Perhaps, this was what freedom would look like for Braxton and me.
“May your prayer be heard and granted,” Willow answered, coming closer to us as she realized the change in me.
“You have a beautiful family,” I offered them with a parting smile. They were the last of our people to approach me with their concerns.
“Thank you kindly,” Harold answered proudly, taking his daughter’s hand in his and turning to walk away.
As everyone began to disperse, Willow stopped at the center of the dais. “Before you return to your daily duties, I have an announcement to make,” her voice echoed through the garden, calling their attention back to us.
My gaze flitted to the space where my mate had stood several minutes ago, but he was no longer there.
“The day after tomorrow, we will host a royal jubilee in the royal arena outside the mountain,” she declared enthusiastically, and excited murmurs rose from the crowd. “We are overdue for a good time, and the princess has a wonderful surprise to share with you. One that we know will fill your hearts with joy and hope for the future. So, we would love for you to accompany us that morning for this celebration.”
Her bright smile brought warmth to my being. Despite of how complicated things might have been between them at some point, she loved Braxton for his true nature, and she was as happy as I was to have him with us. They had become great friends, which served as reassurance to me because they both were incredibly important and held a special place in my heart.
“As always, those of you who do not feel comfortable enough to leave the mountain are welcome to stay,” I added, walking to her side. “But our Sky Legion will be there to protect us from any danger, and we will remain close enough to return swiftly if needed. Willow has prepared an amazing event for you all to enjoy, as usual, so we would truly love for you to join us.”
Most clapped with delight at the prospect while others seemed hesitant and unsure, but it was understandable. It was important they knew they had the freedom to choose if they wanted to be part of it, so at least on that end, I was comforted.
“And don’t forget that next week we have the Queen’s Coronation!” Willow added just before everyone began to disperse, bringing out unanimous cheering from them.
Chuckling, I hooked my arm with hers and began to descend the dais as the crowd retreated back to their daily lives. “You are enjoying this way too much.”
“But of course I am. What else do I have in life but to create beautiful gowns for you, make sure all your needs are taken care of, and plan amazing celebrations whenever there is actually something to celebrate? Let me have my moment.”
She’d said it playfully, but her statement made my heart constrict. Halting our steps, I turned to face her, placing one hand on top of hers resting on my arm.
“Willow, you are not tied to me for life. I appreciate everything you do, all the times you have been there for me, and I hope that you remain in my life forever because I love you like a true sister, but you do not owe anything to me.” I paused, my gaze boring into hers with the significance of my statement. “You do not owe anything to me,” I repeated. “You are free to be with the man you love, pair for life, and have a family of your own. I want you to be happy.”
“The man I love? I have no idea what you are talking about,” she snickered, trying to distract me, but the yearning that captured her face said it all.
Glancing behind us to silently request some privacy from my guard, I watched them step farther away while I squeezed her hand tightly.
“Willow, I haven’t said anything because I have always respected your privacy, but my need for you to be happy and stop denying yourself supersedes all else at this moment.”
Pausing once more, I searched her eyes. She had never said anything to me, but Braxton was right. The instant one stopped focusing on what we were going through, it was easy to notice what those closest to us were enduring.
“I know you love Kingston. I know he is the man you want to have a family with and spend the rest of your life beside. He is an incredible man, and anyone can see there is nothing he wouldn’t do for you if you just asked. So why don’t you ask? Why won’t you tell him? You deserve someone noble, and he would make you happy. Give yourself that chance.”
Part of me expected her to deny it. To make it seem like I had no idea what I was talking about or make light of it with a silly joke. Instead, instant tears fell from her eyes, and I realized there was so much she’d been keeping inside all this time that it could barely be contained. The Elevated Warriors immediately fanned around us, blocking us from sight and giving her the same courtesy that they would give me.
My arms wrapped around her, and I held her close, feeling her body tense as she tried not to let the pain free. “I cannot tell him because he does not love me.”
“Oh, honey. How can you not see what we all see?” I asked, squeezing her. “He loves you more than anything. Being with you would probably be a dream come true for him. He just doesn’t know you want him too.”
“No.” She shook her head, pulling away to look at me. “Kingston cares for me, yes. Deeply. But he does not love me like I do him. How could he when he won’t even touch me.”
Confusion spread through me swiftly while I glanced back at her. “What?”
“He won’t touch me. He’s never even held my hand.” Her fingers wiped the tears from her cheeks while the pain that statement inspired cut through her expression.
“That can’t be true,” I whispered, baffled. “Of course he’s touched you. He’s helped you up the stairs a million times. You’ve even danced together. He—”
“It’s so subtle no one ever notices… except me. I notice. The most he’s ever done is offer me his arm to take. I’m the one who holds him when he helps me up, and I rest my hands on his shoulders if we dance. I’m the one to cradle his cheek or pat his arm. I always reach for Kingston, but he never reaches back. He will never reach for me, Evanna. He doesn’t love me like I love him.”
Taking the shawl draped around her shoulders, she carefully dried her cheek and took my arm again, resuming our walk while the confusion continued to grip my being. Harrison’s fallen expression met mine, showing the same puzzlement and ache I felt for her. Anyone who had eyes to see could tell Kingston loved her, but even as I searched through memories, I realized she was right. I couldn’t remember a single time when I’d seen my guardian actually touch her.
“You were thinking of Braxton when you were looking at Harold and Annika with the kids, weren’t you?” Willow suddenly asked, bringing my attention back to her.
“I was not!” I fervently denied it, seeing her playfulness return as she arched a knowing brow at me.
“Please, tiny hearts were flying from your eyes as you looked at their babe. You want chubby babes with Braxton, and don’t you dare tell me otherwise.”
My lips twitched, but I narrowed my eyes at her. “Stop it. We have too many things to worry about to even think—”
“Well, I’m not telling you to go have them right now!” She threw her arms in the air, and Harper and the others chuckled. “You can wait a few years, but you can’t lie to me.”