“Is she with you?” He hadn’t mentioned it, maybe because he didn’t want me to know he was gone. I knew she was, but seeing it on the page, knowing they were together let my heart settle.
Peace had been granted in six little words, etched in parchment.
Yes, she is here with me.
She is so proud of who you’ve become.
Do not be afraid.
You are our princess of the flowers.
She knew—just as he had—who I truly was. “Tell her I love her. I have never stopped thinking of her, never stopped wanting her here with me. She gave me a beautiful future—at the cost of her own, and I will continue to fight for it.”
She’s felt your love this entire time.
We will wait to hear about your journey.
And all the stories that are to come after.
As long as you have this book—I will be with you.
I pressed the pages shut. A single tear trickled down my face—it wasn’t from fear, but feeling their love after all this time. Whatever the future held, I was grateful for all that the stars gave me.
Lythira greeted me as I stared out the window—its haunting call echoed off the wind.
“We must get ready. We will hold council before we leave.” He exhaled. “Do you want me to get Juniper for you?
“No, can you help me?” I slid off my robe.
“Aelira…” His eyes widened as I slid on my riding tunic and pants. The color drained from his face as he fastened the ties loosely around my waist.
“You can say what you need to.”
“I…” His eyes filled with water that threatened to release. His hands were stiff in mine as I waited to hear his words. “My love, there are no words I could say—your sacrifice pains me still.”
“Our sacrifice…”
He looked away, his arm rubbed at his eyes. His chest rapidly pulsed.
“I will give everything I can so that our future here is secure. Anything the stars ask of me—to protect you—to protect our future.”
“I know,” I said as my lips collided with his. “But I pray to the stars that they leave you exactly as you are. This sacrifice is mine to give.”
He shook his head as I ran my hands through his curls.
The council settled as we walked into the room. Ladies and lords bowed as Lioran entered, and then held the position as I followed behind him. He held his hand out to me to stand beside him.
“I’ve called you all here, because we are about to embark on a quest to Myrwood Grove—some of you have generously offered to aid in our travels. I will always be grateful as this path will not be without its dangers. If we succeed, the fate of Lythira will turn. If we fail…” He held his breath for a moment before releasing it. “The fate of Lythira will hang by a desperate thread.”
If we fail…we could fail.
The room was still. I trembled, but Lioran wrapped his hand around mine.
“If I do not return, I must name a successor to guide Lythira.”Murmurs cracked through the silence. Fyn nodded from the back of the room. Maybe Lioran would name him. He knew the land just as well.
“Your Highness, you do not yet have an heir to name successor.” Lord Orion spoke. Lioran’s uneasy gaze settled on me.
“Princess Aelira, my bonded wife, will be sworn in as Guardian of Lythira in my stead if the need arises.” Murmurs shifted through the space, eyes all angling at me.
