Tale of the Heart Queen (Artefacts of Ouranos #4)

Chapter 45

C HAPTER 45

“ W hat?” Amya asks. “Willow?”

My sister shakes her head and rubs her chest again. “I feel something. I think . . .”

The Aurora Prince and Princess then take note of our surroundings. It’s impossible to miss the thick carpets of flowers and vines climbing over every surface.

“What happened?” Nadir asks.

“We were standing here, hugging,” I say, “and they started growing.”

“And then one of the vines showed me I have magic.”

“You felt it,” I say. “When we came in here.”

The corner of her mouth ticks up in an uncertain smile. “I didn’t know that’ s what I was feeling.”

“Willow! You have magic?” Amya says, running over and throwing her arms around my sister. They kiss and then hug for several long seconds.

“I think so,” Willow says, looking to me and Tristan.

“Try it,” Amya says. “Just concentrate on that feeling in your chest.”

Willow holds out a hand. “Back up,” she says, and we all give her some space.

A moment later, magic springs from her fingertips in crimson whorls, but it isn’t lightning like mine. It’s light and airy and twirls around the space, forming into . . . roses. They float across the room, tumbling down like rain. She pulls her hand back and clutches it to her chest before she looks at me.

“Lor,” she whispers, and I stumble towards her, throwing my arms around her.

“I’m so proud of you,” I say, and we hug before we pull apart. “I confess the Alluvion Coral said something to me that made me wonder, but I didn’t want to say anything, just in case.”

We stare at the roses lying at our feet.

“I’m not sure how useful that is,” Willow says, her nose scrunching.

“It’s beautiful,” I say, “Absolutely perfect.” I step back to let Amya hug her again.

“How do you feel?” Amya asks, framing my sister’s face in her hands.

“I’m . . . I never really cared that much that I was the only one without it, but . . .” Her face splits into a smile. “I have to say it does feel really good. ”

“What do you think this means in terms of Heart magic?” Amya asks. “Is it possible Lor isn’t the only one who can bring it back?”

She winces, realizing what she’s just said. If Willow could become the next Primary, then I could take my place in the sky, lost to all of them.

“Sorry,” she says, shaking her head. “I didn’t mean . . .”

“Coral and Amara told Lor it wasn’t possible,” Nadir says.

“Lor is the Primary,” Willow says firmly, her tone brooking no argument. “This has always been her place. Even if I could, we are not losing her.”

My gaze meets Nadir’s.

Even if Willow could take my place in Heart, I still have to kill Zerra before she gets to me.

“You’ll need to learn how to use it,” Amya tells Willow. “I’m sure there’s more you’ll be able to do.”

“That makes two of us,” I reply. “Though you’re probably a natural like Tristan.”

I look at my brother. I see the happiness in his eyes for Willow, but I also remember the angry words he shouted only minutes ago. As Amya and Willow chatter away, I take his hand and hold it.

“Me too,” I say. “Everything you said.”

I catch Nadir watching the two of us, his expression contemplative.

“You’re so much better at rising above it, Lor.”

I snort. “Are you serious? I’m a raging ball of chaos.”

Tristan laughs. “You are, but . . . you persevere.”

“Tristan, don’t sell yourself short. You practically raised me. I am the way I am because of you. It wasn’t fair that you had to, but I owe so much to you.”

Everyone has fallen silent during my little speech. When we see everyone staring at us, the tips of my ears go pink.

“What?” I ask, “What are you all looking at? Can’t a sister get a little sentimental?”

“Come on,” Nadir says, approaching us and wrapping an arm around me. “If you’re ready to go, we should get some sleep before tomorrow.”

We all nod and then file back into the ruined city that surrounds the Heart Castle. I wonder if I’ll ever see this place again—as its queen, not as a reluctant god forced to give up everything.

It’s not happening. Nothing is keeping us apart.

I squeeze Nadir’s hand.

I hope that’s true.

We continue walking, and the sun has set by the time we make it back to the manor house. The windows are dark, save for a few glowing in the distance. Etienne and Mael meet us at the tree line.

“How did it go?” Etienne asks.

“Willow has magic!” Amya exclaims.

“Well, hot damn,” Mael says with a grin. “The three of you are unstoppable now.”

“Now?” I say, pressing my hand to my chest in mock offense.

“Right, sorry, no one ever stood a chance against you, Heart Queen.”

“And her brother and sister,” I add, and everyone laughs.

Rhiannon greets us as we enter the house, curiosity written on her face. I promised I’d answer some questions about the mate bond, and I’ll fill her in when we chat.

“I’ve received word the other rulers are on their way,” she says. “Everyone will be here by morning.”

“Okay,” I say. “Then let’s hope they’re willing to listen and that Cyan or my aunt don’t kill me on sight.”

“They’ll have to go through me first,” Nadir growls.

I cock my head and wince.

“Maybe that’s what I’m afraid of.”