LOGINKaelor POV:The little flower had survived the night.It shouldn't have meant so much, but it did. After sunrise, the first thing I did was walk over to Eirlys's herb garden. There it stood, exactly where we had planted it together, its tiny white petals already turning toward the morning light like it was reaching for something better.A small smile tugged at my lips before I could stop it."Your Highness."Marcus stepped up beside me, carrying two practice swords. He had that knowing look on his face."I knew I would find you here.""You have become predictable too," I said."I learned from the best," he replied with a grin. He followed my gaze to the little flower. "So... is this what princes do now?""What?""Guard flowers," Marcus said, trying not to laugh."I'm guarding Hope," I told him simply.He paused, then shook his head. "I walked right into that one, didn't I?""You did." He handed me one of the wooden swords, its grip worn smooth from years of use. "The soldiers are al
Eirlys POV:The morning after the archive letter felt strangely lighter. Not because the old pain had disappeared completely, but because it finally had a name. Someone had done this to us. Someone had taken those years from us on purpose.I stepped into my small herb garden as the first warm rays of sunlight touched the mountain air. The lavender needed trimming, and the mint had spread too far again, its fresh green leaves reaching out boldly. Nature did not care about broken hearts or lost letters. It simply kept growing, steady and patient, reminding me that life continued even when everything else felt frozen."You are smiling this morning," a familiar voice said from behind me.I turned around. Kaelor leaned casually against the garden gate, his sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing strong, capable hands that had seen both battle and gentle care. The sunlight caught in his silver eyes, making them shine with quiet warmth."You have started sneaking up on people," I teased
Lady Seraphine Vale POV: The first letter arrived before sunrise. The second came just after breakfast. By noon, there were five more. I read every single report myself, slowly and carefully, turning each page as if the words might change if I rushed them.It was not that I distrusted the royal intelligence office. I simply no longer trusted fate. Not after everything that had happened."The Crown Prince remains in the border village." Again. "He continues to postpone his return." Again. "The child has become attached to the Alpha Warlord." Again. I closed my eyes and pressed my fingers against my temples, trying to ease the steady throb building there. No. Not attached. Family. The word echoed painfully inside my head, refusing to leave no matter how hard I tried to push it away.A soft knock interrupted my thoughts."My Lady?""Come in," I called, keeping my voice steady.My younger sister, Selene Vale, stepped inside carrying a basket of fresh flowers. She was twenty-t
Kaelor POV: The entire walk home, Eirlys never let go of my hand. She held it naturally, not too tight and not shyly, as if she had simply forgotten we were still connected. I certainly was not going to remind her. Every step felt warm and right, like something I had waited years to feel again.Auren skipped ahead of us, proudly carrying a fresh loaf of bread that was nearly as big as his small torso. He kept adjusting his grip so it would not slip.“I bought it!” he announced happily.“You certainly did,” Eirlys said with a bright laugh. “All by yourself too. I am very proud of you.”“The baker gave me one extra roll because I am handsome,” Auren added, puffing out his little chest.I glanced over at Eirlys, trying not to laugh. “He is four.”She shrugged, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “He clearly inherited your confidence.”“I inherited Mama,” Auren called back over his shoulder.“I will accept that,” I replied with a grin.Auren beamed up at both of us. “I inherited both!”W
Lady Seraphine Vale POV: The ride from the border had been brutal. The messenger’s boots were caked in thick mud, and his horse had nearly collapsed from exhaustion by the time they reached the palace. Yet the man had not stopped. He pushed straight through until he stood in my private chambers, breathing hard. “My Lady,” he said, dropping to one knee and lowering his head. “The latest report.” I took the sealed parchment from him without speaking. The wax was still warm and carried the clear mark of the western scouts. Very fresh. I broke the seal and scanned the lines quickly. At first, everything seemed routine. The border village remained secure. No new attacks had been reported. The Alpha Warlord had arrived in person. I frowned when I read the sentence. Alaric had left the capital? That alone was enough to unsettle the entire kingdom. Then my eyes reached the final paragraph. The Crown Prince and the village healer appear… reconciled. My fingers tightened around the parc
Kaelor POV: I woke before dawn, while the world outside still lay wrapped in quiet shadows. For a few peaceful seconds, I lay there staring up at the wooden beams of the cabin ceiling, simply listening to the soft rustle of the wind through the trees. Then a slow smile spread across my face.She had kissed me.Not because some old prophecy or pack duty pushed her into it. Not because anyone had told her she had to forgive me. She had chosen to. It was only one kiss, soft and careful, like she was testing the waters after so much pain. Yet somehow that single moment felt bigger than every hard-won victory I had claimed on any battlefield.A firm knock sounded at the door. Three solid raps. I knew exactly who it was."Come in," I called.Father stepped inside, filling the doorway with his broad frame. One look at my face and one of his thick eyebrows lifted."You're smiling," he said, his voice carrying that familiar mix of surprise and approval."I am," I replied, still grinning a li







