17. Leeni
Chapter seventeen
Leeni
U ziel and I stand in front of an elder as we exchange vows to honour and serve the universe in our union. We promise to do whatever we can, to create a constellation filled with Incandescents.
Months have gone by, and Uziel has spent that time regaining my trust and slowly rebuilding our relationship.
Things aren’t perfect but they are better between us than they have been.
Eliam visits often; the tension between the two of them is still there but it’s gradually reducing.
Not having to deal with their relentless hostility is a welcome change.
Time in the galaxy isn’t linear; it moves differently to the time on Earth. It could be days, months or years since I’ve last seen Gabe. I’m too afraid to look for him. But Uziel keeps convincing me to try.
I am standing on my old balcony for the last time as staff rounds up my belongings. Uziel and I have our own space in the sky now; a palace where we were expected to produce tons of little starlights for the newest constellations.
“Ready?” Ambra asks, startling me.
I twirl around, responding in a huff. “Not remotely.”
“Tell me more,” she laughs and stands next to me, her back against the railing. “What’s wrong exactly ?”
“Things are better—they are—but…” I groan loudly.
“But?”
“I miss him .” It’s hard for me to say Gabe’s name. “ And I’m moving in with Uziel.” I lean over to prop on the railing of the balcony.
“Well, he’s your husband. And yes, I know he betrayed you but it’s clear Uziel would do anything for you now. I see how he looks at you. You also have a gorgeous nebula who worships you. Isn’t that enough?”
I wanted to say yes so badly. But Gabe is missing. He’s who my heart cries out for when I’m existing in the breaths between moments. A life without him will never be enough.
“It’s enough.”
Ambra playfully glares at me. “When did you start lying to me, huh?” I can hear the smirk in her voice .
“It should be enough.” I say it to her but I’m trying to convince myself that it’s possible.
“What do the humans say? The heart wants what it wants? I’d imagine that’s the same for us celestials.” She pushes an unruly curl behind my ear.
“Promise you’ll visit often?” I switch my position to lean my back against the rail.
“You’re going to have to beg me to leave.” Ambra’s smiling so brightly. “Have you seen it yet?”
“I haven’t. But there’s a little nebula who’s been bugging me for a tour. Wanna go explore?” Ambra’s face lights up even more when I ask.
“Definitely. I can tell her to meet us.” I push myself off the rail and loop my elbow in Ambra’s, dragging her off it too. “And what about your new husband?”
“What about him?” We chuckle.
Our palace is enormous. The outside? Astonishing, with intricate gardens and seating everywhere. But it’s inside that leaves me speechless. Small amounts of cosmic energy has been collected from all our family and friends—a royal wedding gift.
Their energy is split apart and used to illuminate the entire palace. I’m used to the sight of cosmic lights; they line my parents’ palace. However, nothing compares to seeing the fresh starlight buzzing off their sconces—all moving with pure and unaltered energy.
“This place is incredible! Maybe I need to get married.” Ambra is coming down the main hallway.
“I’m available to stand in as your acting wife if I get to hang out in a place like this.” Nyari’s orchids and indigos float behind Ambra. The two of them are giggling as Nyari switches the conversation to discuss her favourite pastry and its latest flavours.
I’m standing at the top of the staircase, waiting for them when his voice startles me. “Done exploring already?” he whispers into my ear.
“When did you get here?” Being nicer to Uziel is getting easier, and I haven’t decided how I feel about that yet. But I shift my head so I can see his face and smile at him a little.
“A second ago. I thought you heard me come in.” He smiles back shyly, still unsure how to act around me. “This is a lot.” He gestures to the open space. “I guess being in our good graces is important for the council. Well, in your good graces.”
“Because ‘Leeahla Adhara Andromeda is the brightest Incandescent in the universe’ and our children will ‘expand the galaxy like never before.’” I roll my eyes and almost miss the sound of Uziel choking at the word children .
“How do you feel about that? Our children.” He scratches the back of his neck.
“They don’t exist yet. So, so far so good. I guess.” Uziel stifles a laugh at that. “I think I’ll be more nervous when we have to make them.” I wince, realizing I’ve accidentally said the last part out loud. To his benefit, Uziel doesn’t tense up.
“Whenever you’re ready, Leeni. Not before. Never before,” he promises, his voice, reassuring. He reaches out his hand to rub my arm and I lean into it. I think I’ve surprised us both with the action.
Ambra's fake coughing in the middle of the staircase puts an end to whatever is happening, while Nyari pretends like she hasn’t noticed. “We’re going to head out. See you two later.” A tiny smirk is plastered to my sister’s face.
“Are you sure you two don’t want to stay?” Uziel drops his hand and creates some distance between us.
“Positive! The nebula and I have to hatch a plan to scam the council out of accommodation.” She laughs as they make her way to the front door. “Enjoy!”
Uziel and I stare at each other for a few fleeting moments after they leave, then he extends his hand to me. “Ready to do some exploring of our own?”
“I don’t see why not.” I let him lead me into our new home.