Things That Should Stay Buried - Casey L. Bond Page 0,130

as if he were picturing exactly that, and I cursed myself for planting the idea. “See you then,” he said before disappearing.

I knew where he was headed next.

33

I was admiring my new balcony and making sure it was sturdy and wouldn’t fall off when Aquarius appeared in the center of it, scaring the crap out of me. “What are you doing here?”

He grinned. “I came to visit and see how you were settling in.”

“I built this balcony,” I said proudly. “I commandeered this castle because it’s awesome and I would have built one just like it, but the balcony is all mine.”

He whistled, making a big deal about the stonework. “It’s very nice.”

“I’m sure you’d prefer a solid gold one,” I teased.

“Actually, yes, but that’s the perfect segue for the reason I’m here. I’d like to invite you, Kes, and your parents to join me for dinner in my territory tomorrow at sundown.”

My mouth popped open. Will Aries be there?

“Yes,” he answered. “I can see it on your face. You miss him as much as he misses you. Both of you are miserable apart. Together, though…”

My face heated.

“I’m truly glad you’ve found each other, Larken.”

“Thank you.”

“And I want you to know how much I respect you for what you did. You fought ferociously for the ones you love, and you earned every feather in your beautiful wings.”

I inclined my head, the knot in my throat burning. I would have to re-start my countdown again…

“So, you’ll come? Bring the family?”

I nodded as a tear fell.

He smiled. “I’ll see you then.”

He faded away, leaving me alone on the balcony. If he’d beaten his fist on his chest, I would have crumbled.

Kes was on my brand-new balcony when I woke up. I’d rearranged the suite completely so the bigger room that used to be the bedroom was now my library, and the smaller room with my new favorite balcony was my bedroom. Hands behind his head, he relaxed in one of the two plastic Adirondack chairs that graced the space.

“Did you steal these from Aries?”

“I certainly did not!” he replied indignantly. “I thought the two of you might enjoy them when you visit his castle. I stole them from Lowe’s.”

“Lovely,” I deadpanned. “Oh, so, Aquarius invited our family to dinner tonight. Aries will be there, too.”

“I had no doubt,” he teased.

The wind rippled my t-shirt. I had no idea what to wear now that I had wings, so I’d taken scissors and flayed a shirt and then knotted it around the base of each wing. I wasn’t sure t-shirts and yoga pants were appropriate in Aquarius’s court, though.

He stood and slung an arm around my shoulders. “Happy birthday.”

My stomach plummeted. “It is, isn’t it?”

I was eighteen going on infinity. Most people said they didn’t feel different with each passing year, but I couldn’t say that with this birthday. I definitely felt different than I had at seventeen.

“Do you want me to see if Helena can help you and Mom later? I can handle shopping for me and Dad.”

I grinned. “That would be great. If she’s not busy, of course.”

Helena brought her huge leather purse and her cart of fabrics and gowns, all in different shades of gold to honor our dinner host. “Do you want a knotted dress?” she whispered as Mom gasped at every garment.

“Do I want my mother to have a heart attack?” I asked.

“Got it. Not bold… demure.”

“Demure,” I agreed. “Aries will be there.”

Her eyes lit up. “So I’ve heard. He’s excited to see you.”

Butterflies took flight in my stomach. I was excited to see him, too, and looked forward to a relaxing and hopefully fun evening with him and our golden friend.

“Let me get your mom ready first,” she said, spinning to hug Mom’s neck and telling her how glad she was to finally meet her. Mom glowed from Helena’s sweet words. She glowed even more when Helena picked out a dark gold gown that absolutely glittered when the sun hit it.

“This is beautiful, but I’m not sure it would fit.”

Helena nodded. “It fits, I promise. Just try it on.”

I motioned toward the library and she ducked inside, an excited squeal escaping her throat.

“She’s great,” Helena whispered.

“I know.”

Mom opened the door and her smile said more than words could.

“Wow!” I exclaimed, walking toward her. “You look amazing, Mom!”

“Thank you,” she said, raking a hand over her stomach. “I feel amazing in it.”

Helena lightly powdered her face, adding a dusting of rose-colored blush and some gold highlighter here and