LOGINChapter Sixty-Three: The Faces of the PastThe journey back to the palace was quiet.The strange symbols discovered in the northern forest had placed everyone on alert, but Lynnek couldn't shake the feeling that something else was waiting for her.She simply couldn't have known what.By the time they reached the palace, the sun was already beginning to set.Guards lined the entrance as Miguel and Lynnek stepped through the gates. Kael immediately went to brief the commanders, while Evelyn hurried toward them."There you are."Lynnek smiled."Evelyn."Evelyn looked between Lynnek and Miguel."You were supposed to be resting.""We were.""Until Kael arrived."Evelyn sighed."I knew that peaceful cabin wouldn't last."Lynnek laughed.But before she could answer, a guard approached."My Queen."Lynnek turned."What is it?""There are two visitors waiting in the eastern hall.""Who?"The guard hesitated."They refused to give their names. They said you would recognize them."Something abou
Chapter Sixty-Two: A New MorningMorning arrived quietly at the cabin.Sunlight slipped through the curtains, painting golden lines across the wooden floor. Outside, birds sang from the trees, and somewhere beyond the cabin, the river continued its peaceful journey.Lynnek opened her eyes.For a moment, she simply stared at the ceiling.Then she remembered.The cabin.The river.The treasure hunt.Her conversation with Miguel.Their night of pleasure. And the decision she had finally made.She had chosen to give herself another chance.Not because someone had forced her.Not because her grief had disappeared.But because, after everything she had survived, she wanted to believe that happiness could still belong to her.Lynnek slowly sat up, her waist aching a little.Miguel was already awake, standing near the window with two cups in his hands.He turned when he noticed her."Good morning."She smiled."Good morning."He walked toward her and handed her one of the cups."What is this
Chapter Fifty-One: The Long-Awaited NightThe cabin had never felt so quiet.Lynnek stood by the window, watching the last rays of sunlight disappear behind the trees. The river beyond the cabin reflected the fading sky, its gentle sound carrying through the open window.For the first time in months, she wasn't thinking about war.She wasn't thinking about the throne.She wasn't thinking about the blood that had been spilled or the child she had lost.She was simply thinking about Miguel.Behind her, he was arranging the food Evelyn had left for them.The picnic basket had been filled with far too much food, fruit, bread, roasted meat, pastries, and a bottle of something Evelyn had described as a "special evening drink."Lynnek smiled."Evelyn really doesn't know when to stop."Miguel chuckled."That's one of her greatest talents."Lynnek turned around.Their eyes met.Something quiet passed between them.For months, Miguel had been careful around her.He never demanded answers.Never
Chapter Sixty: The Treasure HuntThe note lay between Lynnek and Miguel on the breakfast table.Neither of them spoke for several seconds.Lynnek picked it up again and read it for the third time.Follow the path where the morning light touches the river.Your first clue waits beneath the oldest tree.Trust your eyes.Trust your companion.And don't give up.She lowered the paper slowly.“This is suspicious.”Miguel raised an eyebrow. “Suspicious?”“Very.”“Why?”“Because whoever wrote this knows exactly where we are.”Miguel looked toward the window.The cabin stood far from the palace, surrounded by trees and hills. They had told almost no one about their plans.Except, of course…“Evelyn,” they said together.They burst out laughing.“I knew it,” Lynnek said. “That woman cannot stay out of our business.”Miguel folded his arms. “Should we ignore it?”Lynnek looked at the note.Then at him.“No.”A smile appeared on her face.“We're going treasure hunting.”---They followed the pat
Breakfast and MischiefLynnek woke to the smell of grilled meat.Her eyes opened slowly.For a moment, she forgot where she was.Then she remembered the cabin.The peaceful forest.The river.And the fact that, for once, there was nowhere she needed to be.Her stomach rumbled loudly.Lynnek frowned."Traitor."She climbed out of bed and followed the delicious aroma through the cabin.The smell became stronger near the kitchen.When she entered, she stopped.Broad shoulders, sweat glistened skin A waistline worth drooling over. She unconsciously swallowed her saliva.Miguel stood at the stove wearing an apron, carefully turning pieces of grilled meat in a pan.Lynnek stared at him."Do you like what you see, your eyes might file a law suit if it loses it eyeballs".Miguel said cockily"Since when do you cook?"Lynne
By the RiverThe river ran quietly through the forest, catching the golden light of the setting sun.Lynnek sat on a smooth rock near the bank, watching the water move around her feet.For the first time in months, there were no council meetings waiting for her.No messengers.No battle reports.No responsibilities.Just peace.Miguel approached from behind, carrying two cups of warm tea."You disappeared."Lynnek smiled."I needed somewhere quiet."He handed her one of the cups and sat beside her."Then I suppose I found the right place."She looked at him."You always find me.""You're not very difficult to find.""How?""You leave flowers everywhere you go."Lynnek laughed."I do not."Miguel pointed toward the path behind them.She looked.A trail of small white flowers had f







