Page 119 of A Veil of Gods and Kings

“Pip, listen—”

“No. You listen.” I slapped the parchment against my thigh. “You know, this is exactly what Temi meant.”

“Temi?”

“You act like you have no autonomy here, no ability to make choices, but you do. And you’re just going to choose to sit here and feel sorry for yourself and not do a damn thing about it. And I see why this is frustrating to watch. But I’m not doing that anymore.”

I snagged the door back open and slammed it behind me.

Half an hour later, I walked into the atrium until I came across Galeson. He lifted his eyes and smiled. “Hello, Pip.”

“Gale, there’s something I must tell you.” A fountain trickled, and a bird swooped down, landing in a shrub that shuddered.

He nodded. “Of course.”

A deep breath raised my shoulders. “I’m canceling my presentation for this year. I’m just not ready, yet.” His expression crumpled, but I continued speaking. “I intend to tell my father today, but I wanted to speak with you first. I’m sorry for wasting your time.”

He cocked his head to the side. “I had the impression you were, perhaps, like me.”

“Like you?”

His blue eyes twinkled. “Being pressured by family into something you weren’t sure you were prepared to take on yet.”

I swallowed. “Yes, that’s exactly it.”

“Perhaps you save both of us by giving us more time? I hope”—he hesitated, folding his hands together—“that when you take that step you might consider me?”

“Of course.” I shook my head. “Well, I should say, probably. I like you a lot, Gale. But I’m not ready to commit to anything more right now.”

His expression wavered, but then he offered his hand. “May I write to you?”

I tucked my fingers into his. “I’d like that.”

He gave my palm a squeeze and then bowed, walking out. I found a bench and dropped onto it, peeling open the letter.

Dear Pip, it started, I’m sorry for leaving you a note and nothing more. I apologize. I was wrong to speak to you the way I did. If it means anything, it’s only because I love you and wish to see the very best for you. But it wasn’t my place. I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me and that we can meet again as friends someday. All my love, Temi.

I sniffled, and tears plopped onto the page, darkening the paper.

43

Hyacinth

I scrubbed my hands over my face and stood. Enough crying. My bedroom sat in gray shadows, and I yanked the curtains back, allowing afternoon light to flood in. I blinked against the glaring of the sun.

I stepped over to my closet and selected a robe, shrugging it on. I didn’t even care what color it was. It somehow didn’t seem to matter anymore. In the mirror, my skin reflected sallow, my face still a touch swollen from tears.

If Apollo was there, he could smooth out my looks.

My teeth clenched at that thought.

Apollo was gone. I’d likely never see him again.

It had been stupid to get caught up in him like I did.

I’d been idiotic and immature to fall in love with him.

My heart ached over that word. It was true. I clamped my fingers around the edge of a chair and more tears slipped over my cheeks. I wiped them off with the back of my shoulder. No more crying. I’d given myself a few hours. But that was done now.