The One

MaerileeI stand in front of the mirror, assessing my reflection. The lavender gown clings perfectly to my frame, the soft fabric shimmering with every movement. It’s a beautiful dress, hand-sewn with threads of silver that match the pale glow of my hair, but all I can think about is how much I wish I didn’t have to wear it.I’m not looking forward to this grand spectacle to parade me around in front of foreign nobles, all in the hopes of finding my One. The thought alone makes me clench my fists, the material of my skirt crinkling under my hands. I smooth it out with a shaky breath.I can do this. I have to do this.The weight of expectation is heavy on my shoulders as I turn away from the mirror, heading toward the door where Akin waits. He’s dressed in formal attire, his expression as unreadable as ever."Are you ready?" he asks.I nod, though my heart is pounding in my chest. "As ready as I’ll ever be."He offers a slight smile but doesn’t say anything more. He guides me through t

MaerileeI move toward Brook, a smile on my lips as I approach. The grand ballroom is still buzzing with laughter and conversation, but all of that fades into the background as I focus on him. He’s leaning against a wall, arms crossed, his expression detached, almost like he’s observing everything from a distance, like he’s in the room but not really part of it.He glances up as I approach, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment before darting to either side, as if to check if I’m actually heading toward him. The surprise in his gaze is subtle, but it’s there. He wasn’t expecting this. I can’t help but find it a little amusing. Did he really think I wouldn’t notice him, standing off to the side like that?“Brook,” I say, my voice light, as though we’re simply old friends catching up. “You’re hiding over here like you don’t want to be found.”I stop a few steps in front of him, my smile widening just a fraction. He straightens, uncrossing his arms, but he still looks a bit stiff, lik

MaerileeThe rest of the ball seems to drag on forever. My earlier outburst and the whole ordeal with River leaves a sour taste in my mouth, and despite my best efforts to shake it off, I remain testy for the remainder of the evening. The Oceanans have excused themselves for the night, with King Alastair and Queen Lyria offering a brief, tight-lipped promise of a formal apology tomorrow. I can still see River’s embarrassed, red face in my mind, though the satisfaction I initially felt at calling him out has long since faded. Now, I just want the night to end.None of the other guests spark even the slightest interest in me. They all blend into one monotonous sea of faces, false pleasantries, and meaningless small talk. I try to keep up appearances, but my thoughts keep drifting elsewhere, particularly to Brook and Akin. Of all the people I’ve met in my life—nobles, commoners, visiting dignitaries—the only ones I’ve ever felt even a faint connection to have been those two. There’s some

MaerileeNot an hour later, I watch as the council members file into the chamber, the tension from earlier still lingering in the air. I take my place beside my mother as she stands at the head of the long table. Father is seated next to her, his expression nearly unreadable to others, though I can still see the faint humor in his eyes.My gaze sweeps over the gathered advisors, familiar faces who have been part of the council for as long as I can remember. Then, a man I don’t recognize catches my eye. He’s tall, his presence quietly commanding, though he doesn’t seem to be trying to draw attention to himself. His hair is dark, falling just past his shoulders, and even from this distance, there’s something unsettling about his eyes. Who is he?Before I can ask, my mother speaks.“Before we begin,” she addresses them, her calm voice commanding the assembly. “We have a new member of the council I’d like to introduce.”I sit up straighter, curiosity piqued. I glance at the unfamiliar man

MaerileeI throw myself onto my bed, face-first into the pillows, and scream as loudly as I can. My voice muffles into the fabric, but it doesn’t stop the frustration, the disbelief, the absolute rage building in me. My legs kick out violently, my fists pound into the bed, and I keep screaming until my throat feels raw and my chest is burning.River. River. How could this be happening? Of all the people in the world, of all the fae, it’s him? The arrogant, smug River? No. It’s impossible.He can’t be my One, he just can’t.I flip over, grabbing another pillow and pressing it to my face, screaming again. Hot tears burn at the corners of my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. I won’t cry over this. I can’t. But the anger swirling in my chest feels too big, too overwhelming.How could this happen to me?I roll over onto my back, staring up at the ceiling as if I might find answers in the intricate patterns carved there. I don’t know what to think, what to feel.I shove the pillow off the