Azaleena. Goddess of Spring. Just her name could make a flowers smell sweeter.

I felt sick. “You… What?”

Arius still wouldn’t meet my gaze. “I’m marrying her.” He repeated. “Tomorrow.”

Tomorrow.

No! I wanted to scream. No! You were supposed to marry me!

I tried to say something, but my mouth was too dry to form words.

“The wedding is being held in her mother’s garden.” Arius explained, unaware of my distress. “It’s open air, so you can come, if you want.”

“Thanks.” I managed.

He gave me a light kiss on my forehead. “If it doesn’t work out with that spirit, remember to send her my way.”

And then he was gone. Gone off to be with Azaleena. Who could actually go down to his castle.

I hated her.

It didn’t take long for Breri to return with the verdict.

Harriet had followed Lune’s hunt because one of her archery students had joined it and she didn’t think she was ready. The beast had attacked and Harriet had stepped in front of her student, despite having never shot at an animal in her life.

Not only was she a hero, she was a martyr.

I whistled and four stars joined the constellation, completing her bow. She shimmered, then blinked and looked around. “Where…?”

“You’re a constellation now.” I told her, holding out my hand. “I will show you to your new home.”

When she looked at me, I could almost see the tears in her eyes. “Lune…”

“Lune sent you here.” I tried to keep my voice level and professional, but I was having a bad day and I never liked explaining things to new constellations. She looked so heartbroken, I felt a little pity for her. “If you shine brightly, Lune will look up and see you.”

Breri snickered, but Harriet’s stars shone brighter. She followed me through the sky and stood where I told her to, her bow raised. She shimmered again and her spirit was absorbed into the stars.

“I love watching you work.” Breri said. “Cel, will you grant my wish.”

I rolled my eyes. “I only grant the wishes of mortals.” I reminded him. “Make your own wishes come true.”

He pouted, but his wings flapped and he drifted away. When he was finally back on the ground, I felt tears spill from my eyes.

I collapsed into the Little Dipper and sobbed.

Cyrus had made sure to shine the sun extra bright for the wedding. Zephyr kept watch on the sky constantly, making sure no clouds drifted in.

I stared at the ground through the entire ceremony. I studied everyone’s shoes, painfully aware I was the only one who didn’t wear any. Some of the other minor Gods and Goddesses wore different clothes to what they usually wore. I’d tried to change, and found I was stuck with my star-studded dress. I tried to take comfort it that, knowing I wouldn’t have been able to wear the bridal dress anyway.

But when I’d seen Azaleena, I’d cried. She was getting everything I’d ever wanted, and she was doing it beautifully.

She had a crown of her spring flowers on her head. I looked at every bloom and didn’t see any buttercups. I was glad. Those had been my flower in our garden. Then I remembered it wasn’t our garden anymore. Azaleena had probably overrun it with her own flowers already.

After the ceremony we all lined up to give Arius and his bride our blessings. I stood in the back, wondering if I’d be able to slip away without giving anything. But I just sighed and, when it was my turn, I stepped forward.

Arius looked happy and it hurt my heart. He smiled at me and thanked me for coming.

Azaleena gave me a hug as if we were old friends, even though this was the first time we’d met.

I held out my hand, palm up, and they stared at the bare skin. Two stars fell from the sky, each on a string of solidified stardust.

“I wish you both happiness.” I said because that’s what you say at weddings.

Azaleena’s eyes lit up as she cupped the stars in her hands. “They’re beautiful!”

“Not as beautiful as you.” Arius cooed.

I wanted to take them back. Of course they were more beautiful. They were pure wishing stars.

I walked away before I could do something rash. Everyone was enjoying themselves and didn’t notice when I floated away.

Back among my stars, I cried. I threw a wishing star too fast. It came around too quickly, only carrying one wish on it.

“I wish to be an astronaught when I grow up.” A little boy’s voice came off the star, full of passion.

I smiled and sent him a blessing, granting him perfect eyesight and luck in school.

I held a blank star against my chest, letting my tears soak into it. I’ll grant every wish. I vowed. Every with except my own.

My only wish, that will never come true.