With a sigh, Alex reaches into the bag and pulls out a coin. Madame Corsavina then offers me the pouch, knowingly handing me a handkerchief to protect me from the copper.
“Well?” she asks once I’ve made my choice. “What did you get?”
Together, we show our coins. Each is embossed with two linked hearts. Full and united.
She smiles, nodding as she opens the bag for us to return the coins. “I’m happy for you both.”
We watch as she disappears up the stairs, both a little bemused. After several seconds, I turn back to Alex. “Where did you find her again?”
“Telling fortunes on the street.”
“Are you certain she’s human?”
He chuckles under his breath, shaking his head. “I’m not certain of anything anymore.”
“I am.”
Turning his eyes on me, Alex cocks his head to the side—looking very much like the boy I met on my birthday. “And what is that?”
“I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Dropping his voice, he says, “You’re certain I’m worth a throne?”
“You’re worth so much more.”
“I have good news for you.” Alex smiles as we leave the theater. Outside, he turns toward the building and gestures toward the marquee. “You only thought you were giving up a kingdom, but I have an empire of my own. Shall we rule it together?”
“I’d like that.” I turn to him. “But next time I sing for your show, I want to be on stage.”
He grins, pressing a kiss to my lips. “Deal.”