Page 65 of Living Legend

“Doesn’t that bother you?” I asked, genuine curiosity in my voice.

“Sometimes, but I trust she was the person everyone claims she was. That’s all I can do.”

I noticed a layer of rocks near the stream and perched myself on top of one of the larger ones. Natalia watched me silently. “Were you around when she did all of this?” I whipped my hand around, indicating I meant all the glamouring.

“I was. I don’t remember much, but of course for us, nothing changed. She explained everything to me later. She knew what it would mean for me as the next leader.” Natalia took a few steps closer and leaned against a tree. A small breeze picked up the ends of her dress.

“Have you ever thought about taking it down?”

She shrugged. “There was talk a few years ago, but it was shot down. I may think that our worlds are at a different point now, but not everyone feels so comfortable just yet.”

I nodded in understanding. I rubbed the front of my legs, not really knowing what else to say. I rummaged inside my head for something. “How much can you tell me about your mother’s relationship with Jonah?”

“They were friends before anything else, before the war,but after she placed the glamour, he visited less and less. He stopped coming for a long time; I suppose that was around the time his father was prepping him to become the next high executive. My mother threw herself into fixing the mess the angels had caused in Oculus. Years later, when she got sick, she asked for him and me to start communicating more. Oddly enough, he quickly obliged.”

“I bet Jonah was thrilled to be working alongside a child.”

Natalia barked out a laugh. “Probably. I was eighteen at the time, so I definitely felt naïve. He treated me like an equal, though, as he did my mother.”

The silence between us was heavy, even though the tone of the conversation had swayed towards slightly light-hearted. Natalia broke that silence.“You are dead set on Jonah being the culprit, aren’t you?”

“I’d say so. It doesn’t look good for him.”

“Nicholas and his friend feel this way too?”

“That’s still up for debate.”

She pushed her hair over her shoulder. “I thought you’d have convinced them by now.”

“So, you think he’s guilty as well?” I placed my hands under my chin.

“Perhaps. There’s a loyal place in my heart for Jonah, but it doesn’t mean I’m blind. Just because my mother trusted him doesn’t mean I have to, given the evidence.”

“What makes you think I can convince anyone, especially Nicholas? Pretty sure his head is way too high up Jonah’s ass.” I caught myself laughing at my comment.

Natalia placed a hand over her mouth, stifling her giggle. “It just seems you two had an understanding, vastly better than your friends, unless their understanding is pure distaste.”

“We have a common goal, that’s all. Elise isn’t my friend, just so you’re aware.”

Natalia looked behind us, a surprised look on her face. “That girl isn’t your friend?”

“Nope. If you ask her, she’ll tell you the same damn thing, but my advice is not to ask.”

“Hm, I’ve never known anyone to tag along to Heaven’s Gate. That seems like something afriendwould do. Maybe I’ve just misunderstood friendship this entire time.” She scratched the back of her head.“Although it does make sense, seeing that showing any sort of friendly emotion where you’re from might end terribly. Regardless, I may be wrong about your friendship with her, but I’m not wrong about your relationship with Nicholas.”

“Relationship?” My voice cracked, startled at the word.

“I meant like a working relationship, Soul Seether, not romantic. Unless…” She let her words trail off, looking down at the leaves around her.

I bit my lower lip, shaking my head. “Thanks, but no thanks. He’s adorable, but you have a better chance of a relationship with him than I do.

Natalia walked over to me, moving her dress around so that she could sit comfortably. “Interesting idea, but I don’t think he’s my type.”

“Maybe blondes are more your speed, but just know Reese might be a little leery about coming back here by himself. Given the right motivation, though, he could be persuaded.”

Natalia fiddled with the rings on her fingers. “Blondes aren’t the issue, believe me.”

I eyed her expectantly, not quite understanding her meaning. She peered up at me and smiled, one of her eyebrows perking upwards. That’s when it clicked:women. “Well, Reese would’ve been a terrible choice for a boyfriend anyway. I’m sorry for even considering him.” We both let out a laugh. “I feel like dating a literal queen would be intimidating as hell.”

---