Page 96 of Fated

“I’m just nervous. I’m about to go home with you to your kingdom—because you’re a freaking king, for god’s sake,” I blurted out, the realization still hitting me like a shock every time I remembered. I shook my head, overwhelmed by it all. “What will your people think of me? What if they hate me when they find out I’m related to Agidius? What if your family hates me? And then there’s the fact you’re planning on going back to that wretched kingdom.”

The words spilled out, tumbling over each other in a rush of fear and doubt.

Ash took my hand and pulled me toward the bed.

He sat down and tugged me into his lap, wrapping strong arms around me as if to shield me from my own worries. “Do you trust me, Areya?”

I looked into his deep Emerald eyes. “With everything I am.”

“Then believe me when I tell you that my people will love you,” he said firmly. “And believe me when I tell you I’m goingto kill Agidius, his bitch of a mother, and anyone else who poses a threat to you. There’s nothing in this world that will keep me from coming back to you.”

His words were a promise, and they settled the storm inside of me, if only for a moment.

He leaned in and pressed a kiss to my neck, the sensation sending a trail of whispers down my body. I looked into his eyes and in that moment, I desperately wanted to kiss him—to really kiss him. I planned on doing just that but when I leaned in, a knock sounded on the door.

I sighed in frustration and judging by the barely disguised smile on Ash’s face, my annoyance was obvious.

Rolling my eyes, I stood, walking to the door.

Lilly was standing there, her usual soft smile in place. The story of Lilly’s past resurfaced in my mind, my heart clenching as I looked at her. I didn’t shy away from the scar on her face anymore; in fact, I barely noticed it now, seeing only the brave, resilient girl underneath.

“I heard you two were leaving us today,” she said, her eyes full of warmth.

Ash appeared behind me. “Hey, Lil,” he said. “We’re almost done packing. We’ll be heading out soon.”

“I was just on my way out for the day but wanted to say goodbye,” Lilly said, her voice wavering slightly, and it hit me just how difficult these goodbyes would be.

I’d been trying my best not to think about them, knowing how much I’d miss these people who had taken me into their family as one of their own. I had to focus on not crying while hugging Lilly.

“Thank you, Lilly, for everything, for treating me like family.” I smiled at her.

“That’s because youarefamily now, Areya.”

Ash also gave Lilly a hug, and when she pulled away, she had tears in her eyes.

She put a hand on his arm.

“I’m so glad you’re ok, Sebastian,” she said, and then she looked between the two of us. “You two take care of each other, ok?”

We nodded, and she offered us one last smile before turning and walking away.

Back in the room, Ash quickly placed the last items I had laid out into my bag, then flung it over his shoulder along with his own.

“I can carry my own bag, you know,” I insisted.

“I know you can, princess.”

He took my hand, and we headed down to the main floor of the manor.

When we reached the bottom of the stairs, Madam Pearl was waiting. She smiled at us both, then opened her arms and embraced Ash. “Don’t wait so long to visit next time.” She pulled away and placed her hand on his cheek. “You know I love you, my young prince.”

“I love you too, Pearl,” he said, laying his hand on top of hers. Knowing their history now, I was quite emotional watching their interaction.

Madam Pearl turned toward me next and opened her arms a second time. I walked into the embrace, that same motherly hug in which she had held me that first night.

“Thank you for everything,” I said, my voice wavering. As hard as I had tried, I couldn’t keep myself from crying. When I pulled away and looked at her face, she also had tears in her eyes.

She took my hands. “I’m the one who should be thanking you, Areya. I know your mother would be so proud of you, just as I am.” She offered me a wide smile. “Now go save the world.”

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