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“So, what are you saying, Lailah?”
She stepped closer, her piercing gaze on mine. “I know you gave up your life, but would you give up your love so Ella could fulfill her destiny?”
“I would do anything for her.”
Lailah took my hand and squeezed. “Then you know what you have to do.”
I did and it was going to be the hardest thing I’d ever have to do.
Chapter32
Ella
Merrick, Iston and Marin hadn’t left my side for the past week. I trained with my Winter warriors and continued life like usual. Merrick was the only person who knew Kai was visiting me in my dreams. Seeing him brought me hope and a new sense of purpose. But, unfortunately, I was afraid no one would understand if I told them what was going on.
Not long ago, my mother and I were talking about Merrick, and she commented on me falling in love with someonehere, not someone who was dead. She wanted me to be with someone I could have a real relationship with. Kai was as real to me as anyone else.
Marin and I had just finished our sword training and decided to take the long way through the Winter gardens to the palace.
“Have you and Owen decided on a date?” I asked, looking over at Marin.
Her smile was so radiant she was practically glowing. “That’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.” She held up her hands. “But no rush. I’m not telling you this to light a fire under your ass, but Owen and I want to do it as soon as you claim the Frost Court.” I stopped and she stepped in front of me, grabbing both of my hands. “Again, it’s no rush. It’s just . . . we want to be in your court when we say the sacred words. We want to belong toyourland.”
A sense of warmth spread through my entire body. If anything, her wishes didn’t rush me at all. Instead, it made me want to claim my future even more.
Pulling her into my arms, I hugged her tight. “I love you, Marin. You’ve truly made my day.”
Her body tensed and her voice turned into a frantic whisper in my ear. “Uh-oh. Iston’s headed this way. Do you want me to stay?”
I knew the time would come when I had to speak to him. He’d stayed in my cottage the past week, but we barely spoke. It was clear we were both waiting for the right time.
“No,” I whispered back. “I can handle this.”
She let me go and said hello to Iston as she walked by him. Iston still had on his elvish warrior gear, which consisted of silver and gold armor with brown leathers. His sea-green eyes bored into mine, and I was relieved not to see hostility in them, like there was the night I chose Kai over him. He held out his arm, and I took it as we strolled through the gardens.
“We haven’t spoken much,” he said.
I looked over at him. “That’s because I’ve been afraid to. I know you’ve been angry with me.”
His jaw clenched and he nodded. “I was, but I’m trying to get past that. You and I have a long history together, Ella. We’ve been friends our entire lives, and lovers for the past couple of years. You mean a lot to me.”
“And you mean a lot to me,” I stated wholeheartedly. “But I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness after hurting you. I want you to know how sorry I am. It was not my intention to deceive you.”
With a heavy sigh, Iston stopped before me and took my hands. “We can still be rulers of the Frost Court together, Ella. I love you and I know you love me, too.”
Sliding my hands out of his, I lifted them to his face. “Of course, I love you.”
Tears filled my eyes. “But your path is not with me. You’ll find your happiness one day with someone who is meant to be with you. You won’t be happy with me, not when my heart still belongs to someone else.”
Iston shook his head, his expression full of sadness. “But Kai’s gone,” he said, his voice torn, “I’mright here.”
“I know,” I cried. “And that means more to me than you’ll ever know.”
With a heavy sigh, Iston rested his forehead on mine. “I’m going to miss you, Ella. You know where I’ll be if you change your mind.”
He kissed my cheek and walked away, never once looking back.
“That went better than expected,” Merrick said, appearing at my side.
