The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 218

Two Days-2

Claim

“But the bond-”

“The bond doesn’t care about political matches. You know that. Plus, there was no guarantee when the Messenger would appear or if a match would-be identified for him.”

Iva had felt a shudder cross her body-a cold, terrible tremor that started at the base of her spine and radiated outward.

“Poor Lori,” she had thought. “Poor, sweet, kind Lori.”

She had prayed in that moment-prayed to the Goddess, to the moon, to any power that might be listening -that her best friend would not undergo the pain she herself had felt with Nick. The rejection. The humiliation. The slow, agonizing death of hope.

“We’ll figure it out,” Caleb had said. “Together. Don’t tell her about the fiancé or his engagement, even if she is your best friend. This is between them, let them sort it out.”

–

Now, sitting across from Lori in the bright morning light, Iva pushed those memories aside. She forced a smile onto her face and reached across the table to take her friend’s hand.

“Caleb will tell him,” she said. “In two days. Once he’s here. And then… we’ll see.”

Lori’s eyes searched her face. “You’re not telling me something.”

“What? No. I’m telling you everything.”

“Your left eye is twitching.”

Iva’s hand flew to her face. “It is not.”

“It absolutely is.” Lori pulled her hand free and crossed her arms. “You’re hiding something. I can always tell.”

Iva’s heart pounded. She couldn’t tell her about the engagement. Not yet. Not when Lori was still reeling from the initial shock. Not when she was still trying to get used to the idea of being mated to the headmaster at all.

The engagement would break her.

“It’s nothing,” Iva said. “I’m just… nervous for you, for both or you actually. About how he’ll react. About all of it. Plus, I am still getting used with my new role and how to act accordingly.”

Lori studied her for a long moment. Then she nodded slowly.

“Okay,” she said. “I’ll believe you. For now.”

“Thank you.”

Lori picked up her toast again, and they sat in companionable silence, watching the canteen fill with students. The morning rush was in full swing now-people laughing, arguing, gossiping, living their ordinary

13

Two Day –

lives completely unaware of the bombshell that was about to drop on their headmaster.

Iva, Lori said quietly after some time.

“Yes?”

“What if he doesn’t want me?”

The question was soft, vulnerable, stripped of all pretense. Iva looked at her friend-really looked-and saw the fear beneath the calm mask.

“Then he’s a fool,” Iva said.

Lori’s lips twitched as she whispered. “You can’t curse the headmaster.”

+

“I’m the future crown princess. I can threaten whoever I want.”

Lori laughed-a real laugh, surprised and genuine. The sound warmed iva’s chest.

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe. But I’m also right.”

They finished their breakfast as the bell rang, signaling the start of classes. Lori stood, slinging her bag over her shoulder, and Iva followed suit.

“Two days,” Lori said, as if testing the words on her tongue.

“Two days,” Iva confirmed.

Lori nodded, her jaw setting with determination. “Then I have two days to prepare.”

“Prepare for what?”

Lori’s eyes met hers. “To meet my mate. Even if he doesn’t want me. Even if he rejects me. I’m going to walk into that room with my head held high and my heart open. Because that’s who I am. That’s who the Goddess chose. And I refuse to be ashamed of it.”

Iva’s eyes burned with unshed tears.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify