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More and more soldiers filed into the city, heading for the barracks on the east side of the palace. Sion hung back, letting the leaders talk. After being away for so long, he wasn't sure of his place anymore. No longer a spy, but not quite a member of Grayden's family.

Selenia stayed by his side, and he was grateful for her presence. Somehow, she grounded him, made him feel less alone. Together, they watched as the final wave of soldiers, this group from the Twilight Kingdom, shuffled past. Selenia let out an excited sigh as they marched by.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Queen Kalora brought Julietta. I was hoping to see her again. She's been a good friend to me.” She gestured towards a blonde-haired girl wearing a bright orange dress.

“I'm glad you have someone your age to talk with.”

She scowled. “Age doesn't matter, Sion.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

Sunlight streamed through the open window of Selenia's borrowed room, accompanied by the melodious chirping of birds. The opulent space boasted gold trim and velvet furnishings, with dark mahogany woodwork adorning everything from the four-poster bed to the wardrobe cabinet. Julietta rummaged through Selenia's trunk, her curiosity heightened.

“What's this large package?” Julietta asked, pulling out a wrapped parcel.

“I completely forgot about that!” Selenia exclaimed, taking the package. She unwrapped a corner, revealing the gown to her friend. “I got it at the market in the city. It's for Renya—a wedding dress.”

Julietta's eyes widened. “Selenia, that's so thoughtful! It's gorgeous,” she said wistfully, carefully inspecting the fabric.

“I'll give it to her tonight. She and Grayden decided to put off the wedding until after the battle. With everything that happened back at the lodge, it slipped my mind.”

“This is the second time you've alluded to something big happening at your home. You can trust me, Selenia.”

“I know. It's just...unbelievable.” Selenia now understood Grayden and Renya's experience. Fated mates were rare, and hers was particularly unorthodox.

“Well, I suppose the story actually begins in the forest near your castle...”

Julietta listened, wide-eyed, as Selenia recounted her encounters with the Murcurial.

“What did she do, Selenia? To make you forget Jurel?”

Selenia gazed out the window, watching the chiffon curtains flutter in the breeze. “I haven't forgotten, exactly. But it's less painful...”

“What happened?”

“She...she unlocked my fated bond.”

“What?” Julietta's voice pitched higher than Selenia had ever heard it.

“Yes...I'm—I'm fated to Sion.”

“Sion? That handsome man you were riding with?”

Jealousy coiled in Selenia's stomach, and she breathed deeply to calm her involuntary reaction to Julietta's comments about her mate.

“Yes. It's awkward because it's only one-sided. Whatever that witch did, it was only on my end. He doesn't feel the bond like I do.”

“Selenia, that must be so difficult, to love someone who doesn't love you.”

Selenia bit her lip. Did she love Sion? She certainly felt attracted to him, wanted him, cared for him...was this love? And did he love her? She knew he desired her, and there were those tender moments when they traveled together...

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Selenia rose and opened it.

“Renya! I thought you'd be busy preparing.”

Renya entered, smiling at Julietta. “It's so nice to see you again, Julietta.” She turned back to Selenia. “No, I don't think there's much left to do at this point. Sion and Grayden are forcing Brandle to summon Cressida as we speak. I just wanted to check on you and see how you're doing.” She gave Selenia a pointed look.