Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“Oh my gods, oh my gods, oh my gods,” Soila says. “I told you.”
“What? We’re grown and this isn’t about me. It’s about the princess. Thank you very much. I still think he’s coming back,” Dinesh says.
“Please tell me we’ll forget this day if he doesn’t return,” Soila groans.
“If I bathe, will you all go away?” I grumble as I turn over and sit up.
“Hey,” Dinesh complains as he lands on the bed, falling off my shoulder with my quick motion.
“Maybe you’re getting slow in your old age,” Bach teases.
“Screw you and that little tight-ass suit you’re wearing,” Dinesh tosses back.
“Everyone out.”
“But, princess, your hair is a tangled mess. You will need us,” Ms. Posh says.
I reach to touch my hair and pout. It is a mess. I could use my magic to fix it, but I don’t want to be alone. The look in Ms. Posh’s eyes says she knows as much.
“Goodbye, Dinesh. Thanks for checking on me, Bach,” I say.
“Soila,” Dinesh purrs. “Since our secret is out. How about a trip to our favorite closet?”
“Get out,” Soila hisses.
“It was worth the try.” I shake my head as Bach pushes Dinesh from the room.
Without the distraction, the ache in my chest returns. I look down into my lap and wonder what Argon is up to. I miss him and his voice. I wish he were here to make me laugh.
“This place was happier with him here,” Hiasha says.
“Yes, it was, but he will be back,” Ms. Posh says. “Come, child. Let’s get you cleaned up. You don’t want to be a mess when he comes for you.”
I look over to the rose on the table and another petal falls. There are only three left. I close my eyes against the sight of the petal turning to ash.
“I don’t know if he should bother at all.”
“He’ll be here. Don’t give up. It’s not like you,” Hiasha says.
“I agree,” Soila adds.
I blow out a breath and fall back onto the bed. I don’t know who I am anymore. All I know is I ache for someone I don’t think I’ll ever see again.
“I want bubbles,” I say like a spoiled brat.
“You got it, princess.”
* * *
Argon
I find it odd that no one remembers anything about the princess or the information I found about her and her kingdom. No one. Not even my father.
It’s as if she never existed at all. If I didn’t find the information for myself, I wouldn’t believe it either. I refuse to forget it now that I do know.
All I need is the thread that links Helenier to Blaise’s disappearance and the mismatch for my soul match. However, I’ve yet to find that link, and I have this feeling like I’m running out of time.
“King Arkyn, you’re in favor of this request?” Elder Samson asks with furrowed brows.
He’s the oldest elder and an old friend of my father’s. He’s the one my father trusts most. I hope that trust will lead us to answers.
“Yes, I support it,” my father replies. “I believe my son is on to something.”
“You want to challenge the oracles? This is… I don’t know what to say. I trust that you have good reason. It’s just… it’s never been done before.”
“It must be done and it has to be without warning. We can’t give time for more treachery,” I say firmly.
Samson looks between us. “My king, is it safe to say you believe Helenier has made a play for the throne?”
“Yes, it is. We all heard the murmurs at the ceremony. Everyone was shocked to hear Coralo’s name called. She isn’t my son’s match. I want to know what foul play is taking place here.”
“I see. And yes, I was very surprised to hear Coralo’s name called. I figured her mother’s strength may be within her after all, but foul play seems more likely.
“That would take great use of black magic, but Helenier would be the one to have enough power to wield such a thing and hide it. This is quite the development. Noel and Sefira were the only oracles who weren’t at the ceremony,” he muses.
“Exactly, Helenier pushed to have the ceremony in their absence. Why have it with the two most powerful oracles not in attendance?” I say.
“I questioned this as well. However, the others were in agreement with her.” Samson shakes his head. “I will call for Noel and Sefira. We will perform a new ceremony. It will be private; only a few we can trust as we need others as witnesses. We shall see what comes of this.”
“We shall do this immediately,” I say.
“It will be more difficult without the young ladies present, but if anyone can do it without them, it’s Sefira. Go, prepare. I will take care of everything else.”
“I will find you in a moment. I have more to speak with Samson about,” my father says.