Beautiful sat sideways on her bed, legs tucked beneath her, counting the soft strokes of the brush through her curls. She would be perfect for Seeker tonight. A ridiculous thought. The way she looked had nothing to do with the dream. Or did it? Was she more beautiful there if she felt more beautiful here? Or did the dream reflect how Seeker saw her? She would ask him tonight.
She slid off the bed, bare feet peeking from beneath her cotton nightgown to touch the smooth wooden floor. She tiptoed over and blew out the candle. Moonlight bathed the room in a soft glow—almost as bright as day. She closed her eyes and tried to will herself into Seeker’s dream. But sleep wouldn’t come.
She thought about her days with Seeker—the adventure he had led her into. That would never end. They would share bedchambers in Palace Beautiful. He would be her Great-Heart, guiding her safely through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
But they were empty words—she couldn’t see it. She tried to picture her wedding day, but the image wouldn’t come. She could see Kind with his Book and Seeker standing there. But where was she? It wasn’t what she saw that made her stomach twist. It was what she didn’t see. Her parents.
She sat bolt upright. In all her joy, she’d forgotten about her parents. They would never let their baby girl marry a penniless Pilgrim. It doesn’t matter, she pleaded in her mind, tears spilling down her cheeks. I love him. He loves me. She would run away with him. No. She couldn’t. That was impossible.
Her ring caught the moonlight, gleaming brilliantly in the quiet glow. Her ring. It wasn’t just a promise to her—it had become a symbol of her vow. She would never take it off. She reached for the other ring at her neck. A promise from the King.
Still empty words. She sobbed. Sleep wouldn’t come. She would go to him—he would understand her heart. She froze. He couldn’t see her like this.
Wife. The word echoed in her mind. Husband. Just words… right? She would walk with him—every step. Even if not as wife. Would he understand? I can’t marry you. But I can be with you.
She continued to cry, but not to sleep.
