“But… How? How could you accept something so massive, so life changing, in an instant?” Her voice cracks just slightly, and I know this is hard for her. This is the same female who has shuttered herself away from the world, away from any companionship beyond the best friend who has now betrayed her. She practices her magic in the most isolated part of the entire Four Kingdoms so that there is no chance of her losing control. She plans down to the most insignificant detail. Of course she’s struggling to accept this. I’ll do whatever it takes to show her she can trust me, that I’m a safe place for her. I take my hand from hers to wrap my arms around her middle, snuggling her against me where we sit on the couch.

“Because it wasn’t in an instant. I’ve felt that bond since the moment I met you, even without knowing what it was. I’ve watched you, gotten to know you, seen your love for your people and your desire to be a good ruler.” I squeeze her tightly. “When I said you were the answer to a question I’ve asked my entire life, I meant it. Something about you feels right. Realizing what you were to me was simply a moment of clarity in what has been an aethers-confusing several months.” She laughs, bringing a lightness to my body instantly, but it doesn’t last. She stands, walking away from me to stare out the window.