Page 104 of Soulmateless
Grandmother beams. “The guests will be expecting the flowers. People are coming from all over the world to be here. The couples will want to see them glow. It's what we’re known for.”
My shoulders slump. I was hoping to escape it for a night but I guess it's a childish wish. “I understand.”
“Aw, dove.” Mother murmurs beside me.
Grandmother pouts. “Oh little Valley Lily, it's upsetting, I know, but…” She sighs. “It's just part of being in our lineage. You make sacrifices to keep the people happy, even if it's against your favor.”
“I know.”
“I've had to do the same as you,” Grandmother reaches a hand to my cheek. “At least you don'thaveto create the flowers. I had to keep making them, even after the divorce.” She chuckles, as I return a weak one.
It doesn't make me feel any different.
“Come on, Valley Lily. This might cheer you up.” She takes me by the hand, guiding me up the grand stairs. We get to the balcony that overlooks the ballroom.
She lets me go and looks up to the painted ceiling. “Tomorrow night, Cosmo's wish will float as a glowing orb. I sense it will come at evening eight, so you will stand here when the ceiling will open for it. You will say your wish aloud with all of your heart. That's when your wish will be granted.” She looks down at me. “Then you could save the kingdom. You could save the world from what Cosmo had warned. Everyone will be so proud of you, as will I.”
I follow her gaze to the ceiling as if it were to open now. Only a night away and I'll have made my wish. I'll have done my duty towards my people.
But… would they take it as such when I wish to see the truth about dreamscreechers?
It was an idea I thought of a few days ago. It should work. It will.
Right?
I clench my teeth. Are all wishes guaranteed to be granted? Could Cosmo reject me?
I look at Grandmother. “Is there a chance that the wish won't work?”
Her bright smile slowly transforms into a frown. Her eyes shine over as if the very question was mournful. “The only time the wish hadn't worked was when someone wasn't pure of heart.”
I squint. “Pure of heart?”
“The point of the wish is that you help the people like Cosmo did when he made all the Gifts. We are a gift to human society, and the wish is made to signify that you understand this and carry on this legacy. If one makes a wish that is meant to harm the people… the wish will become corrupt.”
I glance down at the floor. My wish wouldn’t harm the people. It's meant to help our kingdom.
It will work.
“But that wouldn't happen to you, Valley Lily. Now would it?” She wraps an arm around my shoulder. “It'll go as well as your brother's that time ago. And your mother's. I have all of my faith in you.”
I nod despite knowing she’ll be upset when she hears my wish. Erasmus' and Mother's wishes aligned with her beliefs, as they all worked against Somnia. Mine, on the other hand, will come in their favor.
“And you know what's also exciting,” Mother says, skipping up the stairs with a giant grin. “This can be a great opportunity to see if that girl is the one!”
My eyes widen. Shit. I forgot that I told her that! “Oh well…” I titter at Grandmother. “It’s… it's a complicated situation…”
Grandmother raises a brow. “What girl?”
“Uh… that was an old incident…”
“It was only two weeks ago,” Mother chuckles, putting hands on her hips. “And let me tell you mother, he was smitten!”
My heart races, dreading the scolding that's to come. I scowl at Mother. “It's not that big of a deal!”
“Who is this girl?”
I stand up straight in front of Grandmother. “Clara.”
