“Odette is on the autism spectrum.”
“Really?” My eyes widened. “I didn’t know that.”
Theo nodded slowly. “Autism isn’t as commonly diagnosed in girls, because they hide their symptoms more than boys do. But Odette had a lot of meltdowns when she was younger, so she was quickly diagnosed. She has trouble when her routine is changed, you know?”
Thinking over Odette’s behavior in the past… yeah, I could see that she had autism. She struggled with social cues, and burst out words when it wasn’t her turn to speak in order to be heard. Her emotions could be over-the-top, and she could get obsessive with her interests— ballet, for example.
“But she seems so outgoing,” I said.
“She’s friendly and loving, yes, but she never had a lot of friends. She was always too shy and had difficulty fitting in,” Theo said. “She must’ve felt safe with you the first time she saw you at the train station. She usually doesn’t latch onto people like that. It takes her time.”
I felt a strong wave of affection for Odette. I think I loved her more than I ever did before in that moment. “I can see why you want to do this the right way.”
“Odette thinks in a different way from most people. She sees the world in an incredible perspective, and I think that’s beautiful. I’d never want to change anything about her,” he said softly. “She’s perfect the way she is. In every possible way.”
Theo’s tone oozed pure admiration and love for Odette. It was touching to hear. “She is perfect. A perfect friend. I hope she can be more than that to you... someday.”
“I don’t want to push her into anything,” Theo rushed to explain. “I never told her I bonded with her, I just waited for her to come around on her own. But watching her be obsessed about finding a mate, when I’m right in front of her…”
Theo’s face twisted. “It’s really hard. It feels like my heart is breaking. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t make her see me as anything more than a friend. And I’m worried it’s going to be that way forever. Or worse, that she’ll get desperate and throw herself at another alicorn— one who doesn’t love her back. Not all Arcanea follow our laws, Emma. Some shifters use people.”
I was sorry for him. Theo really loved Odette. But he wanted her to come to him, not the other way around. With Odette, the only thing that worked was giant neon signs.
“Odette needs something obvious,” I told him. “She won’t get the message any other way.”
“But Emma—”
“You’re not forcing her to be with you. Just… show her your true feelings. I don’t think she has any clue you want to be more than friends.”
Theo smacked his mouth a few times. “I think I’d rather be run through with a blade.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t be overdramatic.”
“It’s not dramatic. This is my mate,” he insisted. “If she rejects me, I’ll be alone forever. I don’t think I could look for someone else. I would prefer to be alone if I’m not with Odette.”
“Odette isn’t going to reject you. Deep down, I know she loves you. She just hasn’t realized it yet.”
Theo stared at the champagne glass, watching the colors of the ball swirl in the light. “I understand. But I’m not willing to take the chance that I’ll lose her for good.”
I felt defeated. This conversation was going nowhere. Theo wasn’t willing to put his heart on the line. And until he did, Odette would never know the truth.
I was relieved when I saw Ethan standing at the head of the ballroom, near the thrones. Luckily, his mother wasn’t there. I hardly cared if I looked dignified as I hurtled myself across the room to his side.
“Hey,” he said. He wrapped an arm around my waist, and I grew warm where he touched me. “You’ve been gone awhile. Anything interesting happen?”
I was almost bursting with the need to tell him everything. There were so many secrets that I was keeping from him… so many things he deserved to know.
But he couldn’t. Not yet. I’d tell him the truth when it was the right time. For now, lying to him was the only way to keep him alive.
“No,” I said. “Nothing.”
“Me either.” Ethan sighed. “This party’s rather boring. I think it’s time we take our leave. We’ve stayed as long as required to be polite.”
Thank the gods. I don’t think I could stand being here a moment longer. Not only was I tired of being watched and hounded by people, I was starting to get tired. My body was exhausted. I was already worried about how it’d hold up tomorrow. I needed to get as much rest as I could.
I took Ethan’s arm, and we weaved around the crowd so we could get back to the main hallway. On our way out, I saw that Odette was finally paying attention to Theo. She was dancing with him, much like a five year old would dance with their father. Her feet were on his, her arms wrapped around his neck as he walked her back and forth. She laughed, and Theo lit up with the biggest smile in the world.
A couple of snooty old ladies were glaring at them and whispering but that their behavior was improper, but I sent a harsh glare their way, and they quickly scuttled off.
