The Centaur Queen (The Dark Queens #7)(57)
“This entire challenge felt like a farce to me.” Lachesis said, lips thinning prettily. “You will, of course, be forced to face the final challenge, though I’ve no doubt of your success. Atropos has already seen it.”
I was glad, and yet I felt a keen sadness that cut through me like a blade. For with success came the loss of my male, the only thing I could truly say I’d ever loved.
Petra and I could never recite the vows of Veritas. That link would have meant that someday, he’d find me, that he would never stop looking for me until we were reunited. I would have felt a little comfort in knowing that someday I’d see him again.
Without the surety of the vows, though, I could only cling to a vain hope that maybe, just maybe, our love was enough to move him and cause him to want to stay with me. It was selfish of me to want it. He’d been without his sister for so long, and they deserved a happy life together. They deserved the time to catch up and learn about all they’d missed. But I was finding that I was a very selfish creature indeed. I was not proud of myself for it, but it was the truth.
Lachesis took a step toward me, causing the glassy teardrops of her gown to shine and sparkle brightly. “I have seen to the land personally. You will like where you wind up, Tymanon. At least in this, I can bring you some kind of happiness.”
I blinked back the threat of tears as a feeling of heaviness seeped through my bones.
The Fates, especially Lachesis, needn’t have shown me any type of kindness. It wasn’t their way. But then, they’d rarely come across a find such as I. I knew my worth and knew I brought much to their games.
Lachesis shook her head. “If you would allow me to, I would visit you often, centauress. I rather enjoy your company.”
Sniffing, I wiped at my nose with my knuckle and gave her a watery grin. “I should like nothing more.”
With a small smile, Lachesis waved her hand, opening a rift behind me. I frowned. Usually my transport to the challenge was swift and instant. I looked at my new friend questioningly.
She chewed on her bottom lip with straight white teeth, worrying it with a fretting look burning in her eyes. “One final time, Tymanon, one last chance.”
My heart trembled, for I knew that what the Fate of the present offered me was something she’d never offered another. But just as Harpy had to face her destiny, so too must I now face mine.
I believed in my heart that Galeta had known this as well. No sooner had I thought of the Pink Fairy than I heard her voice whisper through my head, speaking words I’d never heard her speak before.
The sacrifice will be steep and only accomplished with the greatest of love...
I swallowed, wondering if she’d really spoken to me just now, wondering at the sudden sensation of calm that had overtaken the dread of just minutes ago. I would miss Kingdom with all my soul. But this was the right thing to do.
Fate had called me here, and not just to help restore Kingdom, but to bring back the joy to my mate’s soul. I knew that as surely as I knew the sun would rise in the east and set in the west.
Fate shook her head, causing her mahogany braid to tumble like a wave over her shoulder. The crown of stars upon her head began to shine brightly. Reaching into my pouch, I pulled out the one golden apple.
Lachesis’s jaw clenched. Bringing the fruit to my mouth, I stopped thinking, opened my mouth, and bit. The apple was tangy, sweet, and flooded my mouth with warmth. I chewed once, twice, and then swallowed.
Fate nodded. There was now no going back for me. I’d stolen one of Zeus’s golden apples. I could never leave Gnósi again. My fate had been sealed.
“So mote it be.” Her words were tinged with sadness. “Your fairy will have her answer.”
Dropping the apple, I dusted off my hands and shook my head. I would never again know hunger. Already, I could feel the god power flow through me, making me feel stronger, invincible. Immortality would now always be mine. Wherever Lachesis placed me, I would never die. Even if she dropped me in the middle of a hoard of warring, fire-breathing dragons, I would forever remain property of the Fates.
My heart squeezed, but I refused to look back at Petra. “I haven’t asked the question.”
Her smile was forbearing. “Then ask it now.”
“Without your sisters present?”
Lachesis shrugged. “I do not think Atropos or Clotho care near as much as I do. My sisters can be quite the tricksters when given the chance, and I do not want to give them that opportunity. You will be my pet, Tymanon, and well-guarded, I assure you.”
“You won’t trick me?” I believed her, I truly did, but I had to hear her say it with my own ears.
“Were you anyone else, yes, I would.” She sniffed, and I admired her honesty. “Fate should never be meddled with. But you are wise, my friend, and understand a great many things. I look forward to our many lives together.”
“As do I.” I said it with all sincerity. Even as my soul ached at the loss of my Petra, I gained treasures here too. As far as fate went, I could have had it far worse. At least I knew my sacrifice would bring joy to the one I loved most. That thought would keep me warm at night.
Squaring off with Lachesis, I set my jaw. “Reversing the curse is impossible. We can only move forward from here. It was love that built this curse.”
The golden Fate nodded, but I’d been prepared with my question for over two years now. I’d had plenty of time to think the matter through, and I now knew how it must be fixed, just not in which order.