Page 154 of Tale of the Heart Queen

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Mael says. “It’s one thing for us to sneak in, but all of you will draw too much attention.”

“So, you will go under the mountain for the bonding,” Bronte adds a moment later, and every eye turns to her.

Anemone nods. “That would work if we can find a large enough deposit.”

“I think we also need to take a closer look at those journals,” Nadir says. “Maybe that will give us a clue about where he went.”

Amya nods. “We spent hours in there. If it’s a trap, then he’s either not worried about his study, or he’s specifically waiting for both of you.”

“He’s likely to have the ark with him,” Nadir says. “We might need to spring any trap he’s set.”

I wrap my hand around his forearm, and he covers his hand with mine.

“There’s something else you all need to know,” he says, looking at me before he turns to his sister. “After we get the Torch, I also will ask it to release me from my role as Primary.”

Collective surprise moves around the room. Everyone stares at the two of us.

“You’re . . .” Mael says, trailing off. I wonder if he’s ever been at a loss for a clever remark.

“We’ve discussed it and agreed that I would be the one,” Nadir says.

“I’ve been wondering,” Amya says. “I didn’t want to pry. But—”

“But nothing. I want to do this. I’m choosing to do this—for Lor and me and for everyone in this room and on this continent. It has to be one of us, and it can’t be her.”

“But that means . . .” Mael says.

“That means it might be you, Amya,” Nadir says, and the princess of The Aurora sighs out a long breath.

“I’m sorry if this isn’t what you want and that it might alter the path of your destiny, too.”

Amya squeezes her hands and nods as silver tears build in her eyes.

“I’ve never thought much about it,” she says.

“You would make an amazing queen.”

“The best,” Mael adds warmly, making Amya smile.

She swallows, and I see it all so clearly.

Amya, with a crown and in a long black dress with those colorful strands of her hair spilling over her shoulders, stands before her people, maybe with my sister at her side.

“What if it doesn’t choose me?” she asks, her voice a paper-thin whisper.

Nadir stands up and draws his sister into a hug. “I can’t be sure, but something tells me you’d be perfect. It should have been you from the very beginning.”

They hug tightly, and I wipe a tear from my eye. Even Linden looks somewhat moved, her stony expression softening just a little.

The prince and princess pull apart.

“This is going to feel so strange,” she says, looking up at him.

“I think it’s going to feel just right.”

“You’re sure, Nadir?”

“Amya, I’ve never been more sure about anything.”