“I really like her and I will treat her like a princess. Well not a princess because she would probably stab me if I did that. Treat her like a warrior is probably more appropriate,” Ward rambles.

It makes Haze want to melt with how sweet he is being but also laugh like a hyena at the same time. He’s being ridiculous. She approves of him already. Maybe even before Nova liked him.

Ward is constantly in motion. His hand on his neck, it’s his nervous tick. His foot taps in a fast rhythm that probably matches his heart beat.

Part of her wonders how long he’ll go like this if she doesn’t say anything, but the poor thing doesn’t need to suffer.

“Ward, I don’t know what you’re asking me, but the answer is yes,” she says.

His mouth falls open quite comically. A fly could just waltz right in and he probably wouldn’t notice.

Finally he shakes his head, shaking off his shock like a dog shaking off water. “Really? Just like that?”

Haze doesn’t get why he is so surprised.

These castle people are confusing. Everything is so complicated to them. But it doesn’t have to be. To her, Nova and Ward make sense. It’s that simple.

Animals just go by instinct. Don’t overthink or anything. Why can’t humans just do that?

“I approve of you. You make her happy. That’s all that matters to me.”

“You don’t want to ask me any questions?” He asks. What a curious cat, he is.

Questions? Geez, Ward is more anxious about this than she realized. He must really like Nova. “Like what? Would you like me to ask you something?”

Shrugging, he nods. “Sure. If you think of something.” His movements are exaggerated. Like a strutting bird.

He’s an open flower, petals outstretched towards her sister. Easy to admire and even easier to read.

“Why do you like her?” Haze decides to ask. Give him a basic one. Maybe he won’t stress as much then.

A glazed over look takes over his eyes. Like he sees the most beautiful sight. And maybe he is. “Where do I start?”

“From the first chapter would be nice,” she comments.

They are on the second floor, and he stops at a window. He leans his forearms on the ledge and gazes down at the training grounds. Haze peeks over his shoulder and spots her sister.

Nova is effortless to see. She shines. Not literally, but she has this magnetic presence. One’s eyes are just drawn to her, especially when training. Watching her sister work with a sword, she can understand why Ward called Nova’s fighting ability Starshine.

“She is fiery. A burning flame that burns everlasting. She is strong. Her Starshine legitimately mesmerizes me. She will fight for what’s right no matter. No matter the challenge or obstacle. If you gain her trust, she will be by your side. She is everything.”

While Ward’s attention is on Nova, Haze’s is focused on him. Glassy, wide eyes. Unconscious smile. Totally relaxed state when talking about Nova. He is love struck.

He is a flower and she is the sun.

“You are the ground,” she tells him. He manages to rip his eyes from her sister to give her a questioning glance. “Is that a compliment?” He asks, amused by the short but confusing statement.

“Yes,” she answers simply.

His raised eyebrow indicates he wants her to continue. She pretends to think about it but expands shortly after.

“You are the ground underneath her feet. We’ve grown up with a lot of instability, Ward. You can’t expect anything to stay the same in the Wild Thicket. We’ve always been each other’s rock. To lean on when we need to. But you are the constant ground. You make her feel secure. Safe.”

Maybe Haze had it wrong before because the grin he gives her is so sunny that she might have to shield her eyes.

Turning his weight on his left elbow, he faces her fully. “I want to be with her and I want your blessing. Because I know you are the person most important to her. The person she trusts the most,” he confesses.

Sweet like a fresh bunch of grapes.

Taking his hand that remained on the ledge, she says in an overly proper tone, “Of course, Ward. I humbly give you my blessing.”

She drops the polite voice and cocks her head to the side, indicating towards Nova. “Go ask my sister on a date now.”

“You are the epitome of kindness, Haze,” he pauses to think of a second and then continues, “Maybe take your own advice and have a chat with Aziza.”

A cheeky glint is in his eyes.

With a glare that doesn’t hold any malice, she says, “Don’t push it.”

“Noted.” Stepping away from the window, he makes sure Nova is still where she was last and begins to walk in that direction.

Having had to see their weird mating dance for weeks now, Haze can’t wait for them to be officially together. One more moment seems too long.

Haze waves her hand, purple light dust fluttering through her fingers. The light encases Ward and he appears near Nova in a puff of lavender smoke.

Leaning out the window, she can see him shake his head, probably from the disorientation and then whip his head up to where she is. She waves, wiggling her fingers with the lavender glow.

Nova doesn’t even blink at his sudden appearance, just holds up her sword and goads him into a fight.

When they begin sparring, she can see their lips moving. They’re talking.

Haze turns and walks away. She doesn’t need to see the rest to know what’ll happen next.