Page 78 of Scars and Burns

“Wouldn’t you if you had been told your entire life you were blessed by our Goddess and betrothed since birth to unite realms.”

He shrugs his shoulders, “Fair point. What else did she say about mates? What does she know of them?”

I pause, fighting the tightening of my chest. “Everything she knows about mates is from her sister, Lady Dinalia. She knows their souls co-exist with one another in harmony. Completing the other. A pull and longing.”

I wait for him to say something but he doesn’t so I continue. “She feels nothing for him. Most likely because she is not actually blessed by our Goddess and has not been given a mate. But her heart is wanting. She wants love. She wants to be loved.”

“And did you offer her such accommodations?”

“The seed has been planted. She has taken a liking to me.”

“Excellent! So our plans are truly underway?”

“Yes, my old friend. All the pieces are coming together.”

Walking over to him and placing a hand on his shoulder to turn him as we begin walking inside.

“What of Lady Dinalia?”

I’m frozen in my tracks.

“I will use whatever is between us to instill more favor for myself in Princess Saphrina. The Princess seems to hold her sister in very high regard. The higher Lady Dinalia thinks of me. The less Lady Dinalia will object to my pursuit of Princess Saphrina.”

He nods, “Good.”

I hate myself for every word I just said. I don’t want the two of them to discuss me. I don’t want Dinalia to think I am interested in her sister. One, because Dinalia is very protective of the princess andis more than capable of defending both of them.

But also because she is the only one I truly want. But that doesn’t matter. My wants and need do not hold any relevance in the devastation that is about to come.

Mates or not.

It must be done.

She mustfall.

37

Dinalia

Iwake early. Same as I always do. The sun shining into my room from my balcony. Blinding my eyes. I rub them, wishing it hadn’t risen.

Wishing I hadn’t risen for the day.

Did last night really happen?

Did King Elio really announce I was seeking a husband. Transferring every eye in my direction, in more ways than one. As if they weren’t already on me enough.

Did I really dance with Prince Aeron? Leaning into his arms. Letting him guide me around the dance floor. Giving into his touch. His voice.

Remembering what he said to me before he left. Disappearing for the evening.

“It wasn’t easy for me to stay away. I wanted to come to you every single day.Wanted to get lost in your eyes, those black dahlia eyes of yours. While I wrap you in my arms. Never to let you go. But there is more afoot here than you realize. I cannot allow myself to be distracted or swayed by my own desires.”

What is afoot? Do the Shadowlands have something else planned?Did they not come in peace?

Pushing those questions from my mind. If I don’t I’ll never move forward.

I lay there. Staring at my ceiling. Trying to find the motivation to start the day.

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