Page 112 of Façade

I traced the shimmery edges of the contract as I reread the words that assured me of Ryland’s sincerity, a confirmation of what I already knew. “Though my trust in you renders this gesture unnecessary, I can’t convey how much it means to me. Because I care for you and your people, I want to do what I can to help them.”

His eyes widened. “I can’t ask you to—”

“You’re not,” I said. “Iwantto, not just for them…but for you.”

Wonder filled his adoring gaze. “You and your love are all I need, though I’m grateful for your consideration.” Adoration filled his smile, even as it remained tainted with a touch of uncertainty. “Do you really trust me?”

I did. He was the man around whom I could be myself, who understood me completely and accepted me. He wasn’t perfect and had made many mistakes, but they didn’t take away from his friendship, goodness, or love, evidenced when he’d made the ultimate sacrifice to let me go even after knowing who I truly was, despite my possessing the magic his kingdom desperately needed. It was all the assurance I needed to take this final step in trusting him in order to create a future of my own making.

“I do.”

The truth of my words made it impossible to remain apart from him a moment longer. I scooted off the bench to fall into his arms, an embrace he returned. I snuggled closer with a contented sigh, marveling at how safe and happy I felt enfolded in his protective warmth. I loved this man, I trusted him, and I wanted to be with him forever. The tight way he clung to me in return only confirmed he felt the same.

He pulled away just enough to tilt my chin up. His thumb caressed my jaw as we stared at one another, his touch as gentle as the adoration filling his eyes. The corner of his lips slowly curved up, and with this smile I leaned closer to caress his lips in a soft kiss.

This kiss was even more beautiful than our first ones, especially with all we’d overcome in order to reach this precious moment. I melted into his love as he cradled me in his cherished embrace, accepting me exactly as I was…and I accepted him as well: my dear Ryland whom I never need part from ever again.

When we pulled away I noticed my parents standing near the balcony’s entrance. “Up to your usual mischief, Nymph?” Father tried to look stern but his eyes were twinkling, while Mother watched us with her hands pressed against her heart and her eyes glistening with tears.

I warmed at their acceptance and turned my surprised joy onto my my new fiancé. “How did you manage to secure my parents’ approval?”

Mischief glistened, such a familiar part of the true prince I’d come to know and love. “My charm made it quite effortless, I assure you.” At the skeptical lift of my eyebrows he chuckled. “Perhaps I received assistance when I presented the contract that will protect your powers. Though your guard hasn’t acted on his desires to toss me into the dungeon, I think he still needs quite a bit of convincing.”

“We have a lifetime to win him completely over.” At the very least I had the approval of the most important people in my life, outside of dear Ryland. I glanced uncertainly towards my parents. “You’ll truly allow me to marry him?”

“If you wish it, dear,” Mother said. “We want you to live the life of your choosing.”

I returned my adoring gaze to Ryland. “I choose you, not out of duty to a crown I thought I’d lost, in an effort to create purpose for my life, or to prove anything. I choose you solely because I love you, the man who truly sees me and makes me blissfully happy.”

“As you do for me. I love you too, dear Evie.”

My arms tightened around him and I contentedly rested my head against his heart, beating steadily solely for me. “Many obstacles remain—the curse afflicting your land, the lingering threats against me and my throne, and the decoy’s mission.”

“We’ll fight each one together,” he said. “For you’re worth it.”

Together…such a beautiful thought. With that promise, I knew I could face whatever my future held, no matter what came.

EPILOGUE

The constellations filling the Hall of Prophecies rippled against the velvety backdrop to align into the answers we’d come seeking. I leaned against my husband’s strength so I could remain upright as the final star in this pattern settled and a vision unfolded against the starry night before us.

It began with the events that had served as stepping stones to reaching this point—Ryland’s and my beautiful andrealwedding, the romantic honeymoon that followed that had extended longer than tradition dictated so that I could remain away from Estoria until the threats against me had finally passed, my restoration as the true crown princess of Estoria, and most of all the beginnings of the life my dear husband and I created together.

I hadn’t resumed my royal duties with Ryland by my side for long before we’d embarked on a journey to the infected areas of his kingdom in an effort for me to attempt to use my powers against the curse’s devastating effects—not because Ryland expected it but because I wanted to do my part to help the people I too had come to care for.

Even with my growing powers, I’d been able to accomplish very little. The strain against my magic soon proved too much, more traumatic than even when Ryland had stolen my powers, forcing us to take refuge in the magical monastery—the closest destination to the afflicted village we’d tried to save—so that I could heal.

The week of healing had been long and strenuous. Today was the first I’d possessed enough strength to be out of bed, granting me freedom from a prison sentence that had only been made bearable thanks to my husband’s constant presence. Yet even his fierce worry for me couldn’t fully eclipse his desperation for a solution to help his people, so today we’d finally beseeched the monastery for answers.

…only for it to lead us to the Hall of Prophecies.

The unfolding vision finally settled on a single thread of light created by the constellations comprising our fate. I didn’t recognize the pattern, but the oracle studied it carefully before nodding sagely. “You come seeking guidance, but it is not your duty to heal the curse afflicting the land. That responsibility lies with Crown Prince Lucian of Brimoire.”

Ryland’s shoulders slumped, weighed down by the burden of our helplessness along with undeniable relief. “So there’s no need for Evie to exert herself any longer?” His hand sought mine to lace our fingers together.

The oracle’s look gentled as her gaze settled upon me. “I admire your willingness to help, but you must cease. Though the future contains many varying paths, all of yours lead to the same destination should you continue this course: it will hurt you and your kingdom if you expend more magic than you’re able to give. Your ancestors knew this, which is why Estoria has never interfered in other kingdoms’ affairs before. But as devastating as this negligence might feel, there is a path forward…but it’s only meant to be taken by Crown Prince Lucian.”

Relief filled my weary body that I could instead focus my efforts on serving my own kingdom, deepening my relationship with my parents, and my new life with Ryland.

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