Chapter 20

The concept of soulmates has always intrigued me. It’s a term that’s thrown around quite a bit, even in the Veil, but I’ve seen its truth in the relationships of my parents, Lord Jekia and Lady Lana, and even some close friends. Their bonds seemed to withstand any storm—even the threat of death.

This got me thinking about my relationship with Navine, especially after discovering the truth about his past and his first love, Rosaline. Was our connection simply a result of my soul once being hers, or did he genuinely love me for who I was—as he claimed?

I knew it wasn’t healthy to dwell on these questions, but I couldn’t help but ponder them internally. Were we truly soulmates, or was our relationship a result of Navine’s inability to let go of Rosaline—even after all this time?

These thoughts lingered as the week rolled on. As promised, Navine had Emelio come by to examine my knee. He confirmed that I’d torn a tendon and provided treatment that sped up the healing process, though he advised me to go easy on it for a few weeks.

I didn’t mind the slower pace. I was still mobile, and it was comforting to have Navine around more—helping me when I needed it.

I found myself smiling at the open book in my lap, reflecting on this. I’d hobbled into the conservatory to read among the plants while Navine was out gathering supplies, and found a cozy spot under a tree.

I loved coming here when I needed to unwind. The conservatory was like an outdoor oasis—maintaining a constant temperature regardless of the weather outside. With the chill setting in, it was the perfect place to feel close to nature.

“You’ve been reading for a while. Must be an interesting story,” Nanash’s voice broke my reverie.

I looked up to see him grinning down at me from his perch in the tree.

“It is,” I replied, returning his smile. “I thought you were asleep. You were nowhere to be seen when I came in.”

“I was taking a nap. The sound of the water here is quite soothing,” Nanash explained, carefully descending to sit beside me, mindful of his tail.

“How’s your tail feeling?” I asked.

“It’s improving. I’ve regained some feeling and it’s not as sore,” he replied, showing me his tail.

I examined it carefully. The stitches had dissolved, the wounds were scabbed over and clean, and the swelling had significantly reduced. It was clear he was healing well.

“I’m relieved to see this. I was worried it would take much longer for you to recover from the trauma,” I confessed.

“Your concerns were valid. I shared them initially,” Nanash admitted. He coiled most of his snake body under him and added, “I must say, I’m impressed. You have a knack for treating injuries. I wouldn’t have guessed.”

I shrugged and closed my book. “I like to think I’m full of surprises. Most of what I know comes from being raised by Anika. She was a master of medicine and herbs and taught me everything she knew. We once thought I’d take over her shop, but that’s not likely now that I’m here.”

“I wouldn’t say that’s a bad thing. I’m sure Anika’s sect would take over the shop if needed. You said she’s a Rainbow Faerie, right?”

“She is, and you’re right. The Rainbow Sect in Forge looks out for each other. It’s comforting to know she won’t be completely alone,” I admitted.

Nanash’s eyes softened. “You say that because you know what it feels like,” he guessed.

“I won’t lie,” I confessed. “I’ve been through some tough times. But I wouldn’t wish my childhood on anyone. That said, I can’t complain about where I am now. I’m lucky, really. I’ve got a mother figure who adores me, a handful of close friends, and an alpha who loves me. I’ll never be alone again.”

I meant every word. Sure, there were lingering doubts about my soul and its connection to Navine. But in the grand scheme of things, it didn’t matter. What mattered was that we were together, and my life felt almost complete.

“You have a remarkable perspective,” Nanash said. “It’s refreshing, especially when I think about the Fae. Their Sects are everything my kind can’t be. We try to form family bonds, but they’re usually based on what we can get from each other. Maybe that’s just the way of the Snakes,” he sighed.

“You’ve mentioned that before,” I said, leaning against a tree. “Is that why you chose a solitary life on the mountain? Were you tired of it all?”

“I was,” Nanash admitted. “I was tired of a lot of things. But the final straw was realizing how much I didn’t know.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, puzzled. What could the Snakes have done that he didn’t know about? Something that bothered him so much?

“It’s not important,” Nanash dismissed, changing the subject. “What matters is that you seem happy here. I was worried, especially after learning about your soul’s connection to Lord Navine’s past.”

“It doesn’t change much for me,” I said. “I trust Navine when he says he loves me for me. And it’s better to know these things, especially when it comes to Lord Dominick.”

Nanash’s face grew serious. “You don’t need to use ‘Lord’ before his name. You deserve just as much respect, if not more.”

“I’ve thought about that,” I said. “But it’s not really my style.”

“Then you need to change your style,” Nanash insisted. “Believe me, it’s important to assert your title now that you have it. Don’t let anyone try to push you around.”

His insistence made me curious. “Are you worried that Lord—I mean, Dominick—might still try to use me?” I asked, trying to follow his advice.

“I hate to say it, but yes,” Nanash admitted. “History tends to repeat itself. And I think he resents you for standing up to him. Most females don’t, and I bet it gives him a sense of power.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” I said. “I’ve met guys like that before.” I put my book down and turned to face him. “But I’ll take your advice. I won’t let anyone walk all over me or use me, especially not some Alpha Dragon who thinks he’s entitled just because he’s an alpha.”

Nanash looked amused. “You’re a strong-willed Fae, aren’t you? But I admire that. It makes you a worthy friend.”

“I guess I’ll take that as a compliment,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“I’m glad you will,” Nanash laughed.

I slowly stood up, careful not to put too much pressure on my knee. It had been feeling better lately, and I didn’t want to risk hurting it again.

“I think I’ll return this book to the library,” I said. “Want to come with me?”

“If you don’t mind,” Nanash agreed, picking up my book and walking beside me toward the door. “I should move around more too, now that I’ve started healing. I’d hate to lose function in my tail because I didn’t.”

“Just out of curiosity, what part of your lower half do you consider your tail? Is it all of it?” I asked.

“The bottom half is my tail. The top is an extension of my waist,” Nanash explained.

“Isn’t it fascinating?” I pondered aloud as we strolled down the corridor. “I know it might sound awful, but I’ve always found it peculiar how different yet similar we can be.”

Nanash nodded. “So, you’re intrigued by the diversity of this world.”

“Absolutely. I admire it, in fact. I think it’s what makes our world so much richer.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Nanash chimed in. “I often wonder, what will this place look like when you and Navine decide to have kids?”

His question caught me off guard, though I tried to mask it.

“Nanash, you know Navine doesn’t want children. He’s been very clear about that.”

“True, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. I can’t imagine he’s any less capable, and I doubt you’d have any trouble conceiving,” Nanash retorted.

“Nanash, that’s a bit intrusive,” I managed to scold him.

“Is it? I thought these things were pretty standard in relationships,” Nanash replied.

“They can be, but it’s also quite personal,” I told him. I halted in the hallway to face him. “But just between us, I seriously doubt Navine will change his mind about having kids. He’s adamant about not needing heirs.”

“But shouldn’t he at least consider your desires in this matter?” Nanash countered.

“I’m okay with it, really.”

Nanash wasn’t convinced. “I find that hard to believe,” he said, before relenting a bit. “But I suppose I can drop it for now. There’s not much more I can say.”

I felt a pang of guilt. He was just trying to help. I shouldn’t have been so dismissive.

“I get it, and it’s not like I wouldn’t challenge Navine if I felt differently. It’s just too soon for me to even consider it, so I don’t see the need,” I reassured him.

“Yes, that makes sense,” Nanash conceded.

He glanced toward the window as we heard the fluttering of wings outside. I followed his gaze, hoping to see Navine returning. He’d been away for a while, and I was eager to spend more time with him.

So, it was a bit of a letdown when I realized it wasn’t him. But my disappointment quickly turned into anxiety as I recognized the prism wings of the Dragon who was visiting.

Oh, no. It was Dominick.

Nanash’s eyes narrowed at the sight of him landing.

“He’s got to be kidding. Doesn’t he know he’s not welcome here?” he grumbled.

I gently touched his arm. “Please, let me handle this until Navine gets back,” I requested.

“Are you sure? You know he might have ulterior motives for showing up like this,” Nanash warned.

“I’m aware,” I admitted. “But it’s my responsibility to deal with this.”

I wasn’t as confident as I sounded, and Nanash could tell. But he mostly agreed to my request.

“All right, but I’ll be nearby, just in case,” he assured me.

I nodded, then made my way to the entrance hall. I figured I should at least be polite and welcome Dominick, despite the pain in my knee.

As I entered the hall, the front door was opening. I greeted Dominick as he stepped inside, making sure to appear as natural and courteous as possible. The last thing I wanted was for him to suspect that I knew about his past.

“Good afternoon, Lord Dominick. What a surprise.”

Dominick flashed a smile that was supposed to be friendly, but I wasn’t entirely convinced. Maybe it was because of our last encounter.

“Good afternoon, my lady. I apologize for my unexpected visit,” he replied, glancing around. “I take it Navine isn’t here? Strange. I didn’t think he’d leave you alone.”

“He had some errands to run, but he should be back soon. And I’m not alone. Our Snake guard Nanash is here in the palace with me in case I need any assistance,” I assured him.

Nanash, as if to underscore the tension, silently coiled around the nearby staircase’s banister, casting a glance my way. He was on high alert—that much was clear.

Dominick seemed unfazed. “Ah, I see. Navine has left you in good hands when he’s not around,” he observed.

“He has,” I agreed, shifting slightly to ease the throbbing in my knee. “Is there something you need from me in Navine’s absence?”

“No, not at all. In fact, I’m rather glad he’s not here. I came to see you, and I doubt he would have let me speak to you freely,” Dominick replied.

That caught me off guard. “You came to talk to me?”

“I did,” he confirmed, closing his eyes briefly before continuing. “I thought it best to apologize for my behavior at Lorelei’s castle. I was out of line.”

“You were,” I agreed. “But I didn’t expect an apology. You don’t seem the type.”

“Normally, I’m not,” he admitted, resting a hand on his hip. “Your words irked me, I won’t lie. Most women wouldn’t dare speak to me like that. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized you’re not like most women. You’re Navine’s chosen bride, and the last of your kind. You must be strong to bear those burdens.”

“I like to think I am. And I won’t back down when someone’s wrong and won’t admit it. But I appreciate your apology and your visit. Maybe it’s best if you leave before Navine returns,” I suggested.

Dominick shrugged. “Maybe, but I’m not ready to leave. I haven’t had my chance to really talk to you yet. I think I’ll take it now.”

I didn’t like this one bit, but I didn’t see a way out. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer, and he clearly wasn’t afraid of Navine showing up. He must have known Navine was gone, or he was just taking a chance.

I wasn’t sure, and I didn’t have time to figure it out.

“If that’s what you want, then fine. But I need to sit. I hurt my leg in a fall recently, and I can’t stand for too long,” I told him.

“How did that happen?” Dominick asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

“Just a minor accident. Nothing to worry about,” I assured him, heading toward a nearby doorway.

“We can talk in the front parlor. It’s comfortable enough.”