Page 87 of Cage of Destiny
“We love each other. Thatis all that matters. Everything will work out.”
“Love isn’t enough,” shesaid.
“Yes, it is. It’s all thatmatters. We will get through this.”
There was nothing to getthrough. Why didn’t he understand that? When he broke her heart inFren, that single action changed everything. It couldn’t be fixed,taken back, or forgotten. “I once thought as you do,” she said. “Ithought that love was all that mattered. And all I wanted was tomarry someone I loved.” She still did. But now, she would marry forlove, respect, friendship, and the betterment of her kingdom. Shewouldchoosetomarry someone who complemented her, someone who needed her as muchas she needed him. Her parents had so much more than just love, andthat was why they remained happy and content to thisday.
She breathed in the sweet smell ofjasmine growing on the side of the castle. An owl hooted in thedistance. There was such exquisite beauty and life aroundher.
“Marry me,” Odarwhispered.
She smiled, knowing that at the firstsign of trouble, he’d be off scheming. He would never include herin his plans because that wasn’t how it worked in Fren. Women wereweak and needed to be protected. If they married, it would never bea partnership. He would be the head of the marriage, and she wouldbe under him. While that might very well be fine for some, it wasnot okay with her by any means. She wanted—and deserved—an equalpartner. They would never be on equal footing.
“We will find a way, Ipromise. Just say yes. I need you to say yes. My life will beincomplete without you.”
“I said yes once. Then youtold me no. I’m sorry, but I won’t ever put myself in a situationlike that again.”
“So you’ll never marry forfear the man will break your heart?”
“You’re not the man forme.” It nearly killed her to say that. To cause him that pain,because she knew what it felt like.
He scooted closer, reaching out andtaking hold of her hands. “Don’t do this,” he begged.
She almost laughed. Almost. For he haddone this exact thing to her. She didn’t mean to hurt him aspayback. She had simply learned too much. “You were my first love,”she said. He shook his head as if begging her to stop. “I willalways love you. But I am not in love with you. And I do not thinkwe should marry.”
“Please,” he whispered. “Ilove you.”
“I’m sorry.” Perhaps if hehad been honest from the start, she would feel differently. Perhapsif he didn’t consistently take away her choices, she could respecthim. Perhaps if he hadn’t shattered her heart once, she could lovehim.
“Is it because ofKerdan?”
She’d learned Kerdan and Odar foughtone another until the soldiers had been neutralized and Darmikordered them to stop. Odar had a black eye and swollen knucklesfrom the fight. He’d stormed off, refusing to ever speak to Kerdanagain.
“Right now, we’rediscussing you and me.” Kerdan had taught her that there wasanother side to love. One with friendship and respect. Yet, shedidn’t want to throw that in Odar’s face. It wasn’t fair to comparethe two men. It wasn’t a choice between them. This was aboutAllyssa and doing what was best for her.
“Do you lovehim?”
“Does it matter?” shecountered.
“Yes.”
She knew he wanted someone to blamebesides himself. “Kerdan does not affect ourrelationship.”
“That’s all I needed toknow.” He released her hands. “Now what?”
“I suggest you return hometo Fren and do as your parents wish. Live your life.” The windblew, tossing her hair about her face.
“Without you.”
“Without me.”
“I hope you findhappiness.” He looked at her. Grief etched his features. “Youdeserve it.” He reached up, trailing a finger down her face as iftrying to memorize it.
“Thank you. I hope you findhappiness too.” It felt like a door was closing. Only this time,instead of it slamming in her face, she was gently shutting andlocking it. “Goodbye, Odar.” Her chest suddenly tightened as tearsthreatened. She turned and walked away from him, knowing she wouldprobably never see him again.
Images of Jarvik laughing, the two ofthem working together in Lakeside, and their first kiss all cameflooding back. Those were the memories she would hold onto. And shewould always remember him as Jarvik—not Odar. Taking a deep breath,she left the rooftop, ready to return home and start the rest ofher life.
Chapter Twenty-Three
