Chapter Eighty-Seven

Ellie stood in front of the full-length mirror, still unable to believe she was looking at herself. Xyla had done an amazing job of prepping her for the ceremony – Ellie truly felt like a princess. Her hair cascaded down her bare shoulders in soft, gentle waves. A sparkling silver tiara was braided into her hair, resting securely on her head. She wore a shimmering, dusky purple ballgown that accentuated her torso before flaring open like a blooming flower around her legs.

The bodice was decorated in intricate silver vines that seemed to glow whenever a shadow was cast upon them. The neckline plunged into her cleavage, but not so much that she felt indecent wearing it. Loose sleeves hung from the middle of her upper arms carrying a soft veil behind her.

*It looks like I have wings*, she thought happily.

Indeed, when she spread her arms wide, the veil widened until it was like a cloak, showing a dazzling set of ‘wings’ that almost perfectly matched Avery’s. Sunlight bounced off the wings the same way it did on his, reflecting rainbows onto her surroundings. When she lowered her arms, the veil was barely perceptible, at least to her eyes.

“His Highness had this made for you while you were on your visit to the Pale Seas,” Xyla whispered happily. “He wanted to present it to you as soon as you returned, but…” She trailed off, and Ellie felt a pang of sadness. Xyla cleared her throat and continued, “It’s not as grand as the dress he’s having made for your Uniting Ceremony, but it’s beautiful nonetheless. Don’t you agree, my lady?”

“I can’t imagine what the other dress looks like if you think this isn’t that grand,” Ellie laughed. She twirled slowly, watching the way the skirt of the dress moved around her. “I can’t wait for him to see me in this.”

“Ah, but it’ll be a shame to have the dress ruined so quickly, don’t you think?” Xyla asked with a suggestive smirk. Ellie flushed, turning a deep shade of pink.

“Xyla! You’re supposed to be the proper one among us!” Xyla laughed and placed her hands on Ellie’s shoulders.

“What can I say? Being around you and Elvin has desensitized me.” She tucked a stray strand of Ellie’s hair back into place and smiled at their reflections. “I’m glad you came to our realm.” Ellie smiled back at Xyla, suddenly emotional.

“I’m glad I came, too. Even if the circumstances were not ideal.” Xyla clicked her tongue and stepped away from Ellie.

“Now, now. Let’s not let the Master ruin this lovely day. What would his highness think if he heard you going on about that lunatic?”

A knock at the door stopped Ellie from replying.

Avery didn’t wait for a response from Ellie before hurrying into the room and closing the door behind him.

“Oh, Avery! I wasn’t expecting to see you until –” Her words got caught in her throat. Though Avery was dressed, his hair was disheveled and his eyes were red and puffy. “What’s wrong?” she asked worriedly.

Avery didn’t say anything. He stood there, staring at her for a moment before striding up to her and pulling her to his chest. Ellie held him tightly, feeling a sudden pain in her heart. She didn’t know what had happened, but she knew it couldn’t be good. She didn’t try to question him again and instead let him lean into her, gathering whatever strength he needed from her.

Xyla moved to silently exit the room, but Avery shook his head.

“Stay, Xyla. You need to hear this as well.” He pulled away from Ellie and led her to the bed. They both sat facing each other while Xyla cautiously moved closer to them.

“Majesty,” Xyla began uncertainly. “What’s happened?”

Avery took Ellie’s hands in his and stared at her for a moment before giving them a soft squeeze. She returned to the squeeze and watched anxiously as he looked at Xyla.

“Melinoe has fallen into a coma… And she is dying.”

Xyla gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.

“No! It cannot be! Not Melinoe!” She stumbled back, catching herself on the wall behind her. Avery nodded solemnly and turned back to Ellie.

“How? What happened that caused her to fall into a coma?” she asked slowly. Avery smiled ruefully before answering.

“We believe it’s just her time. The Moon Goddess is calling her home.” Ellie shook her head, confused.

“I don’t understand. Melinoe is so healthy and full of life. Why would she be called home now?”

“It’s time, isn’t it?” Xyla whispered shakily from the wall. “A new Speaker is soon to be born.” Avery nodded his head, confirming her words.

“That’s what we’ve been told.”

“Told? Who told you?” Ellie asked. Her mind was reeling. There was still so much about this place that she didn’t know.

“I –” Avery paused for a moment, seemingly struggling to find the words to say, “I’m not sure now is the best time to disclose that. Just know that we have someone who knows.”

“That’s not at all confusing or cryptic,” Ellie said dryly.

“I’m sorry. I promise to tell you everything later.” Avery squeezed her hands reassuringly, and Ellie sighed.

“Alright. But as soon as the opening ceremony is over, we’re talking.”

“Absolutely,” Avery agreed. “Let’s just get through that first.”

“Please, excuse me. I just… I need to get myself together,” Xyla said tearfully. Avery nodded his approval and waited until the door clicked shut behind Xyla before sighing heavily. He leaned forward and placed his head on Ellie’s bare shoulder.

“I don’t know if I can do any of this without her,” he confessed quietly.

“Shh.” Ellie wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and pulled him closer. “We’ll get through this together, Avery,” she whispered. “One step at a time, love. We’ll make it through.” She kissed his cheek and ran her fingers along his back soothingly.

Ellie released him and climbed further onto the bed, pressing her back against the headboard. She opened her arms and let him crawl to her until his head rested on her lap, wrapping his arms around her waist like she was a pillow. Ellie pushed his hair out of his face and began tracing invisible lines on his skin.

Avery closed his eyes and allowed himself to be babied. It had been so long since anyone could make him feel safe and secure – he was the one people normally turned to in times of need. It was nice to be able to rely on someone instead of them relying on him.

The day seemed to pass quickly, and before either of them knew it, it was time for the ceremony. Xyla entered quietly, her eyes red and puffy. She cleared her throat and sniffled before speaking.

“It’s time. If you’ll allow me, I’ll fix your hair before you join your family, majesty.”

Ellie removed his arms from her waist and gently urged him to get out of bed.

Avery grabbed her hand as he stood and helped her to her feet. He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed it softly, delicately. Ellie offered him a small smile and nodded her head. She knew what he wanted to say – but he knew he didn’t need to say it out loud.

Avery allowed Xyla to comb his hair back and put it in a simple ponytail behind his back. He scooped Ellie into his arms, steeled his shoulders, and willed his wings. The trio stood in stony silence for a moment before Avery took a deep breath and began the descent to the courtyard below. Xyla closed the door behind them and followed them, unaware of the figure watching them from the other end of the hall.