Page 54 of Iris of the Crowned Flame

Ivy’s eyebrows raised at her brazen tone. I grimaced, similarly not impressed by it, but ignored it. “Lady Ivy, this is Mina. She arrived this morning and is here to help me.”

I watched Ivy’s face, hoping I didn't need to explain toomuch. She didn’t show any recognition of the name, unfortunately. “What a flimsy introduction. Princess, I thought you would have been better raised. I am not merely Mina; I am the Goddess of Peace and Order. Your Princess has awoken me, and I am here to help her fulfill the prophecy.”

Ivy’s eyes widened until I thought they might fall out. “I, uh, what? I’m sorry, I don’t know the etiquette for meeting a goddess. Can I get you something to eat? Drink? Do you even eat or drink?”

Her reaction gave me pause. Before Mother died, I’d have been just as awestruck. What had changed? Who am I to find her presence annoying?

Mina smirked, saying, “No thank you. I mean, tea is nice if you intend to serve it, anyway. While I’m on this land, I need to eat, same as any other person.” She turned to me and added, “You could learn a bit from this friend of yours.”

My face blushed. “I will take your wishes under advisement.” I didn’t hide my smirk from my reply.

Mina barked a laugh. “You’re feisty, an excellent trait for a future Queen. Be careful with that lip. Until you earn your respect with the other gods and goddesses, that type of attitude will get you into immense trouble.”

“Other gods and goddesses? How many will join us?” I paled at the thought of having to host the entire court.

Mina smiled. “Oh, my sweet child, you shall meet them all as your training progresses.”

I looked at Ivy, who looked just as shocked as I felt.

Amyra opened the door at that moment, arriving with Spencer. “Pardon my intrusion, here is Prince Spencer, as you requested. Shall I stay? I was unaware of this meeting.” She bowed her head, waiting for my instruction.

“Amyra, please come sit and stay.” Mina invited. Amyra straightened, closed the door, and chose a seat next to Spencer, who had sat next to me. “This little love triangle is quite intriguing. Tell me, Princess, why choose a husband when you clearly hold love for your girlfriend?”

I glanced to my left at both of them. Spencer sensed myhesitation and spoke for me. “Lyla must make some unfortunate choices to strengthen her claim to the throne. While she would love to declare her love for Amyra, her Council and other countries would question her judgment to shun the expectation to have a King and Queen ruling over Elthas.”

Mina raised her eyebrow. “So, if you could set the rules, what would you do?”

I didn’t want to hurt Spencer, but I also didn't want to lie. I panicked, trying to tell the truth without causing heartache. Eventually, I answered.

“Amyra would be my queen, if I had a real say in the situation.”

I avoided looking at Spencer. I didn’t want to know how that hit him. I wished I could see Amyra’s face, though.

“Interesting,” Mina replied. “And Amyra, what do you think of that?”

Amyra cleared her throat. “I have never considered this line of thought, because it’s too foolish to daydream that way. I’m happy with what Lyla can offer me, and only want what’s best for her, and for Elthas.”

Mina tsked. “Such a political answer. You would love it, wouldn’t you?”

I finally dared to look at Amyra, and found her staring at her lap, discomfort written all over her face. “Mina, what’s the point of this line of questioning?” I demanded.

“Are you not intrigued by her answer?” Mina returned.

“No, she doesn’t need to explain herself. As she said, this is fanciful, never going to happen. There’s no point in wishing for the impossible.”

Mina smiled. “Is it really impossible when you don’t know yet what you can change?”

My breath hitched. Could I reshape the world to allow our kind of love to be lived out loud?

Mina started nodding. “Now you’re really imagining it. Yes, you can change this. You could right now, but you would face a lot of resistance because your little priestesses have guarded thetruth about you too much, and no one knows what you are tasked to do. What you will become.”

“And what is it that I will become?”

“See? You saw the truth, you read it on that parchment, and you still don’t know. There’s so much to teach you and so little time left.”

“As you’ve said already. Tell me, is the time limit because of the God of Death?”

“God of Death?” Mina seemed surprised by that. I started to question everything.

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