they truly see her that way? Gentle? Because Luella felt tainted.
Still sitting on the bed, Tharen spoke. "You don’t have the experience we do. We’ve been alive for centuries. You’re barely two decades. When I was a youngling, I thought I would never master my powers. Within a few centuries, I was named Prima."
"Really?" Luella questioned, voice soft.
"Really." Tharen’s tone dropped, and his brows furrowed as hecomfortedher. "You have… time, little lamb."
But she didn’t. And from the looks they shared, they knew it, too.
"See—that name. You call me a lamb because you think me naive," she said, ignoring the comment about the time she didn’t have.
"Aren’t you? Do you not want me to call you my little lamb anymore?"
Her cheeks warmed, body flushing. She didn’t say anything.
The furrow in Tharen’s brow smoothed out, as if this was what he was used to—teasing, not offering solace. "Say the word, and I’ll stop."
She ignored him pointedly and turned to the others. "Graves?" she beseeched. "You have been quiet. Tell me, what do you think?"
Graves scrubbed a hand over the hair on his jaw. "I think you can do anything you set your mind to. If you wish to fly, I will help you."
She smiled dully. "Thank you."
Maybe it was because he’d come to her rescue, but something had shifted between them.
A knock on the doorframe broke her from staring at the Fallen Prince.
"Come in," said Vale, still staring at Luella.
The curtains parted, revealing Queen Samil and Sorill. Sorill smiled brightly as she met Luella’s eyes. Her feet stalled as she took in the terse air, and Luella stepped away from Vale, movingto perch on the edge of the bed. She loosened her shoulders and patted the spot beside her in invitation. Sorill sat by Luella’s side, her dark wings almost brushing the edge of Luella’s.
"I am glad you’re okay," Sorill said, hand hovering midair as if to test the waters, and when Luella did not flinch, the Fallen Princess touched her shoulder kindly.
Had she been…worriedabout Luella? She couldn’t fathom it.
"Thank you," Luella answered, her tone unable to hide the shock she felt.
"I, as well, Princess Luella," Queen Samil announced. Her brows were drawn close together, as if all was not as it seemed.
"I can help," Sorill said suddenly, capturing Luella’s attention. The Fallen Princess smiled impishly as Luella tilted her head in question.
Her back twinged as she shifted on the mattress. Suddenly, Tharen was there, kneeling behind her, careful to keep a proper distance from Sorill, as he began to massage a cool, sticky substance on her exposed shoulder blades, right over the scrapes. She sighed at his touch, then blushed as she found the Queen staring at her curiously.
"I could not help but hear." Sorill shrugged a shoulder. "It was not my intention to listen in. I apologize."
"You rarely intend to do anything, Sorill," Graves said, but the words held no heat. They were fond.
Sorill’s wings lifted behind her. "I’m sure you’ve noticed," she started, ignoring Graves, "my wings are smaller than most. I was born prematurely, so my wings did not develop until later. I had to take lessons longer than most." She grew abashed. "I know what it’s like to be behind. If…Gravesteaches you, I can help, also."
