My Summer Girl

Chapter Thirty-One

Vera

Malibu – Miley Cyrus

Everyone’s seated atthe tables in the dining hall. Candles float above us, nestled in little vases. The twinkle of each invites such a welcoming atmosphere. It’s warm and elegant. Every farmer is in their house aprons, representing their farms, their smiles big as they stand in front of their plates.

People are seated at long tables, each one an important part of the events. All are families tied to this kingdom. Each family will have a say in the pie selection.

Vex sits beside me, their face cold and aloof, making me wonder if they’re upset with how I dismissed them or if they’re just fatigued from their time here.

I’m unsure of Saephyns’ normal eating habits, but Vex’s eyes are still a bit sunken, and their skin seems paler. Not lifeless, but getting there.

Forcing them away from me wasn’t easy. All the signs in my body, including my gut, told me to get to know them, but listening isn’t something that comes naturally.

It’s not something I do, allowing my heart to be on any line, let alone come above the needs of my people. It’s why finding love feels impossible. But I want it.

I finally stand, preparing to praise our people. Offer them commendation for their sacrifices, the way they put Solera at the forefront and make this such a beautiful place. I’m fortunate for every soul who chooses to give back. Hesitantly, I lift my goblet filled with gozu wine—a Solera delicacy that’s bitter and tart—and suck in a breath.

A rushing Alessand intercepts me before a single word escapes. His hazel eyes are buggy, like he’s trying to convey something immense.

And I know what that is. Because I can feel them.

Vex pushes their chair out rather abruptly, their diligent eyes surveying the room before their body swiftly moves around the table toward the dining hall’s opening doors.

A disheveled Raevar and his companion push through the massive wooden doors Alessand just rushed through. Raevar doesn’t look up, but Dulce—Dulce’s eyes wander in awe.

As if drawn to me, they connect with my own. Her expression softens, her cheeks darkening as two dimples meet me.

She’s like a flower in bloom—bright, noteworthy, offering life to us all. Her eyes are big and doe-like. They scan me like they see through me, but gently, like a lover caressing you for the first time. While disheveled, wearing a shirt that’s sure to be Raev’s, she’s radiant and all-consuming.

“Little dove.” Vex practically purrs the endearment, disrupting our moment. Dulce’s expression lights up immediately, her face full of solace. She takes no time to run to them, her legs pumping to eat up the twenty steps between them. As soon as their bodies meet, her arms go out and around their neck as she leaps.

It feels intimate, a moment none of us should be witnessing, but we all continue to gawk regardless. Would she ever hug me with that kind of delight, like I’m the creator of all her happiness and gifter of peace?

I can’t hear what they’re saying, but her eyes literally glimmer as she lovingly stares at Vex. They’re in the most beautiful embrace and I finally allow myself to look at Raevar, wanting to hate his choices but unable to even hold my anger.

There’s a jealousy in his expression, but not fury, that much is apparent. His face strains, like he’s barely able to contain himself from grabbing her, taking her from Vex’s hands.

Mate bond.

Raevar holds back and I raise the goblet to my lips, sipping the concoction with barely abated nerves. I want to go over there and introduce myself. But as the two twirl and kiss, my body stubbornly stays put.

A hand taps my shoulder, where the vines tend to avoid—which is lucky for their sake. When I look up, Alessand leans in. “I wanted to warn you, my queen, but Raevar came here before doing anything else.”

“All is well, Alessand. Thank you.”

“What should I do?” he whispers, conspiratorial. A laugh bubbles inside me but doesn’t escape. He’s concerned about me being livid, but that’s not my base emotion. It probably should be. Their entrance was an interruption, and the court is gawking, but I’m amused at the way Raevar seems out of place.

“You shall do nothing. I’m waiting for Raevar’s reaction. Then we will proceed from there.”

As if he can hear me, his gaze connects with mine. Shining with a nostalgic kind of glistening, I don’t understand the expression. Hades, I don’t even know what reaction I’m offering in return. Part of me hopes it’s stoic and unbothered, but inside, my heart rudely hammers at seeing him after being apart for so long.

His lips move, but he’s too far for me to hear him. Maybe that’s best for us both. He’s been avoiding me, but seeing as his pin still rests against his chest, there’s no way he hasn’t felt my worry.

My lips tighten as I do everything in my power not to grimace. I’m hurt, though I shouldn’t be. I sent him away to find me love, and he did... but Dulce? She’s Vex’s mate.

Vex turns toward me, almost as if they feel my overwhelming thoughts. Their expression seems relieved but also troubled, and I take another sip, only offering a nod.

What do I say?

Dulce bounces to her feet, slipping free of their embrace. Without an invitation, she tentatively heads toward me. Alessand leans forward again, this time his hand hovering over the sword on his side.

“She’s no threat,” I hiss, not wanting her to fear me. She’s more welcome here than Raevar is at the moment. I’ve been impatiently waiting.

Her gaze dances across the room, not leaving a detail unsearched. Wonder settles and her mouth forms the cutest awed expression I’ve ever seen.

Somehow, her bare feet send tendrils of her giddiness through me. Solera communicates her emotions where I can’t visually decipher what she’s feeling.

She loves it here.

When the distance between us is only a few feet, she climbs the stairs to the table I nervously stand behind. Still, I don’t sit, wanting to appear approachable. This is our first meeting, and with the sourness in my stomach over my best friend, I’m struggling to keep a sweet face.

“You’re Vera,” she announces, her voice pure sunshine. A shiver runs through me at the melodic tone. It’s sweet and kind, almost like it’s wrapped in sugar. “I’m Dulce Amor.”

Rapid thumping hits my ears, and I just know she’s having some sort of effect on me. “That’s me,” I nearly choke out, my voice softer than normal. It’s reverent, gentle, and it lacks the normal bite I offer most.

Her peachy eyes glitter with amusement, and she leans over the table. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment, mi reina.”

My queen.

Shit.

What those two words do to my entire body. Her words are syrupy and promising, and I can’t imagine what she’s done since being gone, but the way her voice invades my senses like the sweetest desserts has me lost. She grips the table, her cute, manicured nails digging into the wood like she wants it to remember she’s been here.

She knows.

She speaks to us.

I blink slowly, her scent invading my nostrils. It’s the best thing I’ve inhaled other than Vex and Raevar. It’s telling, begging me to lean in, to lick her throat and leave no curve untouched.

My body recognizes something I’m disallowing to be a reality.

She’s yours, Verano of Solera.

Solera be damned, this girl is the one I’ve been seeking.