The Raven and the Dove (The Raven and the Dove #1) - Kaitlyn Davis Page 0,73
in greeting. Cassi stepped back and glanced away, giving him the opening to race across the room and crush his sister in an embrace—one which Lyana reciprocated wholeheartedly. Her mother and father followed, along with a handful of servants carrying breakfast.
Lyana ate with her family one final time, happy that for once there was no lecture, just mutual understanding. What was done was done, and they should enjoy these moments they had left. She learned that Damien had selected the owl princess as his mate when his turn came, and that the rest of the matches had followed as expected. Though she hadn’t broken any rules, Lyana had been the only rebellious heir of the bunch. Her father had, of course, already forgiven her, despite the temporary strain her actions might have put on a few of his diplomatic relationships. But Lyana was stunned to find that when she cautiously met her mother’s knowing gaze, she found no anger or disapproval. Instead, pride glistened in her eyes, reminding Lyana of the stories around her parents’ courtship trials—of how her mother, bold and daring, had won her father’s favor. Maybe she understood, after all.
So, they ate, and talked, and embraced, and kissed, until the sun rose high and the time for goodbyes came. There was no telling when her family would be together again, or when Lyana would next step foot in the House of Peace now that she was heir to another throne. But she didn’t cry. Enough tears had been shed the night before, and over the wrong person. When a drop fell from Luka’s eye, she brushed it from his cheek, telling him not to worry, that she would be fine, that she had Cassi and a mate and a new life waiting, that she had everything she could ever want.
For a moment, she even believed it.
She wanted so badly to believe it.
Lyana watched her family go, remaining strong until the door closed behind them. Cassi was there to catch her as she stumbled, the weight of so many changes ready to crush her. But with her best friend by her side, the wave passed. Lyana stood tall. And when the ravens came to collect her, she went with her head held high, following her new flock as they took to the sky and began the long journey to her new home. She did, however, allow herself one look back at Sphaira, at the city of her youth, full of so many dreams, at the crystal palace and the surrounding buildings glimmering like a diamond brooch in the sun.
They stopped before the sky bridge, landing at the edge of the inner isle.
She didn’t look down toward the Sea of Mist.
She didn’t glance at the cave nestled somewhere in the cliff below her.
She didn’t pay attention to the red stain still on the rocks.
She looked ahead.
At the ravens as they walked across the bridge. At her mate when he turned around to find her, a glimmer of uncertainty flickering over his features as though he wasn’t sure she would follow. And at the man by his side, whose hooded eyes still managed to pierce.
When Cassi stepped to her side, Lyana took the hand she offered.
Together, they walked into the unknown.
31
Xander
“You should go talk to her,” Rafe whispered, jolting Xander from his reverie.
“Huh? What?” He shook his head and pulled his gaze from where it had been lingering—on the princess. They’d arrived at the outpost an hour ago, a small set of crystal buildings right on the edge of the House of Peace, a place for a little rest before the long flight home tomorrow.
As soon as they’d landed, his mate had walked right up to the spot where land gave way to air and plopped on the cold stone, staring out at empty space. Her friend had been by her side for a while but must have gotten cold. All the ravens had come inside to escape the chill, but the princess remained outside, as though the ice of her home lived in her veins and didn’t bother her in the slightest.
“You’ve been staring out the wall for ten minutes. Just go say hello,” Rafe prodded.
“I don’t think she wants to talk.”
“I don’t think she knows what she wants.”
Xander snorted, gaping at Rafe in amazement. “Oh, and you do? You know what a princess who’s been lied to, matched with a foreign prince, and practically tossed from her homeland wants? You know that?”