Page 61 of Scars and Burns

I look up and watch them leave. Once they are sufficiently out of the hall I rise. My men following my lead.

Another escort walks in, “Please follow me to your chambers.”

Aemond and I exchange a look. A smile spreading across both of our faces as we follow the young escort.

31

Dinalia

I’m sitting on the lookout of the forest in my favorite spot. My legs dangling over the edge. Lena is snuggled up next to me. Her head resting in my lap as I stroke her fur.

“I don’t know Lena. What should I do? Try and find someone to marry and stay in the Middle Kingdom or leave?”

She tilts her head into me. Giving me a small moan. I laugh, “Yeah, I’d miss you too girl.”

If I leave the three realms I’d never see her again. And the thought of that breaks what little of my heart is left.

I’ve been out in the forest for hours now. We met up here. Wandering around one of our favorite paths. Leading to another mountain top across the forest, practically in the Celestial Realm. It’s near the border of the Shadowlands. Once we get to the top we have a clear view of the Forest of Despair. And in the distance you can see King Perseus’s palace.

We find our way back to our favorite spot. Relaxing on the edge listening to the sound of running water.

“Today’s the day girl. They all arrive. The nobles. The rulers. Everyone. There will be more people in the castle than I’ve ever seen.There will actually be other people staying in the same wing of the castle as me.” I laugh to myself. It’ll be odd to not be the only one there. “I don’t know how often I’ll be able to come to the forest for the next three months with all the celebration activities.”

She grunts at me. Lifting her head and booping me with her nose into my chest. I laugh again and wrap my arms around her. Holding her face in my hands, “I know but Saphrina is going to need me now more than ever these next three months. She’s so nervous and scared of what her future will hold with Prince Proteus.”

She shoves her head further into my grasp. I laugh, “I’ll take care of myself too, promise.”

We both whip our heads toward the castle. A horn blaring informing the kingdom guests have begun to arrive.

Ugh, that means I have to go. I look over to Lena again, “Wish me luck.” She licks my face. Flicking my hand with her nose. “Haha, thanks girl. You’re always the best support.”

I rise. She walks with me as close as either of us deem safe for her to come to the castle. In the event that someone would risk seeing her and try to hunt her she stays away. She doesn’t come within four miles of the castle.

No one really ventures into the forest anyway. Even less with the dark creatures becoming bolder. But we still don’t risk it.

I bid her farewell with a few final scratches behind the ear. She nuzzles her head into my stomach. “I’ll see you as soon as I can, okay?”

She nods in agreement. I watch her turn and begin to walk away. She gives me one final look before disappearing into the forest. I raise my hand in goodbye. Placing it over my chest with a small smile on my face.

* **

I make my way to the castle. Entering the grounds through my Mother’s garden as usual. Just as I enter the castle I hear, “There are you! Where have you been? They are starting to arrive. I need you!”

Turning, I see Saphrina rushing over to me. Flustered. Hair not done. Clothes disheveled. I’ve never seen her so out of sorts.

“Saphrina, you should be getting ready. Not running around the castle looking for me.”

“I need you. I need your help picking out an outfit. And you could borrow something, if you’d like. Come get ready with me.” She begs.

I don’t allow the servants to assist me in getting ready, or bathing, or anything else that requires personal revealment. Not since my complete Goddess mark appeared. The servants purely tend to my chambers.

“Saphrina, I don’t need to get ready. I will not be in attendance with you for the Greeting.”

“What?! You won’t be at the Greeting? Why not?”

“It’s not my place. The other nobles and rulers are here to see you and your Father. The royals of the Middle Kingdom.”

“But -” Saphrina starts, only to be cut off.

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