Page 1091 of One More Kiss

Chapter9

Once inside thewalls of the castle, all I wanted to do was fall face-first onto a soft bed for a bit and rest. My emotions were running high, and it was all I could do to keep from lashing out in anger. As much as I attempted to push my fury aside, it continued to rear its ugly head.

I’d known telling Griselda I no longer wished to be a fairy godmother was going to be hellish, but I hadn’t expected to see half of Fairy and Wisteria up in arms. In my gut, I felt it was the workings of Griselda, but I had no proof. Sure, Wisteria knew my mother’s history, but the display in the courtyard had been over the top. Fairies stood alongside the township, some in shock, while others had given me accusatory glares.

I’d done enough over the years to more than prove myself as trustworthy, yet here I was beneath the dark cloud of my mother’s reputation. I was sick of it! I’d never deserved such ill-treatment, and I’d always taken it in stride. Not any longer. I was done.

“Tatiana.” Edan’s voice broke me from my anger-induced musings. “Your face is a bright shade of purple, and I can only assume that you’re stewing.”

I met his gaze, attempting to ramp down the absolute fury inside my soul. “You would be correct. Did you not see Princess Hadley and Griselda standing just inside the castle gates? They’re up to something. I can feel it.”

Edan cupped my cheek. “I have no doubt, but rest assured, you’re safe here.”

“I do not wish to be safe. I want to be free.” I curled my hands into fists. “I’m now beginning to wonder if what Mother did might have something to do with the guild and their backhanded ways.”

“It’s quite possible, but…” He trailed off.

“But?” My mouth dropped open when a terrible thought occurred to me. “Crap on pine, frickity-frack!” I cursed, realizing I no longer had a home, as I lived within the quarters provided to all fairy godmothers. “I…can’t even go to the guild and collect my things. I’m certain I’ve been locked out permanently.” I rubbed my forehead. “I have no home. I have—”

“Shh.” Edan pulled me close into his warm embrace. A girl could get used to those strong arms. My thoughts shifted again from worry to this. The air sizzled between us, as if the universe wrapped us in its eternal kiss. Finally, I found my breath again. “You have a home here at the castle. You’ll not want for anything.”

There was certainly one thing that I would always want: him. My fingertips tingled and traced along his arm, playing with the sleeve of his shirt.

“I…I…before the wedding? Wouldn’t that be improper? What will people say?” I rolled my eyes in mock-exasperation. “Who cares? They already speak of me as though I’m a gnat in need of squishing.” I leaned up on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Edan. For always being…for just being you.”

“I’ll always be here for you, Tatiana.” He clasped my hand in his and led me toward the winding double staircase. “Let’s get you settled. I’ll call for Farina to get your chambers in order.”

As we waited, he led me out to the balcony where the night serenaded us in its beauty. The sound of summer hummed along with the song of cicadas, as fireflies flickered, appearing as if stars had fallen to twirl before us.

Edan cleared his throat, and his voice grew serious. “Once upon a time, long ago, when I was but a whisper in my father’s mind”—Edan seemed far away, lost in thought—“the Kingdom of Wisteria had received an uninvited guest at a very prestigious ball. Father was only a prince, so far down the line that he hadn’t a chance to become King.

“An old haggard woman appeared with a walking stick, seeming lost. While the Court laughed at her, my father rushed to her side to provide her aid. It was not the idea of a blessing, but because she, as a being, had value. He always valued kindness, as if he could see their true nature with one glance. It was he who taught me the same.”

I leaned in, as the story he told seemed familiar.

“Father said there was something almost magical about the woman, which is not strange in this realm. She existed, she had value because of every breath she took. Father removed himself from his date’s grasp and rushed to help the woman, shielding her from the barbs, threats, and thrown food. Back then, the people were quick to believe in what some would call a mob mentality. Yet, he protected her from harm, regardless of what might happen to his own person.”

Edan stared out into the garden. “The old woman took his hand. He said her skin was as cold as death itself. She then slammed her walking stick down upon the ballroom floor, and an invisible force field surrounded them. That day, Father lost it all and gained the kingdom.”

“The Golden Ball Massacre?” He’d shared with me the children’s bedtime story version, and hadn’t mentioned the fiery battle in the ballroom, as those present withered and died horrible deaths.

“Yes. You see, the rules of the kingdom have always been clear: hubris requires us, as royals, to see the hearts of people and not their outward dressing. That is why Father has neither concern nor worry as to what may transpire, and neither must you. The goddess Inanna continues to protect and guide us, and she led me to you. In all difficulty, it is through her grace and mercy that allows love to take flight. She ensures that integrity courses through our veins, and love is our reward. All of this, as far as the eye can see, means nothing without love.”

Truth flowed between us. Ours was a meeting of hearts, minds, and souls. My bloodline didn’t matter, my mother’s nightmare existence didn’t reign supreme. Here I could fly, and even soar.

We remained standing on the balcony, while Edan pointed out the constellations in the clear night sky. “No one will hurt you, Tatiana. You are under our protection, and the goddess stands on our side.”

I relaxed into his embrace, allowing his words to go straight to my head. His lips found mine again, but this time, there was no hurry to detangle ourselves. A warmth filled my belly, and my breathing grew shallow. I had no idea where this might lead, but every part of my body hummed, wanting more.

My lips felt swollen, and his eyes were bright, heavy with what I recognized as desire.

After a while, we walked hand in hand up the stairs to the living quarters. I felt like I could finally breathe, especially with Edan at my side. I only needed to rest and get my thoughts in order now. Then, we could plan our forever, with a backup contingency just in case the guild did, in fact, have something sinister up their billowed sleeves.

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