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“Of course I need it,” I say gently. “And I would gladly become your pupil,mama.Now that you’re here, I want to make up for all the time we’ve lost—and more.”
She reaches out and brushes a stray strand of hair away from my face. “Of course we will. But first things first. It’s your wedding day, and I still haven’t given you and Corvan your gift.”
“G-gift?” I hadn’t even thought of such things.
“Indeed.” She releases my hands and lifts her arms up into the air. The faint light in her eyes becomes more intense, casting an emerald glow across her features.
I feel the power radiating from her, and it is astounding.
It’s pure euphoric energy washing over me. It’s life itself.
A soft hum emanates from her, and the birds and the insects fall silent.
All around us, the garden starts to grow. Trees burst into full bud and bloom. Flowering plants emerge from the ground. Lilypads appear on the surface of the water, and huge purple flowers emerge, unfurling to reveal the most fragrant flowery scent I’ve ever known.
Vines snake up the far wall, unfurling deep green leaves and bright orange flowers.
The existing trees around us grow, arching overhead to form an interlinked canopy.
And something appears in the center of the pond—a tree of twisting roots and branches, rising up out of the water. Something comes with it.
It’s the statue of Hecoa, the Goddess of Death.
She’s chipped in places and covered in pond algae. I stare at her calm, benevolent face; at her blank, all-seeing eyes.
“She’s Eresus’s lover, and therefore, she belongs here amongsthisglory.” The tree unfurls, branches reaching toward the bright, cloudless sky. “You and I are of the direct line of Eresus, the God of Life. Corvan is of Hecoa. Everything is interconnected. Life and Death. Senescence and rebirth. It’s fitting, don’t you think?”
Astonished, I look around. The garden has been transformed into a place of incomparable beauty.
It’s become the living, beating heart of Tyron Castle.
“This is my gift to you and Corvan,” my mother says gently. Her voice is a little strained—I suspect the sheer effort of doing this took a lot out of her. “It’s my sincere hope that the two of you will always live in harmony.”
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, tears coming to my eyes. I squeeze her hands. “Thankyou, mama.”
“No need for thanks, my daughter. It’s the very least I could do. To see you grown up and so strong and capable—that’s the greatest giftIcould ever ask for.” She lets go of my hands and gives me a stern look, her expression turning businesslike. “But enough of this now. You have a wedding imminent. It’s time for you to prepare, don’t you think?”
I hesitate, suddenly uncertain. It’s strange to think that I might have her around from now on—my very own mother; this fearsome yet gentle woman, who loves me unconditionally and has my back in all things.
I’d become so used to doing things on my own, but ever since Corvan and now mother have come into my life, I’ve realized that sometimes it’sgoodto be able to rely on others.
“Mother…” I shift uncomfortably, unused to asking such things. But here goes anyway. “Would you like to assist me… with the bridal preparations?”
After all, I don’t have anyone else but the maids. Gerent has recently overseen the hiring of a number of female maidservants from Sanzar. At last, Tyron Castle has both male and female employees.
She beams. “I would be delighted. You’re going to look so stunning that the boy will be rendered speechless.”
Boy?I laugh. “Onlyyoucould get away with calling Corvan that. He’ll be emperor soon. After we’re wed, there will be an official ceremony and a coronation.”
My mother raises one eyebrow. “Andyouwill be empress. Don’t forget that.”
“I know.” My chest tightens. The thought of taking on such a responsibility is terribly daunting, but never once have I thought of shying away.
Not when I have Corvan by my side, and my formidable dryad mother behind me.
My destiny is my own now, and I’ll do everything in my power to protect all that we’ve fought for.
* * *
