Waiting for your fated mate isn’t easy. It takes patience, and some faeries end up holding out for hundreds of years. Others carry on as if they’re in charge of their own destiny. My brother is too arrogant to let anyone or anything decide his future, so he beds any female who so much as breathes his way.

I look out to the road leading into Hailene, but I don’t see a Night Realm caravan. There are a few travelers walking away from the castle, one of my father’s friends riding on a horse, and the regular soldiers stationed in their usual spots.

Nothing seems different, but my heart pounds, like it’s waking up for the first time in weeks.

Suddenly, the bright daylight from our two suns darkens as storm clouds roll in from the east.

When a lightning bolt shoots down and hits the fountain, I flinch from the bright flash. Zarid shouts a few striking obscenities, probably shocking the wits out of his date.

A happy squeal bursts from me.

My mate is coming to the rescue.

I know it’s Keryth; he has the ability to control the weather. We don’t get bad weather here. Occasional rain, yes. But black clouds? No way.

“Quick,” I say to Zephina. “Help me pack.”

After running to the bathroom, she tosses me a bar of my favorite soap and a clean pair of panties. The only bag I have is a small tan leather satchel, and I shove them inside. Then I grab some of the jewelry Keryth gave me, his letter, and the unfinished baby blanket. The yellow yarn takes up too much space, and I won’t have room for clothes.

Oh, well. I glance down at my pink dress. At least I’m wearing one of my best gowns.

I pick up my crown from my vanity and secure it on my head. Looking in the mirror, I admire the way the simple silver band looks against my light hair. It isn’t overly fancy, but I can’t leave it behind. It was a gift from my mother before she died.

The clouds outside are so thick now, it’s almost as dark as night. Thunder rumbles, and I can feel Keryth getting closer.

Knowing we don’t have much time, I grasp Zephina’s hands. “Come with me.”

She gives me an apologetic look. “I can’t leave Father.”

“He’ll marry you off to someone, too,” I warn. “Is that what you want?”

She hikes a shoulder, like that’s not a big deal. “I’m not getting any younger. I’d like to have children before my time runs out.”