“It does benefit me. Seeing you happy would make me happy.”
“No. That still doesn't count. There has to be something I can do that doesn't require money.”
“Just as long as I can help you, I don't care about repayment.”
“No. Therehasto be something. Even if it's something small.” She tilts her head to one side. “What's something you really want?”
A soulmate.
The promise that there's someone out there for me and that we will fall in love. It's the one thing I've wanted since I’ve understood its beauty. There will always be an ache, remindingme that the flower will never glow for me. I'll never forget that I'm missing out on one of life’s most beautiful gifts.
That's the one thing no one could get me… and one thing I very much wish I had…
“You have something in mind…” I snap my head to Clara as she smirks again. “What is it?”
Warmth spreads across my cheeks. “Well, it's not anything I'm supposed to achieve-"
"So youdowant something?"
"Well, I-"
"What do you want? To commit arson?"
"I-" I pause at her answer.
What did she just say?
I cackle along with her. “What makes you think I want to commit arson?"
"Yousaid it wasn't something you weresupposedto achieve." Her eyes twinkle with mischief, her sneaky grin only growing. "I thought maybe you had something dangerous on your mind."
I snort. “I’m not insane, you know?"
“Maybe I am.” She shrugs. “I'd burn a building for repayment.”
“And for what? Just to see it burn?”
She bites on her lip. “Sure. Why not?”
I shake my head. “Nope. It isn't arson.”
“Then what is it?”
I stare down my tapping foot. It's too late to hide that there's something in mind but it's a wish I shouldn’t share. It's not like she could get me that anyways. I shouldn't even be thinking about it. “I wish…” I think about my answer. “I wish to protect the kingdom from these attacks and help as many people as I can.” The image of being able to save the kingdom from dreamscreechers lifts my heart from the depthsof disappointment. It relieves my muscles of tension. If I can do that, much of my life will be fulfilling, even with the empty space of having no soulmate.
She frowns. “That’s a selfless want.”
“It is, but that's all I want.” I grin at her. “It's what I'm here for. Truly. If you could find a way for me to prevent another mall attack situation, or other ways for me to help people, I’d appreciate it.”
She scrunches her nose and glances away. “That's a tough task.”
“Again, I don't need repayment. You don't have to worry about it.” My phone vibrates in my pocket. I take it out and see my chauffeur texted me.
It's time to go home.
I look up at the time. It's nine thirty. Mother wanted me back home at ten.
I exchange goodbyes with Clara, confirming that everything is okay with her tonight and that we'll go out tomorrow to get things she needs. Then I head out the door, ready to go home for the night.
