18. Eighteen

Amara spends busy days with Poppy completing wedding tasks—fittings, flowers, cake, and menus—learning the event will be large despite Orilon’s isolation. She reflects on how the other realms, once distant, now plan to attend, unsure if in support or to gauge weakness under the curse.

Curious about the wider world, Amara studies books Gil provides on the fae realms, imagining places like Aeros with its floating islands and calamity-forged history. The learning broadens Amara’s perspective on Orilon’s precarious position and the significance of her union with Ezra.

During her final dress fitting, the seamstress praises her work but pointedly questions Amara about the match. Amara admits the marriage wasn’t her first choice but that she is hopeful. The seamstress’s nosy persistence hints at gossip and external scrutiny, adding tension beneath the celebratory preparations.

Later, in the library, Ezra returns unexpectedly. His shadows announce him, and he reminds Amara of his promise to come back to her. Their intense, consensual intimacy in the stacks reveals mutual longing and solidifies their emotional and physical connection after time apart.

Afterward, Ezra expresses gratitude for Amara in his life and suggests a private dinner on the balcony. Amara agrees, feeling affirmed in their partnership as they prepare to face a politically charged wedding where the gathered realms may judge Orilon’s strength and the fate of its cursed king.