As for the dissenters in the capital, Corvan quickly silenced them. I don’t know how he managed to do that quite so fast, but being a prince of the empire and a well-respected one at that, he has many allies and supporters in Rahava. The full extent of which I’m still discovering.
When it comes to matters of politics and power, Corvan can be tight-lipped, but his influence is far greater than what I’d imagined. There are many that simply don’t care about the rumors or what he looks like now.
It didn’t take long at all for the entire Rahavan Military to pledge loyalty to him. In fact, the military were easier to sway than some of the nobles. It turns out that Corvan and Commander Kaithar Bareem are held in the highest esteem by high-ranking officers and infantry alike.
After all, they protected Rahava’s Northern Border from the fierce Khaturian Tribes.
Most people don’t realize that Corvan and the Khaturians now recognize each others’ power.
Corvan is their Kral.
The Khaturians keep him in check.
And as for Kaithar…
He’s well. Changed, but well. Sylhara took him up into the mountains, to Niize, where Kaithar underwent secret rituals known only to the Khaturians.
I’m told they managed to contain the lycan-magic within his body, stopping him from transforming into a monster.
The only remaining trace of his ordeal is in his eyes—they’ve turned from dark brown to startling amber.
And he’s as jovial and good-natured as ever, ribbing Corvan every chance he gets.
I’m just glad he’s alive and well.
Everything is coming together. I never could have imagined that my life would become so amazing. It’s so different here to the bleak existence I knew in Ruen.
I can hardly believe that once, Ruen was my whole world, and Lucar—the man I used to call my father—used to rule over me.
Ever since he was sent packing, Lucar has been deathly quiet.
At least one of his wishes will be fulfilled, however.
My brothers and Garan are off to Lukiria soon, to start training at the Imperial Knights’ Academy.
They don’t even plan on stopping by Ruen to visit Lucar and Dorava. It seems Aderick and Kastel have had plenty of time to dwell on our family’s toxic dynamics. They’ve seen how a proper castle should be run. Surrounded by tough, honorable men, they’ve started to understand that Lucar’s way 0f doing things is a coward’s way.
My husband-to-be is the complete opposite.
Honorable and fearless. As hard and unyielding as diamond when he needs to be, and kind at all other times.
I’ve truly fallen head-over-heels in love with him.
And today, I’m finally going to marry him.
I’m sitting in a large, plush chair in my quarters, looking out across the rolling hills of Tyron. Soon, I’ll be surrounded by maids who will take me to the bathing chambers to be washed and perfumed and made-up before being dressed in my pale blue gown.
It’ll be a small, intimate wedding. Only family and close friends. My brothers and Garan will be attending. On Corvan’s side, Kaithar, Ciel, and Gerent will witness the ceremony.
Sylhara will be there too, on behalf of all the Khaturians.
Later, there will be a large and lavish celebration, to which the entire castle staff and the residents of Sanzar have been invited. There will be nobles and military personnel from all over Rahava, too, as well as a dignitaries from neighboring kingdoms.
The anticipation dances through me like sunlight on water. Our union is already iron-clad, but I can’t wait to make it official.
A soft knock on the door makes me turn my head. I rise to my feet, sliding my feet into furlined velvet slippers.
“Yes?” I call as I cross the room. “Who is it?”
It can’t be Corvan. He wouldn’t knock.
The door opens. Daron appears, offering me a small bow. He’s dressed in formal attire—a sleek black velvet jacket with long tails, white silk shirt, and sharply tailored trousers. His ginger hair is neatly slicked back. “My lady, I apologize for the intrusion. His Highness requested that I convey a message to you.”
At the merest mention of Corvan, my heartbeat quickens. “What is it, Daron?”
“You have a visitor.”
“A visitor?” My heart flutters wildly.
We weren’t expecting anybody else.
“She’s waiting for you in the garden by the pond.” There’s a note of awe in his voice.
She? Could it be…？
“I’ll be right there, Daron. Just let me get my coat.”
Hurrying, I put on my boots and grab a coat from the antechamber, throwing it over my simple tunic and trousers.
Daron waits patiently. “Would you like me to escort you there, my lady?”
I wave him away. “No need. I know the way.”
Tyron Castle is my home now, after all. I feel perfectly safe within these walls, especially when Corvan’s around. Although he’s been spending a lot of time in the capital as he prepares to officially take the mantle of emperor, he rarely stays there for long, preferring to return home at the day’s end.
It’s quite easy to traverse the empire when you can move at the speed of the wind. Home is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
“Thank you, Daron,” I say. He wears a wide-eyed expression as I pass him, rushing out of my chambers and into the corridor. Of course, they’re my chambers in name more than anything else. Most of the time, I’m ensconced in Corvan’s quarters, and it’s blissful.
My coat flaps behind me as I pass startled servants ferrying all manner of items—from decorative garlands to carts laden with food and bottles of wine.
I exit the castle through a pair of arched doors, making my way down a stone staircase that’s been decorated with verdant garlands of blossoming vines.
I cross the square, passing the barracks and the stables. The few soldiers I encounter salute as I pass. In the distance, I catch Solstice’s whinny of greeting.
I walk faster, stopping just short of breaking into a run.
Until at last, I reach the hidden garden.
I stop, taking a moment to appreciate the transformation.
I haven’t set foot in this place for several weeks. The pond has thawed. The water is a stunning turquoise hue, perfectly still and crystal-clear. It looks like glass. Fallen branches decorate the floor of the pond, covered in emerald moss that gives them a surreal, otherworldly appearance.
A tree on the water’s edge has burst into soft pink blossoms. A delicate fragrance fills the air. Some of the blossoms have scattered across the lake, forming a carpet of pale pink against the startling blue water.
There’s something in the pond that wasn’t there last time—when Corvan and I stood on its frozen surface and shared our very first kiss.
A pavilion has been constructed, attached to an elegant bridge extending from the footpath beside the water. The pavilion is octagonal in shape, made of wood and steel, its curving roof covered in porcelain tiles that are a delicate shade of pale green.
My mouth hangs open. When did Corvan arrange this? And without me even noticing.
Life is full of surprises when the one you’re bonded to can do literally anything.
But the biggest surprise of all is standing in the center of the pavilion, looking out upon the serene waters.
As I approach, she turns around.