Page 107 of Soulmateless
“Now Amias. I want you to show me that you'll always protect our kingdom. Make that wish for your kingdom. For your family.” She puts her hands on both of my cheeks, making me look straight into dark blue eyes. A small tear falls from one. “Everyone would be free from those monsters and no one else would have to suffer anymore.”
She pulls me in for an embrace, stroking my head like a child once again. My gaze drags to the floor. What would she do when I go against her? Would she ever understand? “Out of curiosity,” I whisper, pulling away from her. “What if I don't? Would you cleanse me?”
Grandmother smiles softly. “I wouldn't cleanse you without your permission. I've made that promise. It's only for Amarians that need it.” She disappointedly bows her head. “But everyone would continue to suffer. They would be disappointed. It would be like seeing Lydia all over again.”
I give her a curt nod though it hurts to do so; to pretend like I'm okay with this. It would be so much easier to stick to my original plan and go back to being ignorant of the truth. Just tobe like anyone else in this kingdom and fit in the mold sounds like a dream.
What if I just…
I imagine myself going along with the original wish. It would be considered a redemption for many. The rumors about me and dreamscreechers would die. My people would celebrate me. I can hear their chants. I can feel Grandmother's proud embrace, as well as my entire family's. The attacks would stop and I could carry on, finally accepted by the kingdom.
My gaze shifts to the Tenebris flowers, glaring back at me like a lethal reminder of what I was going to do.
My heart throbs. I can't. It's not right. That dreamscreecher that saved my life… they would suffer too. Even if not poisoned, their supposed loved ones would suffer too. I couldn't forgive myself if I betrayed them now.
But how would Grandmother react to that?
“I understand, Grandmother.” I whisper.
“Good,” Grandmother nods. “On another note, you should invite Clara to your birthday party. Bring her to the family.”
“Oh well she…” I shake my head, finding it hard to move on from the dreamscreecher subject. “She's been too nervous to meet you guys.”
“I insist,” she giggles. “ If it has any chance of working out…surely she will want to come.”
“ Well…” I slowly start but I suppress an answer. I guess if she won't meet my family, that's my answer to if it will work out.
“I mean, do you know if she feels the same?” Grandmother perks a brow. “You know I don't want you chasing after women who don't feel the same.”
“I know. She won't end up like Grandfather.”
She sharply inhales. “Just… be careful. I wouldn't want your ambition for love to get in the way.”
“I know.”
“Well if she does come…” Grandmother glances around. “Let me know. I want to meet her.”
A smile slowly forms upon my lips. She could be the right one, if she's able to overcome meeting my family. Maybe then we could be together and live as soulmates would. I would have everything I wanted if she came and the wish works.
We’ll just have to wait and see.
Chapter 37
Ignatia
“I want my hair down like yours,” Sabina whines as I brush her blonde hair up into a neat bun. “It looks prettier.”
I'm getting Sabina ready for the birthday party, in a dimly lit room in front of a cream framed vanity mirror. Sabina has on a pink dress with roses patterned on it and a silver necklace. I figured she'd look nice with a bun.
I look into the mirror with her. “My hair is an absolute mess.” I tuck my hair behind my ear.
“I think you look pretty,” she says excitedly, bouncing her legs on the swivel chair.
The unexpected compliment earns a smile. Nobody has said that before, and considering how honest Sabina can be, it's especially sweet to hear. “Thank you.”
“So can I have my hair down?” she asks once again, turning up to look at me with a pout.
I raise a brow. “You sure?”
