Page 20 of When the Moon Met the Sun

I smiled back, but timidly. Logically, I knew I couldn’t trust any of these people, no matter how genuine they might seem. Yet, my heart desperatelywantedto trust them.

Maybe coming here was a way for me to start over, to have a fresh start, I thought hopefully.

Robyn and the two other males shared a few more words before the pair broke off towards one of the buffet tables, Robyn leading me around the table before us on the platform towards the chairs. He led me to the two in the center, where he then pulled out a chair for me and signaled for me to sit.

I hesitated, then realized I didn’t exactly have anything else to do. After all, thiswasmy wedding afterparty.

I sat, pooling the train of my dress at my feet. Robyn adjusted the chair so I’d be closer to the table, and in doing so his hand grazed my shoulder. Even through the thin cloth of the wedding dress, I could feel the warmth radiating from his fingertips into my skin.

I took a moment to focus on keeping my breathing steady.

“I’m going to grab us both some food, if that’s alright with you,” he said, removing his hands from my chair and stepping to my side. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. The next moment, he turned and walked off the platform, moving in the direction that Chess and Ezra had gone.

Once he was far enough away, I let out a shaky breath.

Stop letting him get to you, Viva. He’s the enemy,I scolded myself.

Then why didn’t he feel like it?

I shifted awkwardly in the chair, trying to not squish my wings against the backing.

It was a fruitless effort, I soon realized. The South wasn’t built with fae like myself in mind.

A few moments later, I saw Margo running from Teagan’s grip and up to the platform. She climbed into the chair to the right of me, gaps in her crooked smile.

“You look so pretty, Miss Aviva! And now you’re part of our family!” Margo exclaimed, excitement oozing from her every pore. Teagan, who had been chasing after her, now stood behind Margo’s chair.

“Thank you, Margo. And please, just Aviva. Or Viva, if you’d prefer,” I said, meeting Margo’s gaze, while moving my hands to my lap as I began to pick at my cuticles.

“Viva is such a pretty name,” Margo swooned, placing her elbow on the table and her head in her gloved hand.Curious, I thought,that even for formal events she doesn’t remove her gloves.

Part of me was shocked that a princess could have such a lack of manners, but another part of me still wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from the South.

I opened my mouth to compliment Margo’s dress—which wasn’t covered in paint—when her mood drastically shifted. She was now openly staring at the crown sitting upon my head, her brown eyes slowly pooling with tears.

“Margo?” I asked softly after a moment.

Teagan looked at me, confused, then looked at Margo and followed her gaze. Understanding seemed to flash across her features.

“Come here, Margo. It’s alright,” Teagan said gently, guiding Margo into her arms as a tear escaped Margo’s eyes, scooping her up with ease.

“Did-Did I do something wrong?” I asked, puzzled.

Teagan’s eyes tore into my own as she said, “She’s only ever seen our mother wear that crown.”

Before I could even think of a response, Teagan held Margo closer to her chest, then swiftly walked away.

Guilt hit me like a wave hits the rocks in Cynth Bay, and suddenly I felt light-headed.

Robyn, Margo, Teagan—their parents are gone forever, because of the actions of my people.

I had never really thought about it before, how much the war had affected so many people on such a deep level. It had always felt so far away from my life up in Gatlyn Castle.

Light-headed, I gazed at the ground my feet rested upon for a long moment, trying to center myself. I didn’t want all of the Southern guests milling about to notice my turbulent emotions. My nails dug into the wood of the chair I sat in, knuckles turning white. My wings dug uncomfortably into the chair, which only added to everything else overwhelming my senses.

I don’t know how long I sat there like that, but soon enough Robyn walked back up the stairs of the platform holding two full plates and a wide smile on his face.

When he saw my expression, which I suddenly didn’t have the energy to guard anymore, his face dropped, eyebrows furrowing together. I could feel the walls I had built up slowly falling.

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