Chapter Twenty-One #3
“But I have also continued to watch you since then. I know you enjoy eating vegetables and barely touch meat. I also know you like to climb into trees when you miss your home. And I know that you secretly like living in the castle even though it overwhelms you at times.”
“Yes, those things are true. But—”
“You cry in your sleep when you have a bad dream. And you also cry when an animal dies. Any animal. Hell, you cry an awful lot, come to think of it…”
She laughed before she could stop herself.
“I saw your eyes light up when my sister came in the room,” he continued.
“And I’ve seen you touch your neck at least a dozen times tonight, out of habit.
I know all these things despite the fact that you’ve avoided me since that night in the stables.
Imagine how well I could have gotten to know you if you had given me the chance to apologize. ”
They stopped dancing when the song ended but stayed on the floor.
“Reeve…”
“Take a walk with me.” He didn’t wait for her to refuse. He just pulled her arm toward the door and she followed him. When they were in the hallway, he stopped pulling her and let go.
“All of those things you said about me are true, but it doesn’t mean anything,” she said, softly. “We were forced into this marriage and we can end it. You can move on once I leave.”
“You’re right.”
Even though she knew she was right, it still hurt to hear him say it. He could move on and be happy with someone else. Even he knew it. “Then that settles it. We will end the marriage.”
“Yes.”
Ouch. Part of the reason she was avoiding him was because she didn’t want to have this very conversation.
“Alright, then…” She turned, but he grabbed her arm.
“Before you go, I have something for you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small star-shaped locket on a thin chain. He held it up to her.
“What is this?” she asked. It was beautiful. The center of the locket had a bright green stone that reminded her of the tree leaves in Anestas.
“It’s a locket. Silver, not iron. I found it in the village on the day you got your collar removed, while you and Gabby were with the seamstress. I was going to give it to you that night in the stables but… you left before I could.”
“That was months ago. Why did you keep it?”
“I wasn’t going to keep it. I kept meaning to return it or give it away and yet I never did because deep down I knew that you needed it, even if you didn’t need me.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’ve seen you constantly touch your neck where the collar used to be. And I know you stop every time you see your reflection and look at it. To make sure it still isn’t there.”
He held the chain out to her. Slowly, she reached her hand up and took it. She rubbed her finger over the stone and felt her eyes begin to water.
“Wear the locket,” he said, softly. “Don’t let your past control you.
When you wear this, every time you touch your neck and feel this, you will be reminded that you survived what those men did to you.
And every time you see it in the mirror you will remember that you are fearless.
You chose to leave your home and help with the pixies.
Then you came here and restored Junacave after the wildfire.
You even saved me from your mother. If you’re wearing this, no one will ever be able to control you or make you feel weak again. ”
She was speechless. She clung to the necklace as tears started to fall.
No one had ever called her brave before.
Or given her a gift like this. He had bought it the same day she moved into their suite.
He’d cared for her, even then. He hadn’t been pretending just because the other fairies were there.
Her mind was jumbled and she couldn’t organize her thoughts.
“I will ask the queen to send for the mysta,” he said. He started to say something else but stopped and pursed his lips together. Then he shook his head and walked away, leaving her alone.
She uncurled her fingers and looked down at the locket.
It was so beautiful and she gasped in her grief.
She slipped the chain around her neck and gripped the locket in her hands, the metal cool against her skin.
She would wear it but not for the reasons he said.
She would wear it and it would remind her of him.
Of the perfect man who almost loved her.
~*~
“Are you sure you have to go?” Finn asked.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“Stay just one more day. I’ll make it worth your while.”
The look he was giving her made Adelphie want to strip naked and pounce on him right there. But she knew she had to leave. The other Sabras were expecting her. She reluctantly kissed Finn goodbye and mounted her horse.
“This is too familiar,” he said. “Standing here, watching you ride away.”
“I will return. Even if it’s only for a short while, it’s worth it. You’re worth it.”
“Aww… m’lady is going soft on me.”
“Not a chance little boy.”
Finn watched her ride off into the forest. It seemed that every time they parted, he lost another piece of his heart.