Page 126 of Scars and Burns

“It’s nice to see you too.” Estelle laughs, wrapping Aemond in a hug.

I set Lilliana down, allowing her to go to her Father.

“Dada!” Lilliana exclaims.

“Baby girl, how are you?” He asks, scooping her into his arms. “I’vemissed you but it’s late. You should be in bed.” He whips his head towards Estelle, “Why isn’t she in bed?”

“You try getting this one to sleep without you here. She’s been fussy ever since you left.”

“Is that true?”

Lilliana tilts her head down. Plumping out her bottom lip. Looking at him through her lashes. “I just miss you is all.”

Oh, she’s good.

“I missed you too sweetie.” Aemond says hugging her. “Will you try and sleep now?”

“Only if you and mama put me to bed.”

They both laugh, “Deal”

I watch them leave. Taking a seat in front of the hearth.

By the time Estelle and Aemond have returned it’s been about ten minutes. They enter hand in hand, smiling, reminiscing in their reunion.

They join me in front of the fire.

Estelle is the first to speak.“What has happened?” Always to the point.

I recall the night’s events to them. Informing them that Prince Proteus is my half brother and intends to cast Princess Saphrina aside to wed Dinalia.

“Half brother? Are you certain?” Aemond asks.

“No, I’m not but my Father openly claimed him so I have no reason not to believe it to be true. He also has a complete Goddess mark in the same location as Dinalia’s and my self’s.”

Estelle stays silent.

“But you and Lady Dinalia have confirmed the bond, correct?” Aemond asks.

“Not officially but I’m not really sure what it’s supposed to feel like when we do. How unbreakable is it? If we do not confirm it beforePrince Proteus reveals himself to her is there a chance…” my voice trails off. Not able to finish the thought.

There is a beat of silence. The air growing tense with each passing second.

Estelle finally speaks, “There is something you should know.” Estelle and Aemond share a look and I become uncertain of the two closest people in my life. Aemond gives her a slight nod, almost giving her reassurance to reveal what she knows.

“Well?” I ask.

Estelle sighs, “You should know there are two types of bonds.” I gawk at them. Not sure of what to say I remain silent. “The first is a mating bond and second is a fated mating bond. Both blessed by the Goddess. However, the mating bond is a choice. Two Fae find one another and the pull is so strong they cannot resist for long. They are enraptured and fully committed to the other. Choosing them above anyone else. Never straying. Never wavering. The instinct to defend and protect is uncanny.” She looks to Aemond, knowing that is what they share. “The second, the rarer of the two is not a choice. The Goddess has made the decision for them whether they want to be mates or not. She has chosen their souls to match one another for a reason, for a purpose. So few have been made that overtime the difference and knowledge of the two has been lost. In the thousand year history of the three realms only three fated mate bonds have been recorded. They are stronger. The completion of their souls is different. It is said it not only alters one’s heart but mind, body, and soul. No one knows why they are different other than the Goddess wills it so.”

I stare at her. Knowing there has to be more. Waiting for her to continue. She glances over to Aemond who places a reassuring hand on her knee. “Both mating bonds are unbreakable. There is not a force in the world that can break a bond once it is made. Matingbonds occur with such devotion and love. The thread that binds them together is said to be a connection beyond words. Some have even said that each bond formed is a reincarnation of past mates. Believing there are so few bonds in history recorded at the same time because the mated bonds are the same souls finding each other in another lifetime. Their souls complete one another for all eternity.”

“Is there a possibility of more than one mate?” I ask.

“Considering mates souls complete the other it would be impossible for their to be two mates. Prince Proteus may mate with her but if your bond is true then only your soul can match hers.”

“But you said a mating bond is a choice.”

“Not a fated one.”

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