I walked inside the Great Hall.
Father was sitting on his throne with a scowl on his face, and mother was next to him. She looked pale, and unfed. She was bony, the dress she was wearing sticking to her sides. It was as if no one had bothered to take care of her, or no one cared that she existed.
I clenched my fists, anger rising up in me. She was his wife. How could he stand the sight of her like this? Right. He didn't care. The most important thing was that he was fine, healthy and fit. Nothing else mattered.
"Auralyn." His voice was laced with distaste, and I knew what he was thinking.
I was weak. I hadn't even found my mate yet. The bond was so fragile. I didn't even know who my mate was, or what he did for a living.
The stronger the mate bond is, the more you would be able to feel from them. For example, if my with my mate was strong, I would be able to feel if they were hit, or slapped. I would also be able to feel their surroundings if I wanted to. But if the bond was too strong, and your mate died, you would, too.
"Good afternoon, father."
"Do you know why I called you here today?"
I bit my tongue to stop myself from replying with a snappy remark.
"No, father."
"I've given up on you finding your mate. So, I have arranged for you to marry the Spring prince."
My eyes widened. Eden?! I was going to marry Eden? Almost all the fae ended up with their mate. The Goddess matched us, after all.
My father interrupted my train of thought. "I know what you're thinking. You don't want to marry. But even if you won't, I'll make you. This is a good chance for the Summer Lands to create an alliance."
I knew it. No matter how much I protested, or threw a tantrum, he wouldn't care. I was going to follow his orders whether I liked it or not. But, I had to try.
"I won't. I won't marry Eden."
He snarled. "Yes, you will."
"I won't."
"Don't be a child!"
He stormed up to me, and slapped me.
It was like a fire crept up my cheek. His hand was huge, twice the size of mine. And he, was bigger, taller, stronger, than me, too.
"You're excused. Take some time to plan the wedding. The Spring prince will be arriving in a few days. Make sure you're at your best."
I bowed stiffly, and walked out.
I spotted Syra, who immediately ran to me.
"Auralyn! What was that about?"
"I'm getting married."
Her mouth dropped open.
"I'm getting married to Eden, to be exact."
"What?!" Syra lowered her voice to a whisper. "Is your father out of his mind?"
I smiled dryly. "Perhaps. Let me clear my mind before I do anything brash, though."
She nodded, stepping out of the way to give me some space.
In many ways, Syra was like my sister, my other half. She understood me, stood by me when others didn't. And for that, I would always appreciate her, care for her.
If I ever wanted family, it would be her.