Page 75 of Destiny Redeemed
Lya,
Circumstances have changed. I must leave for the northern mines tonight instead of in two days. If you wish to see me before I depart, come to the palace immediately. However, I understand if you’re too exhausted from yesterday’s events. In that case, I’ll see you upon my return.
I’ll miss you.
-A
I stared at the words, my mind racing. Tonight? He was leaving tonight? The thought of Anderic heading to that hellish place so soon sent a chill through me that even the hot bathwater couldn’t dispel.
I set the letter aside, the relaxation from my bath evaporating like steam. A chill settled in my bones that had nothing to do with the cooling water. With a sigh, I hauled myself out of the tub, wrapping a soft towel around my body.
As I dried off and dressed, my mind raced with possibilities and worries. Anderic leaving for the northern mines tonight? It was too soon. I wasn’t ready. I didn’t even decide what I’d do. There was still so much I needed to do, so much I needed to tell him.
Laurel bustled about, helping me into my gown and arranging my hair. I barely noticed her ministrations, lost in thought.
We ate our meal in silence, the weight of my concerns hanging heavy in the air. Finally, Laurel broke the quiet.
“What’s troubling you now? Is it about Prince Anderic?”
I blinked, focusing on her concerned face. “Not exactly,” I hedged.
Laurel tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Have you finally decided to be with him, then?”
I paused, considering her words. “Well, yes. Everything seems to be heading in that direction.” Though he didn’t explicitly ask me.
“That’s wonderful news!” Laurel exclaimed, but her enthusiasm dimmed as she noticed my lack of excitement. “Isn’t it?”
I bit my lip, unsure how to proceed. Then an idea struck me. “Laurel, I recently read a novel with an… unusual plot. I’d like your opinion on it.”
“Oh? That… took a turn.” She leaned forward, intrigued.
“Yes. You see, the protagonist dies and is reborn in her past. She has knowledge of her previous life and wants to change things to prevent tragedy. But she’s not sure if she should tell the prin—her love interest—about her past life. Especially since she needs to tell him everything to help him.” I paused, watching Laurel’s reaction. “What do you think she should do?”
“A prince here too?” Laurel’s brow furrowed slightly, a hint of suspicion in her eyes. But she played along. “That sounds like an awful novel. No wonder I’ve never heard of it. I’m surprised it was published at all.”
I waved my hand impatiently. “That’s not the point. Focus on the question here.”
“Why?” Laurel asked, her eyes narrowing. “Doesn’t the book answer the question?”
“No, it’ll be revealed in the next book,” I lied smoothly. “Just tell me what you think.”
Laurel took a big bite of bread, chewing thoughtfully. “Well,” she said after swallowing, “a relationship should always be built on trust.” She paused, then continued, “But in this case, he’ll probably think she’s crazy if she did say that.”
“Exactly!” I exclaimed, feeling a surge of validation. “That’s why the protagonist shouldn’t say anything. But it might endanger the prince’s life and—” I broke off, slamming my face into my hands in frustration.
Laurel’s voice was gentle when she spoke again. “But I think she should tell him. If he loves her enough, he’ll accept hercraziness too. At worst, she might end up with a personal doctor accompanying her everywhere.” She giggled at her own joke.
I looked up from my hands, feeling utterly deflated. “You’re no help at all, Laurel,” I said dejectedly, digging into my food again.
Laurel’s giggles intensified. “Come on, it was funny!”
I couldn’t help but crack a small smile at her infectious laughter. But inside, my thoughts were still in turmoil. Tell Anderic the truth and risk him thinking I was insane? Or keep my secrets and potentially put him in danger?
As I pushed my food around my plate, I realized with a sinking feeling that I was running out of time to make a decision. Anderic was leaving tonight, and I had to choose—truth or lies, trust or protection.
The weight of my past life, of all I had experienced and lost, pressed down on me. How could I possibly explain it all? And yet, how could I let him walk into danger without knowing the full story?
I set down my fork, my appetite gone.
