Page 79 of Façade

The trail of light twisted through the corridors as the monastery manipulated the sunshine tumbling through the stained glass windows to shine in a path of glowing footprints that were often difficult to discern, a challenge for the pilgrimage required before I reached my intended destination.

The exertion proved more strenuous due to my lack of energy, taken by the disappearing curse. The trail felt unusually long and random, frequently detouring through obscure rooms, as if the monastery was determined to test my dedication. But I pressed forward, motivated by a need I still didn’t quite understand.

Somethingmoreguided me beyond the enchantment of the monastery—a thread that extended from my heart to gently pull me forward, the same one I’d felt when I’d married Evie. The connection had only grown with every interaction and now felt impossible to ever sever. Surely the monastery would lead me to a solution where I wouldn’t have to.

The sunlit path eventually led to a courtyard that opened up into a garden of ivy-encrusted columns. As I neared, the soft sound of humming compelled me to slow, a familiar off-key sound that could only belong to Evie.

The thought that she was nearby urged me forward. Wasshewho the monastery had led me to? Though I remained uncertain what its pointed guidance could possibly mean, my rebellious heart lifted at the thought of seeing her again. I found myself smiling as I followed this gentle pull towards the courtyard, my thoughts already consumed with the opportunity to spend time with my wife. In this moment I didn’t care that each stolen moment acted as a step away from the course duty dictated, all that mattered washer.

I glimpsed the golden sunlight dancing across her soft brown hair and her lovely complexion. I hastily drew closer…only to still when I noticed she wasn’t alone, but standing with a man I didn’t recognize. I ducked behind a column and peered around to watch. The man stood in a protective stance beside where she sat on the bench, close enough that they only had to reach out to touch.

A hot and searing emotion overcame me, foreign yet all-consuming. The jealousy curled its influence around my limbs, compelling me to venture from my hiding place and intervene. Only my last fragile hold over my sense stilled my hand, my conscience’s reminder that the man had done nothing to warrant my anger. Love made me a fool, but it was a cost I’d gladly pay if I could keep her.

I took several deep, steadying breaths. With each one the logic I highly prized slowly returned, allowing me to better listen to my warring sense that Evie had every right to form whatever relationships she chose to…even that of a romantic nature, considering the circumstances. Such a relationship would actually be encouraging, as it’d allow her to move on even after I discarded her like I knew I must.

But envy was a difficult beast to tame, especially when the man drew closer to look at something over her shoulder and she made no motion to lean away. My jealousy returned in a rush and I tightened my jaw. She could find loveafterour separation, but for now she was currently married tome.

I stepped forward with full intentions to vent my swell of frustration with a well-placed punch in that man’s jaw…when Evie’s eyes suddenly widened and a flash of glittery light emerged from her hands. Shock rendered me frozen, leaving me staring as the light hovered in the air.

Magic. The truth filled my mind, whispers from the enchanted monastery confirming what I was witnessing. The magic I’d spent years yearning for was more wondrous than I could have ever imagined, the joy blossoming across Evie’s features at seeing it only making it more beautiful.

She gave a small gasp of surprise and pressed her hands together, as if trying to smother a flame. The magic didn’t go quietly and released several rebellious sparks before she succeeded in suppressing it. She fought for breath as she stared at where the magic had vanished before wrapping her arms around herself, as if to shield herself from the energy that even from a distance I could feel tingling through the air.

But she was beaming, her excitement infectious as she clasped her hands. “It felt stronger that time, Guard Silas.”

The accompanying man offered an encouraging smile. “You were able to forge the magic into a more concentrated form than before. Your powers are growing. Well done, Princess.”

My brow furrowed.Powers?Princess?Did he mean…had that magic come fromher?Despite what I’d witnessed confirming that very fact, my entire being ached to deny it. As a decoy my wife didn’t possess power of any sort, and yet…

Her discouraged sigh caused her previous joy to slip away. “While it’s becoming easier, my hold over my magic remains shaky; I still was only able to maintain control for a few minutes, and that was without distractions.”

“Control will come with more practice. Be patient.”

“Patience is not a luxury given my current circumstances. The stronger my magic becomes, the harder it is to hide.” Her lowered voice forced me to strain to hear from across the distance separating us. “I’ve already exposed them in front of Ryland, not just once but several times. The last time I was certain he suspected something amiss. I can’t afford to allow him to see them again.”

The man’s expression grew fierce. “Did he realize—”

“No, thank heavens. I’d hate to imagine what he’ll do should he discover I possess them.” Pain wrenched her voice even as hurt prickled my own heart for her doubt in me, despite it being justly deserved. For the truth of the matter remained that I was not a man worthy of her, despite my desperate yearnings.

The guard’s expression grew solemn. “He would steal them, even more than he already has.”

My mind whirled. What did he mean? I hadn’t stolen any of Evie’s powers…had I? No, it was impossible. I would have known if I had…wouldn’t I? The fact I didn’t know for certain unsettled me.

Evie looked at her hands. “This all still feels surreal. Am I really worthy of such power?”

As if attuned to her questions, the magic filling the air formed a glowing bulb of light, like a drop of sunshine from the sky. It gently floated down to rest atop Evie’s head in the form of the Estorian crown. Wonder lit her gaze even as her eyes widened in surprise as she took off the crown resting atop her head to stare at it.

The guard bowed. “The true princess of Estoria,” he murmured. “I’ve always seen it, but no more so than your parents. Now you must too.”

She didn’t answer, her shiny gaze locked on the crown until it vanished. “Did I create that?” Wonder filled her voice.

The guard nodded. “Because you’re finally beginning to believe in who you truly are.”

Her expression brightened even as my own heart sank. I ducked out of sight behind the column. Once I was assured I was adequately hidden, I slid down to the base and leaned my head back, where I struggled to process everything I’d just witnessed and what it all meant. Evie…was the real princess? But shecouldn’tbe. Father had told me she was an imposter, a truth she herself had confirmed. Was that all a lie? Anger and hurt raged within me like a tempest.

The revelation was almost as difficult to process as when I’d discovered she’d been a decoy. Part of me yearned for all of this to be a misunderstanding, even though deep down I knew all too well it unfortunately wasn’t anything of the sort…or perhaps I could consider it fortuitous? The conflicting parts of my heart, duty versus desire, made it impossible to decide.

Hurt and betrayal that she’d hidden her identity from me warred with understanding for her reasons…along with fierce relief that after days of longing for her to be the true princess I’d been granted my dearest wish. Hope flared so suddenly and so strongly I felt breathless. Evie was the true princess, which meant I could stay married to her just like I secretly wanted.

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