Eden.
My childhood playmate, or at least the closest to what counted as a playmate. He was also the Spring prince, heir to the Spring Lands. Eden was always playful, never once serious or bothered that he was important to his people, that he would once lead them.
I used to envy him. His unbothered attitude, and the fact that his parents actually cared for him. The fae were knows for being cold and emotionless, but the case with Eden's parents wasn't so. They spoiled him, making sure he was loved, and that he always knew that he had a family. Even though he grew up in an easy-going environment, he was still kind and, well, just normal. Not arrogant or selfish.
But I didn't have this kind of a childhood. Father was always strict and blunt, sure to show how much he wished I wasn't born, and mother was never strong enough to stand up for me. She had pictures hidden away, pictures of her younger self. She used to be beautiful. Snow-white skin, and dark, black hair that brought out the emerald green in her eyes. She had a petite frame, and long legs. Always smiling, and bright eyes.
Now, she looked worn out, tired. As if she had no will to live, anymore. She had eyebags and her hair was always a mess. The light in her eyes looked put out, and she was bony.
I used to hate her. Hate her for not acting like she loved me, for acting weak when she was the adult, the mother, the parent. But the fae aren't like that, aren't they? Well, most of them aren't.
Back to what was important. Eden.
What was the sense of marrying me off? Eden was strong. He could fight off at least ten fae at once. One of the strongest fae in our generation, so he should know, or at least feel his mate's presence. Why would he ever agree to...this? After all, he had always talked about finding his mate.
There must be something going on, and I would definitely find out. But first, I had to find a way to delay the ceremony, and talk to Eden.
I really, honestly, hated the ceremonies. They were always long and dull, and sure to bore you. But the worst part, was the bond severance. Of course, it only happened if you weren't marrying your mate. The process of the severance was long, and achingly painful. Almost nobody did it, for most of the people that did would go insane from the pain.
I had never felt it before, but it was said to be like someone chopping off a piece of your heart, taking away a piece of your soul. You would feel empty afterwards, cold and regretful.
I shivered. I didn't even want to think of how it would feel. And the worst of all, the males wouldn't even feel a thing. It was the females who had to suffer.
I pursed my lips. It wasn't fair, but then again, who said life was just?
If I couldn't get Eden to cancel the ceremony, then I would have to take the situation into my own hands.