“It’s not supposed to be creepy, or anything,” Eddie said, and he put his hands out. “Your arrival gave the people hope that there could be an Empress in Forevermore again. A new heir, perhaps.”
A coldness crept over my body. Eddie studied me carefully, and I sighed. “This is really a conversation that I should be having with Charlie.”
“Yes, of course.” Eddie bobbed his head. “Anyway, I think I should show you the suite—”
“No, you know what? Take me to him,” I said. “I need to talk to Charlie.”
Eddie frowned. “I’m sorry, miss. His instructions were to not let anyone see him, and I cannot disobey an order from my master.”
I tapped my chin. “Okay… then… direct me to his quarters. And then just… leave me alone.”
Eddie smiled. “I’m certain I can do that, miss. This way.”
Eddie took me down a complicated set of twisting hallways and spiraling staircases that went upward, all the way to the top of the palace. When we got there, Eddie threw open a set of golden double doors. I gasped as I walked into the elaborate space, which was decorated with ornate rugs, beautifully crafted furniture, and a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked the entirety of the city. It had to be as big as my parents’ mansion back home.
At this time of day, twilight was beginning to cast darkness over the city, the horizon spanning in hues of orange, purple, and yellow. I knew it was just an illusion, but it was pretty all the same.
Charlie’s quarters were more like an actual house than a set of connected rooms. He had this tower all for himself and his court. I could hear Marcus and Kallie chatting in the parlor room next to the living area.
Eddie told me the Empress Suite was in the room beside Charlie’s, but I didn’t care to look. Once he was gone, I tried opening the biggest door in the place, which I was sure had to be Charlie’s room. The door was locked, but I knew he needed me right now. My magic warmed the lock, and it melted away as I pushed open the door and stepped into the room.
Charlie’s bedroom was just as grand as the rest of his quarters. It had an ornate four-poster bed, and a balcony that looked down upon the palace courtyard below. The windows were open, letting in a warm breeze.
My heart was cut to ribbons as I saw Charlie sitting on the edge of the bed, hunched over and quivering. He wascrying. Sobs broke out of his chest as his shoulders shook. I’d never seen him like this. Charlie was so tough and so strong. He never let his emotions show. To see him so raw and vulnerable broke something in me I hadn’t been aware of. It made me tremble to witness.
Oberi was in husky form, and he lay on the bed with his head on Charlie’s lap. Charlie stroked his head as he cried, like he needed the comfort. Oberi’s eyes were so big and black, and it stung my soul.
Charlie jerked up at the sound of the door closing as I shut it behind me. He stopped weeping almost immediately, as if he was worried someone would see.
“It’s Ava,” I told him quietly. His shoulders slackened, but only a little. “I’m here for you.”
Charlie sniffed. “Eddie’s a shit guard if he can’t do the one thing I asked him to.”
“I’m different.” I sat beside him. “It’s okay to cry.”
“I’m not crying.” He tried to turn away from me.
“Yes, you are.” I lifted his chin and wiped his face. “You can’t hide it from me.”
Charlie’s voice broke. “I killed my mom.”
I felt both sides of our bond twist in pain. “No, Charlie, you didn’t.”
“Yes I did! Because she had me, she was killed. I thought both of my parents had died because they were in an interhouse relationship— figured my dad had died in prison— but that wasn’t true. They let my dad live, and murdered my mom, because she gave birth to me.”
“Your momchoseyou,” I insisted, and I continued to wipe the tears away. “She knew the risks of having an interhouse child, but she gave birth to you anyway, because she loved you. My mom chose me, too. I’m an interhouse child, just like you. Both of our mothers would’ve died to save us. It was only a cruel twist of fate that your mother did, and mine survived.”
“My dad should’ve done more,” he cried. “He should’ve protected her.”
“He probably did the best he could,” I told him. “But you can’t blame yourself for your mother’s death. Shewantedyou, Charlie. What she sacrificed proves she did.”
“My dad sure as hell didn’t want me,” Charlie said, and Oberi gave a whine. “He left me to rot.”
“I’m not saying you can’t blame him. But being angry with him is only hurting yourself,” I insisted.
“He could’ve prevented everything that happened to me, and he didnothing,” Charlie said. “I could never leave my son to fend for himself, especially as a child. I would’ve done whatever it took to make sure he was in a place that was safe.”
“But your dad isn’t you.” I took Charlie’s head and laid it on my chest. I wrapped my arms around him, and held him tight as my fingers danced through his hair. “Sometimes the people in our life make shitty choices, and we have to pay for them.”
