“You missed lunch, so I came looking for you.”
I close my book and look around for something to tell me the time, but I already know there isn’t a clock. Galen leans toward me, resting his elbows on his knees.
“I got so wrapped up in reading that I lost track of time.” I rub my eyes, trying to re-adjust to the contrast of the bright day and the soft light of the indoor library.My vision is fuzzy from being focused on the page for so long.
“A maid said she saw you, so no one was too worried that a sea monster had carried you off. Glad someone tended to you.” With a wink, he gestures at a plate next to me with a half-eaten sandwich and a mug of what I assume to be hot chocolate, from the whipped cream remnants on the brim.I don’t even remember this food showing up, just that my stomach grumbled, and there it was.
“Well, thanks for this,” I say, grabbing the sandwich and taking another bite.
He nods, then just stares at me.
“You know that’s both rude and distracting, staring. I’m not loving this whole watching-me-eat thing.”
He flashes a full toothy smile. “Would you believe me if I said I’m watching because I missed you?”
I consider his words, keeping my face blank. “Why don’t you and Essos get along?”
Galen stares at me, his golden eyes flickering then going dark. I can see him contemplating how to proceed. His face, which is usually bright and open, shutters, turning off all emotion. “Why do most men fight? It was over a girl.”
I sit up, unfurling from my seat to stretch an ache from my legs. I must have been curled up for hours, judging by the way my knees creak. I try not to show my interest in this subject, but I’m dying for him to continue. Maybedyingis the wrong choice of words—I’meagerfor him to continue.
“Can you tell me about the girl?” The room is dead silent as I wait for his response.
He shifts, looking uncomfortable, almost sad. He glances toward where the maid was earlier, but we’re alone.
“I fell in love with a girl. She was smart and funny and witty. Given how unusual my family is, I kept her from them, holding on to my own little spark of heaven for myself.” He gives a half laugh, looking away from me to the garden.
I follow his gaze and see Essos with Zara, his hands folded behind his back as they walk. So much for this being our time alone to commit important details to memory.
“I fell in love, and my big brother decided that he was in love with her too, and so he pursued her. He could have and was with anyone who caught his eye, but he wanted her.” Galen rubs his mouth, standing then and pacing to the window to watch his brother. “He was relentless, and it was like every time she said no, it made him want her more. Even after we were married, he didn’t stop, until he took her from me the only way he could.” He pauses, getting choked up. “He took her soul.”
My heart twists when I hear the pain in his voice. I try to remember falling in love with him, to remember the life we once had, but all I can access are the memories he’s gifted me. He doesn’t have to do this, clue me in to what my past self experienced, but he is. I walk to him and tentatively touch his shoulder. It takes a moment before I get flashes, not of one memory, but many—kisses that seem to span a thousand years, embraces, and joyful laughs. I see intimate moments where our love seems to pulse through the room. With each glimpse of that life, I have the impression of having a partner by my side, though I don’t see his face clearly. The loss of a love so profound has to be heartbreaking, and it makes tears prick my eyes for what Galen must have gone through.
When the flashes end, I hug him tight. I expect the feel of his arms around me to be familiar, but it’s not. Maybe these memories can only go so far—I’m no longer that woman, after all. I let go and step back from him. I want to know thehowof all this, but he already seems distraught.
“Why can you tell me now, but you couldn’t before?”
He smiles ruefully. “The wording of your questions matters.”
I nod, contemplating what to ask next. “Has Essos kept us apart?”
He grins broadly. “That’s my girl.” He cups my face and rubs his thumb over my cheek. “Yes. As King of the Underworld, he held your soul until he wanted to release it. I don’t know why he decided to release it now, but he did. Maybe he was hoping I wouldn’t see when it happened. He almost succeeded.” He presses his forehead to mine.“But I came here, and I felt you, and I knew that you were waiting for me to get you. Nothing can keep me from you—not time, and not my brother.”
I think he’s going to kiss me, and he almost does. His nose nudges my face, and I can feel his hot breath on my mouth. I part my lips, tilting my head up to him, but he steps away from me before it goes any further.My knees nearly buckle under me in relief. I have too many unknowns to kiss him right now, chief among them, what would happen to the Calling if I did. What would happen to Cat? As badly as I want answers, I’m not willing to risk my best friend.
“I don’t know what game he’s playing by having you in the Calling, but we can’t let him win. I promised you I would protect you, and I will. You just need to make it to the ball.”
“What’s so special about the Calling Ball?” I ask, hugging myself. I’m glad I brought a sweater with me, because I’m chilled to my core. Finn has also told me to wait until the ball for answers.
“That’s when he’ll choose his new queen, but she has to accept in front of all of us. It’s a long night, but I promise, if you make it til then, we will be home free.”
I sit back down, shaking my head. “I’m sorry, this is just a lot of information, and I just don’t—” Words fail me.
“I know that you need space to figure this out on your own, and I know that you need to find your own way to trust me, but I’m not going anywhere without you. I will be here every day, every step of the way. I hope you can find a way to trust that and the feelings in your memories.”
The sound of a door closing pulls our attention away.
“Let me give you one parting memory,” he whispers, and I nod.