Page 107 of Heiress of Fire

“I guess I understand. I remember you guys mentioning getting married before the war had started,” Davina said. She couldn’t help but feel responsible for the prolonged waiting for their matrimonial union.

Davina took in their appearance. They seemed so tired as if it had been years that passed and not months since the first battle. Beacon and Valerie deserved a happy ending to their love story.

“I see the look on your face. It is not your fault that we have waited this long.” Valerie’s straight black hair fell from behind her ear as she put a comforting hand over Davina’s arm. She dipped her chin once.

“I heard a saying once. The right time doesn’t exist and that is why we have to bring the right moment to life,” Beacon said. “The time we had to wait was necessary. Even if we might not have wished to wait so long.”

Davina smiled as she poked her fingers with the edges of the card. In some way, the tiredness of the couple in front of her mirrored her own. Davina could find no rest for her anxious mind, for her rage, and her resentment against Raven.

She was beyond drained.

“We fight for the people and the King. But we might as well get married before—” Beacon cut himself off.

Davina caught on to what he meant. She shook her head. Not one of her friends would die because of Raven and she was going to make sure of that.

“You guys are going to grow old together and watch your children have children, I can assure you that.” Davina smiled.

Valerie beamed brightly, the expression on her face shifted before she turned to look at Beacon. “Can you wait for me outside, I need to speak with Davina for a bit.”

Davina turned to Beacon who reflected the same confusion as she. He nodded then headed to the entrance, starting a conversation with the nearest Mistran Apprentice.

“Is everything okay?” Davina asked.

“How are you doing?” Val questioned.

“I’m okay, why wouldn’t I be?” Davina smiled.

“I’m asking because I found out what you did to Ashira’s cookies,” Valerie began. “And I see the way you treat him.”

“I’m not treating him in any way,” Davina said.

“Yes, you are. I also found out that you two fought in the woods of Auris, that the day you announced your engagement with Isaiah you burned him and now he has marks, and then the day of your birthday you kicked him out of the party,” Valerie claimed.

Her heartbeat quickened while she crossed her arms. “I didn’t know he had burn marks.”

“It is noticeable to all of us that there are still feelings there.” Valerie sighed then softly grasped onto Davina’s fingers. Her brown eyes stared deeply into Davina’s. “You are my friend and I don’t want you to make the mistake of marrying someone you can’t bring yourself to love because your heart is set on another.”

“I don’t have my heart set on Ron,” Davina slightly exclaimed.

“Yes you do, D. I see the way you look at him,” Valerie said softly. “And I also see the way he looks at you. He loves you.”

No, he doesn’t.

“Please don’t get married to Isaiah. He is not the one for you, Ron is.” Valerie squeezed Davina’s hand. “I have to get going. We still have to give out invitations to my relatives in Neptulus.”

Valerie squeezed one more time before heading to the doorway where Beacon stood patiently.

“Of course, see you guys later for training.”

“Don’t overwork yourself, D.” Beacon pointed at the sandbag behind her.

“Careful, Beacon, I might start to believe that you care about me,” Davina laughed. Beacon rolled his eyes and waved her off before wrapping an arm around Valerie’s shoulders.

Davina set the card over the nearest bench and then walked back toward the punchbag, her fingers brushing over the white linen that encircled her palms and knuckles.

She set her feet into a stance, focusing on the bag before her. Davina jabbed the bag, and at each punch, a distasteful memory rushed back to her. She’d been restless, for two weeks, since she’d driven Ron to walk out of her birthday celebration. It seemed as if he had disappeared into the night.

Usually, she was able to see him passing through their travel between islands. But for two weeks straight, she had not seen his beautiful face. She cursed herself for thinking of his appearance like that.

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