An impossible decision lay before me. I would have to sacrifice my freedom for a kingdom that never wanted me, or escape into a mystical world that could destroy me.
“Tonight, we celebrate an alliance between Bailoc and the Vale. Tomorrow, Lord Thalen and Princess Aelira will marry.” My father raised his wine goblet above the crowd, before he slowly lifted the glass to his lips.
I braced my back against my chair. No one could see me quake.
Thalen raised his glass. His ivory tunic shimmered in the candlelight. I raised my glass to my lips, pretending to take a sip, but my stomach couldn’t handle the wine. I had to remain the glowing bride, dressed in ivory to match my future husband.
A forced smile settled on my face.
Thalen stood. “To a most prosperous future.”
The king’s secret would soon be locked away.
Hunger ravaged me, but I couldn’t bring a single morsel of food to my lips. I rose to my feet and pulled Ashlyn with me. “I need to speak with you. Somewhere we can be alone,” I whispered.
She nodded and rose slowly from her chair. We stepped out onto the terrace.
“You’re looking pale again.”
“It’s my nerves.” The words raced from my mouth.
Ashlyn played with the frayed end of her braid. She reached for me. “What did you want to tell me?”
“Ashlyn…things aren’t always what they seem.” I exhaled sharply. “When I’m no longer with you, promise me that you will take every opportunity to learn about life beyond these walls. That you will make decisions on your own. That you respect your instincts always.”
There were no words to convey what I needed to. Time was running out.
My sister watched me as I spoke. She lifted her brow. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Someday you may learn truths you may not wish to face,” I whispered.
“There is nothing you could tell me that would change how deeply I love you, sister.” Her soft smile settled. “It is okay to say you don’t want this. I know it changes nothing about theplan, but maybe your heart needs the truth right now. You can tell me.”
I wanted to tell her the truth. I needed her to know who I truly was, but I barely knew who I was myself. It was my secret to keep alone. I wouldn’t endanger her by telling her what I debated.
“I love you, always.” I blotted the tears away from her cheeks. And then I blotted mine.
Starlight flickered in her eyes. Joyful naivety lingered behind them. She saw the world only as it was told to her, but I couldn’t blame her for it. Our mother’s death robbed us both. Ashlyn didn’t get the chance to know her at all.
All that remained was the memories I shared with her. The stories of the woman she was before she died. She lived only days after my sister was born. Gone far too soon.
Tomorrow, I would make my choice in silence. There may not be a last goodbye. My sister deserved so much more than me disappearing, but now that I knew the truth, I couldn’t pretend I didn’t.
“And what are my sisters up to this evening?” Agan crept between us.
“Just saying our goodbyes,” I murmured.
“Goodbyes? There will be plenty of time for that after the ceremony tomorrow, Aelira,” he scoffed. “Ashlyn, I need to speak with Aelira. Alone.” The lines set around his eyes. When she didn’t budge, he firmly grasped her arm. “Now.”
Ashlyn didn’t look up at Agan as she left us both.
“That look in your eyes tonight…it reminds me of the history books.”
“What are you talking about Agan?”
“When you hid them from the tutor. None of us knew where they were, but there you were…sitting in the library with a certain gleam in your eyes.”
“You know I hate history. All the good details are always missing.” My throat tightened thinking of all the stories that were burned, but my forced smile didn’t falter.
