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Chapter Six
Joslynn
Pedranus Suite
Draga Royal Palace
Planet Draga Terra
After everything she’d seen and heard the last few days she wasn’t surprised to see Adelina had yet another plan. What the purpose was of telling the commoners her true identity was beyond her, but it made Joslynn smile. She liked the new boldness in the sweetest princess.
It was so different from the shy young girl she’d been for so long. The Adelina who’d come to her family seat during the Royal Tour a little more than six months ago was like day to this new night. She’d blushed at every compliment; every glance and look from her guard, and honestly Joslynn hadn’t thought there was anything about Adelina that would allow them to become close friends.
When Joslynn had arrived on Draga Terra for the Choosing Ball and all the events that had originally been planned, she hadn’t expected to see a female so changed. At first she’d thought it had been the end of Adelina’s relationship with Alpha, but she knew it was Nadyah. The courtesan had coaxed the princess to bloom and shine.
The love they so clearly felt for each other had given the princess courage, and Joslynn loved Nadyah for that alone though the courtesan was a beautiful soul by herself.
Everything that had happened since she’d arrived had set them all in a vastly different direction than originally planned. Joslynn could never have predicted any of it. And what she regretted most of all was her ignorance. She’d read the texts on their genetic history, what it had done for them, but she’d been naïve and thought it nothing more than a fanciful tale – until she’d seen it firsthand.
She and Adelina had a long way to go before they could make it back to where they’d once been, but she was determined to fix her mistake. The rift between them was entirely her own fault, and Joslynn hated herself for it.
“Are you all right?” Sirus asked, frowning in concern.
Joslynn smiled at him through the mirror and tapped the bags under her eyes. With all the evacuation plans, the packing, and the knowledge that soon she’d be sending warriors to their deaths, it had made it difficult to sleep.
She’d been so tired lately, and it was no wonder with all the stress.
“I’m fine, love. A little makeup will make these disappear and no one will be the wiser.” The makeup box clicked over her face and Joslynn was pleased to see the flawless result. “What do you think of the vid from the thieves’ court?”
Sirus sighed and set the small plate of food on the vanity for her. “At least eat something.”
Joslynn picked at it, choosing the berries. None of it really looked appetizing though.
“The vid was a calculated move,” Sirus said. “It makes sense after everything she showed us. I still cannot believe you asked a princess to make your ring.”
He looked good in his white dress uniform, the gold and medals standing out and making him look fierce. Joslynn was so happy to have him back. She wasn’t looking forward to having to be apart again.
Her sad sigh brought Sirus to one knee. He took one hand and held it gently. “Tell me what’s wrong?”
Joslynn shook her head. “I’m not ready to leave you, for us to be apart again with no idea if the other is alive or not.”
Sirus pressed a kiss to her palm and slipped a box into it. “I know we ran out of time to say our vows before we both leave, we aren’t royalty after all, but I do want to swear an oath to you before we have to go our separate ways.”
Joslynn opened the box and saw the exquisite rings Adelina had made with Sirus’s note tucked in. She read her fiancé’s words and tears ran down her cheeks. Joslynn covered her mouth and tried not to get too worked up, but Sirus was so kind and tender and romantic. It was difficult not to throw her arms around him and weep with happiness.
“Joslynn,” Sirus said, taking the ring with the large diamond and slipping it onto her ring finger. “I swear my life and loyalty to you. Every day until the day I die I will strive to make you happier than the day before. My body will be your shield, and my heart yours to do with as you wish. Whatever you need from me, I will gladly give.”
The tears wouldn’t stop as she smiled and took his face in her hands. “I swear to you that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, to earn your trust and respect every day, and to make you fall in love with me over and over.” She kissed him softly then and felt something settle into place between them. Something strong and unbreakable.
Their oaths may not have been witnessed by anyone but the Three-Faced Goddess, if she happened to be looking, but the universe was aware and had bound their two souls together tightly. Joslynn felt the pull in her chest, the incredible awareness of him suddenly amplified.
“May the goddess witness,” they murmured together.
Joslynn pulled away and pecked him on the cheek. Then she wiped her face clean and straightened the folds of the dress she’d meant to wear to the coronation, but had to replace with a mourning gown. It was nice to be able to use it after all.
“You are my whole world, Sirus. Stay alive for me?” The words sounded cavalier as she stood, but only because she couldn’t afford to cry anymore. They had a royal wedding to attend after all.
“I will do my best, Lady.” Sirus stood as well and readjusted his jacket. “You are going to see Adelina before we find our seats?”
