Page 69 of Scars and Burns

“But if we are supposed to be fated mates shouldn’t there be something more?” She says throwing her hands up in the air and flopping back on the bed.

“Well, I don’t know if you are fated mates but I’m sure with time something will grow.”

She sits up. Giving me a confused look. “What do you mean you don’t if we are fated mates? I thought since the marriage alliance was made under the light of a full moon and we were both born under a full moon. That meant we were fated mates. Destined to be together. Blessed by our Goddess.

Sighing, I say, “The light of the full moon does mean something. It holds great importance and meaning throughout our history for multiple events. I believe your Father is correct. The union is blessed and can bring about a time of peace and prosperity. Leading the three realms into a unity they have never seen before. That’s why your wedding date is set for the Harvest Moon, the first full moon of our new year. But that does not mean you have been given a mate by our Goddess. Mates are rare. A sanctity. Very few have been given by our Goddess and even less have been known in history.”

“Well, what do you know about mates?”

Oh Goddess. I am just as naive and unsure about the actuality of mates as she is. My Mother mentioned them to me once but didn’t say much. She thought I might have one later in life. As an “extraordinary” Fae but I have had no such blessing.

I take her hands in mine. The way I always do when I am trying to be serious but yet sincere. “I can only tell you what I have heard. I know very little just like you. Mother once told me -” Pausing not sure if I should inform Saphrina that she once told me I would have a mate.

Better not. It won’t help her.

“She once told me that a mate will love and accept you for all the light and dark inside of you. That their souls match. Their Goddess marks will be identical.” Saphrina’s eyes widened.

I continue, “Mates’ souls are meant to co-exist with one another in perfect harmony. A soul is not whole, not complete without their mate’s.” I recall what I am saying, and it rings with too much truth of what my Mother had said to me before.

Saphrina places a hand over her heart. As if feeling for her soul. Gasping, “Do you think my soul is incomplete?”

“Do you feel as if your soul is incomplete?”

“How would I know?”

That is an excellent question. How do I even explain that to her when I don’t even know.

I deflect.

“I’m not sure you even realize it until it’s too late. But I have heard that the pull is strong. An unexplainable wonder and intrigue calls you to them until it all falls into place.”

As I am saying this my thoughts return to Aemond ~Aeron~ I mean. Ugh, arrogant prick for lying to me. But I can’t deny my curiosity. Something about him has me longing for him. The tightening of my stomach. The burn in my chest every time I feel his eyes on me.

And they were on me more than they should have been at the Greeting.

He is not to be trusted and yet all I want to do is be near him.

“Is it instant? The pull? The need for them?” Saphrina asks.

“I wouldn’t know but rest assured.” I place my hand on the side of her cheek, “Mated or not, Prince Proteus will be your husband. And this union is blessed by two of the three realms.”

She leans into my hand, closing her eyes. When they open again she asks, “What did you think of the Shadowland Prince?”

Removing my hand, “I thought he was arrogant and conceited.”

She gawks at me a little, “ I thought he was intimidating. It was like the whole room went cold when he entered. As if he brought the chill of death with him.”

I look over to her. I didn’t notice the chill.

“And that interaction he had with Father. I thought Father was going to lose it on him. Did you hear what he said?”

“Hmmm?” Not really wanting to have this conversation with her. I can’t think about him. He’s infuriating. And I can’t tell if my anger is because he lied to me or at myself. Because I allowed myself to believe I could get close to him. For a time there I wanted to.

“He said ‘blood for blood’. Remember what you said about it. And Father seemed to think Aeron might have killed King Perseus, which is why he is not in attendance. But if he didn’t then why would he say that to Father? And why would it make Father so upset? Did you see the look in his eyes? You guys shared a look too.”

I stare at her. “With who?”

“Well, with both really. Prince Aeron looked at you before and after saying it. Then Father whipped his head toward you. Is there something going on I should know about?”

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