Chapter 43

Ava sat there, board stiff, because she was afraid if she slumped her breasts would pop out the top of this dress. Today was the weirdest thing she’d ever had. A test that wasn’t a test but a bunch of animals coming to check her out. The buzz moving through her, she was actually getting used to, but she hoped when she went home it was gone because it was distracting. That and she felt like she should be touching every plant and thing she saw here.

She turned to look at Firo, he was focused on what the Elders were saying. She didn’t understand what most of what they were talking about meant but shifted in the chair so she could try again.

Amyas was nodding to something Florin said. “Yes. Geminis split. I understand that part, but what does it mean, Florin?”

Florin sat back in the chair and looked at her hands. “It was so long ago.” She looked up at the princess. “Some of it has faded from my memory. Let me see—” She closed her eyes and then started talking quietly. “The firstborn under the time of Gemini—split one from the other. One was of light and one of dark. All those that follow, born of that time, would have a part to play.” She shook her head and opened her eyes. “I do not remember the rest.”

“You said something about the circle of stones yesterday, Florin.” Diora smiled at her. “What was that part?”

“Yes.” Florin nodded slowly. “Izel wanted to ensure those involved would know when it was time—” She looked at Aireese and nodded. “When all needed were found. They need to go to the circle of stones, and it will light up brighter than the sun on a clear day, Izel said. Then it is time.” She nodded.

Aireese exchanged a look with Firo and then gave Florin a friendly smile. “Thank you, Florin.”

Florin nodded. “I played my part. Satine did so much more with the soul that would live on, she said it was a very tricky thing.” She smiled. “From each realm, there were two to four that did what they had to do. Some suffered for their role, the others succeeded in their charade.” She blinked and looked at Amyas. “What did I say?”

Amyas reached over and patted her hand. “You said enough, my dear.”

“Oh, good.” Florin stood up. “I’d like to go home now and rest.”

Amyas nodded and waved her hand at one of the large men standing off to the side. “Tarak, see that Florin gets home.”

The man nodded and then walked around the small group and held his hand out to Florin. She smiled at him and placed her hand in his. Everyone watched them walk away.

“We’re going to have to call a meeting at the circle of stones and inform each realm.” Aireese looked at Firo. He nodded. She turned back to Amyas and smiled. “Thank you so much for your help.”

Amyas scoffed. “It’s good to feel useful from time to time.” Her eyes narrowed. “Your mother needs to be informed and—” She looked right at Ava. “She needs to read that letter, young Avalie.”

Ava nodded and, with just her eyes, looked at Aireese. Her expression was filled with worry.

“Good.” Amyas nodded and stood up. “Good. We are done for today.” She motioned to the other two elders that they could go before turning back to Ava. “You are welcome in Cenyerly Valley any time you wish. You are protected here, but I would not wander Fa Terra freely. Without our protection, I fear it would not go well.” She smiled. “It has been a long time since I have felt such raw and pure magic as I feel from you.” She leaned a little closer. “Use it well.”

Ava stood up. “I will.” She had no idea what she was agreeing to, but if it got her closer to getting out of this dress, she may have agreed to anything.

She turned to see Firo talking to Aireese. The princess turned and looked at her and then nodded before glancing at him.

Firo bowed his head and came toward her. “We are free to go now.”

Ava sighed. “That’s the best thing I’ve heard yet.”

“My princess asks if she may borrow the letter to show her mother, the queen.”

Ava looked to see Aireese watching her. “I want it back.”

“Of course.” Firo reached into his pocket and went back over to Aireese. He handed her the letter and said something quietly to her. The princess nodded and then turned and started walking back the way they’d come. Mystral and her guard followed.

Ava glanced to see no one was watching her now, so she hiked up the material and started walking.

Firo came over to her. “Once we leave the valley, we can use magic to get to our dinner, or we can walk. It is your choice.”

He was being extra stiff, she thought. “I don’t know.” She stopped and looked at a large blue flower. “I feel like I need to touch everything I look at.” She turned back to look up at him. “Why is that happening?”

He smiled. “The magic has accepted you.” He looked all around them. “Over time, you get used to it.”

Ava huffed out a breath. “I don’t know if I want to get used to something like that. It’s weird.” She started walking again. “We can walk for a bit. I don’t think I’ve ever seen plants so bright. She looked up at the sky. “Even though it’s starting to get dark.”

“Again, the magic. Everything in Fa Terra is filled with magic.” He walked beside her with his hands held behind his back.

“Can I ask a favor?” She stepped around a glowing insect on the ground.

“Anything.” He whispered.

She smiled at him. “Can I borrow a shirt or something when we get there?” She cringed. “I want out of this thing.”

His grin was wide. “Yes. We will find you something to wear.”

Ava sighed in relief. “Thanks.”