Summer of Frost (Forever Fae #3)(54)

She shrugged half-heartedly. “It’s just hard sometimes when I see all of you with your guardians, it reminds me of what I lost. I can feel Merrick’s essence inside me, giving me strength, but I still miss seeing his smiling face. He was my best friend.”

While listening to Calista talk, I had an idea form in my head. I wasn’t too sure how far my capabilities could go or what kind of limit I was bound to, but what I had in mind was definitely worth a try.

“Calista, look at me,” I said, circling around to face her. She sniffed and took a deep breath before lifting her gaze. Her tear-streaked cheeks were flushed, but she gave me a half-smile anyway. I asked her, “What would you do if you could see Merrick again?”

“What wouldn’t I do would be the question. First, I’d thank the heavens and the stars for allowing me that honor, and second, I’d tell him how much I missed him.”

I nodded, swallowing hard and trying not to cry from her pain. I would’ve done anything to see Oren if the situation was turned.

“Why did you ask me that?” she asked.

I paused, then softly said, “Because I think I know a way you can see him again. I never thought about it before until now, but with my dream walking abilities I can try to find him.”

Calista fell into the seat behind her while the tears flooded like rivers down her cheeks. “Are you really saying I can see him again?”

I knelt down in front of her, taking her hands in mine. “Yes, Calista. I’m pretty sure I can find him. Would you want to try tonight?”

She squealed and flung her arms around me so tight I could barely breathe. “Yes!” she exclaimed happily. “I would be forever in your debt if you could grant me this.”

I laughed, but then struggled to breathe from her excited grip. “Let’s just say it’s a belated wedding gift to you and my brother. How about that?”

“That sounds perfect.” She let me go and hastily wiped the tears from under her eyes while I sucked in a deep breath. “Oh, Sorcha, I’m so sorry. I guess I got a little too excited.”

“It’s okay.” I laughed. “I know how exciting this has to be for you.”

“You have no idea. Now let’s get you to the throne room. I know everyone’s dying to see you, especially your parents.”

I strolled alongside her until we got halfway down the corridor. “Wait, I forgot something! I’m going to run back and get it from my room, and I’ll be down there in just a second.”

She grinned and squeezed my hand. “Okay, I’ll let them know.”

Back in mine and Drake’s room, I found what I was searching for, and quickly made my way to the throne room. I could hear everyone speaking to each other as I sauntered up to the door. Once I opened it and came into view, everyone went silent. However, it didn’t take my mother long to break that silence.

My mother, Queen Mab, rushed over to me and took my hands. “Oh, my heavens! You don’t even look like the same girl anymore,” she cried.

“It’s because I’m not, Mother.”

She waved her hand flippantly in the air. “Oh I know, just don’t let the Bitch Queen taint you. After all, you’ll be spending more time around her than me now that you’re here with all the sun and heat. I just don’t see how anyone can stand it.”

“Most of us aren’t made of ice,” Queen Tatiana interrupted with a sneer. “It’s just a shame you don’t melt.” When my mother opened her mouth to make a snide comment, I cut between them and held up my hands.

“Stop!” I commanded forcefully, glaring at them both. All eyes pivoted to the altercation with curiosity, but I didn’t care. “Can you for once play nice with each other? I don’t know why you two are like this, but it’s got to stop. Look around you … look at our beautiful families. It’s growing and becoming stronger. Put your differences aside and keep it that way until we defeat the dark sorcerer. You can always go back to your bitching after that. Can you do that, for everyone’s sake?”

It was a bold move, but someone needed to step up and say something. Surprisingly, it was Queen Tatiana that folded. She placed her golden skinned hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “You’re right, Sorcha. This is a wonderful day, and I don’t want to spoil it for you. It brings me joy to see my son so happy. We’re family now, so if you ever need anything you know you can come to me.”

I smiled, and placed a hand over hers. “Thank you.”

She beamed lovingly at me, but then threw an icy glare at my mother before marching her way over to Meliantha and the twins. My mother agreed to the temporary truce, earning a grin from me in return even though it took great effort for her to agree.

Oren caught my eye, and called me over. I left my mother and greeted him with a warm embrace. He whispered in my ear, “You’re hiding something, ai dulin. I can feel it. What’s got you so excited that you can’t tell me?”

I snickered, and whispered back, “I can’t tell you, but you’ll find out soon.”

I kissed him on the cheek, and moved to my father, who crushed me in a bear hug.

“I’m so glad you’re all right,” my father sighed. “We came to the Summer Court the moment we found out what happened.”

“I’m okay. You know I can handle myself.”