TEGAN'S P.O.V
I saw it in his eyes. Sadness. It was something I had long since become familiar with. I was a sad soul, lost in a sad world. But I never wanted my kids to live a sad life. I wanted them to be happy. But happiness always comes with a price. Look at me, for example. I was sad, even more, since the return of Ezra. Why must the moon goddess frown on me? I may have moon goddess blessed gifts. But I was no stranger to the pain it cost me. I always say that if I had been different, maybe then I would've had a different life. Maybe then I would've had more than a year of happiness. But looking back, I wouldn't trade my year with him for anything. Even when he sat across from me, another woman clinging to his side, I still wouldn't trade our life together.
It pained me to know he was home, but he wasn't mine. He wasn't my Ezra anymore. Sometimes I saw glimpses of the old him. But they were short-lived and, as I said, they were just glimpses.
Elias wasn't the only one with sad eyes tonight. Ezra had them as well. He visibly looked uncomfortable. Miserable even. Or was it just my eyes playing tricks on me, hoping to see the worst?
He and his family were invited here tonight, only because there was no shifting allowed. Some weird superstitious rule. So, tonight would be treated like a formal party. Similar to what humans call their weddings and receptions. Therefore, Ezra, AKA Kingston, and his human family were also allowed in attendance. And I for some reason couldn't take my eyes off of him. Off of them.
When he asked Elias to be removed from his duty as my bodyguard, it felt like my entire body was giving out on me. I was hurt. But I also understood. He was a married man. He had no way of knowing that he was already a married man before her. Would it make a difference had he known that their marriage was actually null-n-void? Would he choose her over me if he found out the truth? I wasn't sure I could handle it, so this was the best way. Plus, there was so much about my life that he was unable to know as a human. But I couldn't help but wonder if he longed for me, like I longed for him?
I watched as his tongue involuntarily licked his lips, giving me flashes of the moment we'd almost kissed. He was inches away from my face, so close that his hot breath fanned against it.
"Do it."
The look in his eyes was primal. It reminded me of the beast I needed. It reminded me of King.
"Kingston?" I asked breathlessly, still trying to process what he was asking of me.
"I need you just like I need air to breathe. Don't make me ask again."
A rush of blood flowed to my head momentarily as a whirlwind of emotions raked my body. He wanted me. But could I do it? Could I be 'the other woman'?
Technically speaking, I was the first woman, so she would be the other woman. But he doesn't remember us or the life we shared. So, that technicality is nonexistent and I would be the other woman. I won't do that. Not to her, not to me, and especially not to him.
He deserved far more than the life he was given. I just hoped that he had the chance to live his life to the fullest without the weight of the world on his shoulders.
"I- I can't," I said, while I began to back away.
I was normally never one to shy away. Nor was I the type to back down. But I couldn't do this.
"Please everybody, give another warm welcome to the current Queen, Tegan Hendricks."
The call of my name snapped me out of my memories. When I finally came to my senses I was still staring. Which resulted in us staring blankly at one another, eyes locked.
I quickly snapped my head up to the announcer. Praying to the Goddess that nobody else noticed.
I had to be more careful. Otherwise, this would quickly become something short of a scandal. It could easily become the gossip of the whole Kingdom. That was the last thing any of us needed.
I slid my hand down my dress, trying to straighten the nonexistent wrinkles. I then tipped my head up, straightening my poster before heading up the stairs confidently.
KINGSTON'S P.O.V
I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She walked so gracefully. Like a true Queen. There was something drawing us together, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what. Everything about her was so beautiful. I never expected to be so attracted to someone like this. It made me question everything I built with my wife, Elodie.
"Who are you looking at?" Her suddenly higher pitched voice asked.
I jerked my head to the side to look at my wife. The realization hit that I had been caught gawking at the Queen.
I tried explaining to El that there was nothing going on between Tegan and I. But I had a feeling that this wasn't going to help my case.
"You're watching her, aren't you?"
"What?" I asked, my voice hitting a higher pitch than I thought possible.
"Just tell me, Kingston. Are you having an affair with that woman?"
"Come on El, not here. Not now. My boss is getting married."
I couldn't handle another night of constant bitching. I was losing my god-damn mind with all this fighting.
"We've been here long enough, don't you think?"
What the hell was she talking about? We just got here. The groom just walked in. The bride hadn't even shown her face yet.
"We just got here, Elodie. I at least want to give him my congrats before leaving."
"That's not what I meant."
Then what the hell was she meaning?
"Don't you think it's time to move on? You know.. Like move away?"
"We have only been here for a month?"
"We've lived in other places less than that."
Couldn't she see that I was happy here?
"We will discuss this later," I said in a more commanding way. Something I normally wouldn't do.
"I want to talk about this now." She demanded while stomping her foot, causing more onlookers.
"Go back to the room. I'll come when the wedding is over." My voice was in a more seething tone.
"And leave you alone, with her? I think not!"
"We're not alone. Look around you. Now go to our room before I snap. This is my boss's night. You won't ruin this for him with our arguing."
Her face fell and a look I never wanted to see was displayed. I knew we would work this out. But right now, I want to be left alone. Because for the first time since waking from my coma, I felt happy. Like really happy.
"Go. Please," I said more gently this time.
She stomped her foot, turned, and rushed out of the reception hall. More people were staring than I had thought, so I chose to step into the dark shadows, disappearing. When I looked up at the stage, Tegan was taking a seat.
I watched her scan the crowd, and I couldn't help but wonder if she was searching for me? I felt guilty for wishing such a thing. I might not be able to have her, not like I wanted, but I damn sure knew that I couldn't leave her. So, what was I going to do to prevent that from happening?
My mind was racing when Elias stepped to the microphone. He announced his wife, Shanti. Which seemed like a weird way to start their wedding ceremony. But, to each is their own.
Elodie and I weren't actually married, we just say we are. Not everyone had the same lifestyle as we did.
Us not wedding was her choice, not mine. However, by common law, she was my wife. So, it was the same thing, really.
I looked over to Elias in order to get out of my head. But all I saw was more sad eyes. Why was he so pained? I wanted to pull him in for a hug and tell him that everything was going to be okay. I know that sounds weird, but it was a parental type of desire. I wasn't sure why I would have such a feeling regarding my boss. What was with this family that drew me in and consumed me? I was even weirdly protective over the princess. They were like- like my other chosen family. And Elodie just wanted us to leave. How could I possibly leave them when I felt this way?