Chapter Twenty-Nine #3
Will grapples with the spell.
“Keep going,” he presses.
“Fliss,” Bastion says, “I’ve always been blown away by your kindness and passion and, honestly, Card spends so much time talking about you, you quickly became family. It doesn’t feel right unless you’re here with us. Um…both of you. I love you.”
Ruth’s voice comes from my right, from where Fern has been sobbing uncontrollably.
“I love you as well,” she says. “I’m thrilled to have finally met you. I tried once before to heal your curse and will gladly try again. Thank you for making my son the happiest I’ve ever seen him. Thank you for being such a needed breath of fresh air. You are welcome home anytime.”
Will’s face crumples. He presses his mouth tight.
I lean my forehead on the barrier and let the tears flow freely. Too many. Too much. I never knew…I never considered…
From the bottom of the stairs, Pigeon pipes up.
“Fliss, I’m sorry I put you in a difficult position when I told you who I am. Thank you for keeping my secret. Thank you for giving me a chance. Thank you for seeing me, who I am, what I fight for, and accepting me. I love you.”
“Felicity, you’re a wonderful friend,” Ava says. “You are kind and supportive and always strive to see the good in everyone. I am grateful for all your generosity over the years. I love you.”
A beat. A scuffle like a nudge.
“Yeah, fine,” Nettle grumbles. “I like you too, I guess. You’re fine. You’re nice. Whatever.”
“Fliss—” Lark starts.
The magic fluctuates. Will leans his whole weight behind his hand.
“Not you,” Will snaps. “You don’t get a turn.”
“I would also like to speak up,” an older voice says.
It’s Creon from the apothecary. “Felicity is a delight. She always brightens my day. I never told her that chrysanthemums were my late wife’s favorite, but she knew.
She remembered. She notices details like that in people.
And even recently, she was the reason for an old friend of mine making contact.
Reed had nothing but compliments for Felicity.
This kingdom needs more people like her. I adore her.”
“I agree with that. She created a bouquet that made a world of difference to my son. He finally stopped playing sad songs on his lute and confessed to Drew next door because of her services. They’re so happy together, and I’m happy that my house is quiet again.”
“Back when I was captain, I took note of her mature and good-natured countenance. She’s grown up to be an incredibly thoughtful and hardworking individual.
Howell once said to me that if she weren’t so clumsy, she’d make an excellent guard.
He would be proud of you, Felicity. He would want your curse to be broken. ”
“If I may add, she treats my daughter Marceline with so much care. Marcie finds it hard to fit in at school, but seeing Felicity is the highlight of her week. I’m so relieved that my daughter has a great role model.”
“She…” The recognition of the voice forces a gasp out of me.
“Felicity was responsible for my son’s mourning flowers.
She went above and beyond, decorating the entire lower square in honor of Simon.
I…I miss my son every day, but thanks to her, I saw how loved he was.
How much he meant to people. Your flowers made me feel understood.
As I sat at that fountain day after day, lost in my grief, your flowers were there.
I wasn’t alone and I can never repay you for that. ”
Mum’s hand strokes soothing waves on my back as I cry and cry against the green barrier.
My throat is a raw knot. People I’m not even close to, people I’ve barely spoken to…
they’re choosing to risk themselves for me.
I made a difference. My flowers made a difference.
I’ve helped people and made them feel understood, accepted, worthy of love, worthy of time and kindness.
I never realized it was mutual. I never realized that I was worthy of such things. That anyone would step in and save me, reach down and pull me out of the water. That I’m not alone.
Will chuckles, his own cheeks stained with tears. “Well, they stole my thunder, didn’t they? Do I even have anything to add?”
I wipe my face on my sleeve, overwhelmed by kindness and an outpouring of love that I never believed I deserved.
“Of course I do,” he says. “You’re my world, Fliss.
You marched into my literal wards, at my most bored, my most useless, and changed my life.
I want to tell you every day how you fascinate me.
I want to listen to you talk about all the things you’re passionate about and watch you fall asleep in my arms. I want to get you that bigger greenhouse, teach you more spells, and come up with more nicknames for Jemmy. ”
I sniff a small laugh.
“I was willing to die for you, but instead, I’ll live for you.
I’ll live every day thinking of ways to make you smile and pull that cute frowny face.
It’s an easy truth to tell, my love. I’m yours.
I’ve wanted to tell you so many times. I love you.
I’m so in love with you, Fliss, I can’t believe I’ve been lucky enough to be with you.
If this doesn’t work and I end up taking the brunt of the spell, live.
Be happy and live free. Fliss…I love you. ”
Without allowing me a chance to reply, Will takes his hand off the floor.
A blast of green bursts from the runes. As sudden as chopping the head of a flower from its stem, there’s an almighty snap in my throat.
A dire crack of pain worse than a thousand swords.
And the curse binding me splinters.