Arthur left the tent, leaving me alone with the twins. Kazim was starting to fall asleep, but Kalina was as active as ever. Her limbs wavered as she wiggled on the blanket, intent on having somewhere to go even though there was nowhere to be.
I reached out and picked her up, cradling her against my chest. “Kallie,” I sang. “My little Kallie girl.”
No one had overheard me call her that. It was too Americanized— not Malovian whatsoever, casual and free instead of royal and refined. Other fae would wrinkle their noses and sneer at the impropriety of it all, but if she was my daughter, that was what I would name her. It was my secret nickname for her that nobody else, not even Ethan, knew.
Only… I didn’t know if she’d remember it, when I was no longer around to call her that.
My lip wobbled as I observed her chubby little face and rosy cheeks. This was, for certain, the last time I’d see them. I was prophesied to die tomorrow. I’d never get to hold these twins again.
I nearly sobbed, but I couldn’t break down now. Everyone was depending on me to stay strong, so I had to suck it up and be the queen I was, not the scared little girl I felt like. I was doing this for Kazim and Kalina, to make a better world for them. I’d give up anything to make this country a better place for them.
While the others were preparing for battle, I stayed in the tent with the babies for a few hours longer. I cuddled and kissed them and rocked them in my arms. I couldn’t get enough of them, trying to soak up every precious moment. It felt like an odd irony… enjoying new life when I was so close to death.
Eventually, the tent flap opened. Mom’s face was forlorn as she stepped in. “Emma. It’s time.”
Dread suffocated me from the inside outward, withering my very bones. I didn’t want to do this, but I had to.
I shakily stood. I placed the twins in her arms and had to choke back tears. This felt sowrong.
“I’ll take care of them. I promise,” Mom insisted.
She hesitated before she said, “Emma, if you want to run—”
“No,” I said sharply. “I’m not running. I was kept hidden away from Malovia my entire life. This is my home. I have to fight for it.”
“I’m only giving you another option. I want you to be somewhere safe, even if it means abandoning the cause,” Mom said gently.
My mother couldn’t give a flying fuck if Malovia fell and Droga owned the whole world, so long as I was okay. But I cared. And I was old enough now to make my own decisions.
“I’m a queen. We stand our ground,” I insisted.
Mom pursed her lips. “You do whatever you have to in order to keep yourself safe. Do you understand?”
I tearfully nodded. I could give no other answer. It hurt too much to speak.
Mom kissed me on the cheek before she said, “I’m proud of you, Emma. But no matter how badly you want to save the country, I’m begging you… don’t become a martyr. Not for anyone.”
Her words were pointed, and I knew exactly who she was referring to.
My husband.
I cast a portal. Mom stepped through it, taking the babies with her. The portal shut behind them, and my heart clenched when I realized that, already, the twins were thousands of miles away. I nearly crumbled when the twins abandoned my sight, but somehow, kept myself standing. At least they were safe. Tygrys gave an unhappy croon at my side.
My mother had been so calm with our goodbye. It wasn’t a final farewell between mother and daughter, but a promise that she would see me later.
She thought the prophecy was wrong. She didn’t truly believe I would die. If she did, she’d refuse to leave.
But she was wrong…everyonewas wrong. I could feel death approaching like a looming raven, just waiting for the right time to swoop down from the dark skies and claim me. A coldness had settled into my body. I only had a matter of moments before my blood ran still and I became a corpse. As if Milonna herself had whispered the future into my ear, I knew my fate. I was certain it was my time, even if no one else was willing to admit it. They could continue to try and fight fate, but I knew my place.
I was ready to die. And that acceptance was huge.
Lucien came in after my mother. I was stunned to see his looming appearance.
“Aren’t you going after Mom?” I asked.
“No. Here is where I’m needed,” Lucien replied.
“You should leave,” I protested. “You’re mates. You shouldn’t be separated.”
