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Maybe always has been. The kinship to this country has always been there, growing and pulling me, but it didn’t make sense until him. My Xadiel.
I was always meant to end up here.
But for how long?
He could always choose to reject me. A truth that hurts, and I rub the skin where my beating heart lies underneath. Throbbing, the organ gives another painful squeeze and I almost lose my footing. Yet before I face plant or worse, go over the rail, Augusto’s there. His hand grips my arm, pulling back and holding me steady while I catch my breath.
My mother’s personal guard has always been loyal to the crown and our family. He’s one of the few people I trust blindly; I’ve also never been happier to have someone follow me.
He made the trip easier. Didn’t let me drown in my thoughts.
“Are you okay, Princess?”
“I am.” Taking in a deep breath, I let it out slowly. My hands on the rail grip tight enough to turn my knuckles white. “This trip should set me free. Break or heal me, but at least I’ll know…you know?”
“I do.” My eyes shift his way.
“That sounds ominous.”
“My mate hated me when we first met.” Not at all what I expected him to say, and my expression shows it. That makes him laugh, the sound loud and boisterous, catching the attention of other people close by. “I’m serious. Ileana hated my guts and thought I was a weird man. Her words, not mine.”
“Weird?”
“I might’ve had a staring problem the night we met.”
I can’t help but giggle at the sheepish look he gives me and the pink coloring his cheeks. “Please do tell.”
His wife is a beautiful witch who makes the best pastries. She’s our dealer—everyone knows the Moore sisters have a sweet tooth—and I can’t picture her disliking him. Just can’t. They’re almost sugary together, always smiling and giving innocent touches when in the other’s presence.
“As corny as this may sound, that woman bewitched me.” The grin on his face is wide, from ear to ear, and affection pours out of him. It’s heartwarming and open, his emotions calming the tumultuous nerves that are rising the closer we get to shore.
In less than half a day’s travel, I’ll be on his property.
Face to face once again.
“I’m going to tell her you said that.”
“But it’s the Gods’ truth.” Augusto chuckles, as if remembering that day. “One look and my soul recognized her as mine; I couldn’t be without her. Not that she didn’t feel the same, even if she swears it took her days to accept me. I claimed my bride that same night and twined our lives for the rest of time.”
“That’s beautiful.” A lone tear falls and I’m quick to wipe it away while he stares out at the bustling city port. “True love is a gift, Augusto. May the Gods bless you both.”
“Thank you, Princess.” For a few beats we’re silent, but then he nods to himself. “I know I’m not your father or a family member, but you three mean the world to me and Ileana.”
“We care deeply for you, too.”
Augusto’s head tilts toward me, expression soft and eyes holding nothing but sincerity. Warmth. “You three are the future of all witches, Isabella. You, Gabriella, and Leo deserve nothing but happiness, and I’ll always be here to help you. Please be safe, and don’t accept anything that’s not all-consuming and encompassing.”
“Thank you.”
“Swear it.”
“I iurare.”
“Good.” Retaking his straight stance, he smiles. “By blood and pact.”
“We are one.” I’ll do everything in my power to protect you all.
* * *
