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April 2 - April 3, 2025
“Three weeks ago, you came to understand Frost was none other than our own Olina. A fact I have known for much of her stay here.” He swallows thickly. “I could carry her in my arms all day, she is so slight. But this woman saved the lives of your wives and children. She did so at great risk. And as you saw, nearly paid for this with the ultimate price.”
He slaps my bottom again. “What was that one for?” I demand. I can hear the grin in his voice. “Because your very enticing ass is right next to my face and I can’t think straight.”
Blizzard pats me on the head. “That’s a good little girl.” I grit my teeth. “Minister of the people,” Avalanche rumbles, patting Blizzard on the head.
“You’ll be careful,” I ask. “If I’m not, will you kiss it better?” I twist to the edge and lean forward. “Probably not,” I throw over my shoulder.
He searches for Hamish. “Where did you find her?” His voice cracks and my mouth dries as a tear tracks down the side of his face. Losing me would destroy him. Just as losing him would destroy me.
OMG he cried. Jovaaaan 😭
“There’s something wrong with me. You’ll have to show me the error of my ways.”
Olandon sits beside me and passes me my robes. I take them with trembling hands and look at my brother. I really look. “Thank you, Landon,” I say. “For loving me enough to risk death. Thank you for treating the Bruma well. For everything.” He dips his head in acknowledgement, but I catch the glisten of his eyes before he turns toward Osolis. “What will it be like, do you think?” he asks. My voice is hollow. “No idea.” He whispers. “You were born for this, Lina. Don’t ever doubt that. This is your destiny. You will be the greatest Tatum ever to live.”
I don’t chase after him. I don’t know what stops me from calling out to him. And I don’t ask him why he looks so sad. Because I know. We are the biggest impossibility of all.
A burning lump rises in my throat and though I can’t force it back, I do not let it rise to a sob. And the reason is simple: my people are not crying, and they are starving. I have not earned the right to cry on their behalf.
She has so much compassion for the people of Osolis. People who may not even accept her as Tatum because of her mixed origins. But does that stop her? Not at all. She's a much better person than me.
The king of Glacium holds out his hand. I meet his eyes and am consumed with the pride, the respect, and the intensity of his love for me. He has helped me become who I am, though he doesn’t see it. Loving him has led to this moment and given me strength.
“Do not ask me to do that. I have seen enough. I cannot watch how happy this world makes you. And how I have no place in it.”
Oh Jovan 💔
Malir’s body is on the first raft. Hundreds will follow him, but he is at the front, in the position he held in our hearts, and in the hearts of the army he commanded. Eight hundred of them still live.
The part that made me cry the hardest. Like someone I loved died. That first sentence just hit me so hard. I have to take a break to recover.
I cannot live without you, Lina. I cannot rule without you by my side. I have arranged it all. Ashawn will take my position as soon as you agree to let me stay here.”
“Because you cannot be without me, and cannot live without me by your side. Because you are no good without me, as I am no good without you.”
“I kneel before you to ask if you can share my love, and be my partner in this life. I will walk with you anywhere, because I know a life without you has no meaning.”
