Page 127 of Scars and Burns

“And how do we know if it is fated? If they are as rare as you say no one alive has experienced such a bond.”

“I did believe Dinalia to be your fated mate, until you informed us of Prince Proteus also having a matching Goddess mark. Even with the mating bond being a choice it is not known for their to be three Fae with the same mark. There is something at work here that I do not understand.”

“Before learning of Proteus, why did you believe Dinalia and I to be fated?”

“The prophecy and the tercentenary of the three realms. There is a reason there have only been three other fated mates recorded in our history. Some priestesses believe they only occur every three-hundred years at the anniversary of when the Goddess ceased the three-hundred year war and spread her magic throughout the lands. Why is still a mystery.”

“So what does this mean?”

“I don’t know. I thought you and Dinalia were fated based off of the prophecy but with this news of Prince Proteus I am not sure where to go from here. Fated or not the three of you having matchingGoddess marks is a first for me. My knowledge and training has its limits. To my understanding three with the same mark is not known throughout our history, but the fated mate bond is so rare no one is aware of what is true and what is not.”

We are all silent for a moment.

“There’s one more thing you must know.” I say.

They both stare at me. Anticipation on their faces.

“My Father is dead. I killed him.”

They look at one another briefly before rising and then kneeling, bowing their heads. Saying in unison, “Long live the King.”

53

Aeron

Isense Dinalia. Feel her heartbeat rising.

I’m in the Shadowlands. Going through my Father’s study. Stepping into the role of King with ease.

But the moment I feel the burning in my chest. The burning only she provides, I’m gone.

I burst through the doors of her chambers. She’s there. I knew she was alive and well. I could feel her steady heartbeat in tandem with my own. But to see her up and moving. Strong and beautiful. I don’t even bother to hold back.

Rushing over to her. Scooping her up into my arms. Spinning her around. Feeling every curve of her body against mine. Knowing she is real and here. Taking her face into my hands. I touch my forehead to hers, saying, “I thought I lost you.”

I’m finally able to breathe again. The lump in my throat shrinking every moment I am with her.

“Y-you came for me. You saved me.” she says. I wince at the tone of surprise in her voice.

“Of course I did! I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner! I knew King Elio was not to be trusted. I shouldn’t have let you out of my site.” Feelingthe shame with every word that I say. But before I can say more she’s pulling me into her. Bringing my lips to hers.

She pulls away and I’m tempted to grip her back to me. Just to be able to embrace her again. But before I can bring her lips to mine, she says, “Doesn’t matter. You came and you’re here now.”

“What is this!” I hear from behind me.

It’s Saphrina. I recognize the voice. I swear if she interrupts one more moment with Dinalia I’m going to lose my mind.

Dinalia tries to step away from me but I pull her closer. Saphrina isn’t worth losing this moment together.

“I have to talk to her.” She whispers to me. I shake my head in refusal, “No, I’m never letting you go again.”

“Dinalia, get away from him.” Saphrina says, marching over to us. Sliding her arms in between our bodies. Pushing Dinalia away from me.

I almost throw Saphrina off the balcony for that. Who does she even think she is? She is a weak, naive princess who holds no real power.

“Saphrina, don’t push me away from him.” Dinalia says. My heart fills with pride as she defends us.

Saphrina takes my hand in hers. Interlocking our fingers. Gripping my forearm.

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