Page 21 of For the Ghastly and Beautiful

To wake up.

“You walked away.” The statement spills beyond my lips before I can think better of it.

His brows dip low over his eyes. “What?”

I shake my head in aggravation. “You told me not to walk away, and then you did it. You didn’t listen to me. You didn’t hear what I was saying, only what you wanted to hear.”

“I—” He pauses.

“I was asking what if I didn’t want to meet anyone else? You misunderstood me, and you stormed away.” I wait for him to digest my words, but I can’t tell if he is. “Things aren’t always as they appear, Ecaeris.”

“I know that,” he mutters.

I slide my hands between the skirt’s fabric, into the pockets of my shorts, and stare at him. “Don’t ask me to do something for you that you can’t do for me.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“I don’t see why it wouldn’t be. Help me understand.”

“I can’t.”

“That’s because it’s an excuse, something to hide behavior that you yourself don’t comprehend. I know all about that.” I sigh, glancing at the ceiling before frowning. “Just answer me one question… Are you going to walk away again?”

He stays silent, and it infuriates me. I don’t think he’s ever been face-to-face with his emotions. I’ve seen them, though. There is more to the Mongrel prince than his title and pouty lips.

This is what Spiran meant about being bound to their duties. None of these people will change their ways without a push.

“Go on then,” I instigate as I warn him, “Walk away, but don’t look back, Ecaeris. Don’t wonder what could have been if you’d only—just once—put yourself first.”

His mismatched eyes flare in frustration even as his voice stays calm. “Why would you say that?”

“You’re loyal and brave to a fault. You don’t stop to think about the things you want. You watch them as they pass you by. And I shouldn’t encourage such selfish behavior.” I smile sadly. “So, go. Walk away. Or prove me wrong. Challenge my way of thinking. Show me you care for yourself as much as you care for your people.”

Ecaeris studies my face as if this is the first moment he’s truly seen me. His gaze touches mine one last time before he turns and walks away. He stops at the end of the hall, his hand tight around the banister as he glances over his shoulder.

“You’re sending me mixed signals, Mongrel,” I call out, hearing him chuckle despite himself. “Better figure out what you want.”