INICIAR SESIÓNRavena's POV
I slowly set down my tea cup, my hands suddenly unsteady. "I am listening, Your Majesty."
She took a deep breath, her fingers tracing the rim of her own cup. "You have served this kingdom with distinction. Your bravery on the battlefield is unmatched. Your loyalty is beyond question. You have proven yourself time and time again."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," I replied, confused. "But I sense there is more you wish to say."
"There is," she nodded, looking out over the gardens with a thoughtful expression. "The king values you greatly. As do I. And so does the entire kingdom."
"Your Majesty, please just tell me what this is about."
She turned back to me, her eyes meeting mine. "The king wishes to marry you."
The words hung in the air like a death sentence and for a moment, I couldn't breathe. Couldn't think. Couldn't process what I had just heard.
"What?" I whispered.
"King Alaric wishes to take yo
Evander’s POVI had been waiting in that courtyard for over an hour. Every passing minute felt like an eternity, and every sound made me tense, wondering if it was her carriage approaching.I leaned against the stone pillar, trying to look casual and relaxed. Like I hadn't just challenged my own brother to a duel that could tear the kingdom apart.Like my entire future did not depend on this conversation.Suddenly, I heard the sound of wheels on stone and the gentle neighing of horses coming closer.I straightened as soon as I saw her carriage, my heart pounding.When the door opened and she stepped out, I forgot how to breathe.I had seen Ravena in armour. In formal military dress. In the simple tunics she wore during training. I had seen her covered in dirt and blood after battle. I had seen her in the elegant gowns she wore to royal functions.But I had never seen her like this.She wore simple clo
Ravena's POVI slowly set down my tea cup, my hands suddenly unsteady. "I am listening, Your Majesty."She took a deep breath, her fingers tracing the rim of her own cup. "You have served this kingdom with distinction. Your bravery on the battlefield is unmatched. Your loyalty is beyond question. You have proven yourself time and time again.""Thank you, Your Majesty," I replied, confused. "But I sense there is more you wish to say.""There is," she nodded, looking out over the gardens with a thoughtful expression. "The king values you greatly. As do I. And so does the entire kingdom.""Your Majesty, please just tell me what this is about."She turned back to me, her eyes meeting mine. "The king wishes to marry you."The words hung in the air like a death sentence and for a moment, I couldn't breathe. Couldn't think. Couldn't process what I had just heard."What?" I whispered."King Alaric wishes to take yo
Ravena's POVThe journey back to Moonveil Pack felt longer than it should have. Every mile seemed to drag on, giving me too much time to think and replay my conversation with Queen Seraphine.But I somehow managed to push the thoughts away as the familiar landscape came into view. Rolling hills, dense forests, and finally, the territory that had been my home since birth.Upon crossing the border, I was shocked by the sight of everything looking completely different.The last time I had been here, it was a scene of devastation. Battle had left its mark with burned buildings, broken fences, and destroyed homes.But now, it was as if the war had never happened. The buildings had been rebuilt, the fences repaired, and the land cleared and restored. Everything looked exactly as it had before the fighting started.I stared in disbelief, my chest tightening with emotion.How had this happened so quickly?As I rode furthe
"Because... because what you are suggesting is wrong," I said, my voice shaking. "She deserves... you are going too far."Alaric leaned back in his chair, a mocking smile playing at his lips. "Am I? Or am I just speaking a truth you did not want to hear?""This isn't about me," I muttered quickly. "This is about her. About what is right.""Is it? Because from where I sit, this seems very much about you."I stared at him, my jaw clenched tight.At that moment, it hit me that he knew.He had known all along.Since the beginning. Since we were children. Since the day I first saw Ravena running through the palace gardens, laughing with her mother.I had been fifteen years old, and she had been nine. And in that second, something inside me had changed.I had made a promise to her mother, Lady Elizabeth, on her deathbed. I had knelt beside her and sworn that when the war ended, I would marry Ravena to protect her
Evanders POV"Are you seriously asking me that?""Yes," he replied with a smile, his tone casual but his eyes sharp. "You are known for your wisdom, are you not? I am seeking your counsel.""Interesting," I said, forcing a light tone. "But I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you."Alaric watched me for a moment longer before turning away and walking back towards the window with his hands still clasped behind his back."I have been thinking about this for quite some time," he started slowly. "About what is best for the kingdom. About what is best for the Lady Ravena."My chest tightened. "And what conclusion have you reached?"He was silent for a moment. Then he spoke, his voice calm and measured. "I intend to marry her myself."A wave of shock suddenly slammed through me. It was cold, brutal, and devastating.I stared at his back, frozen in place. I couldn't even catch my breath."What?" I managed
Evander's POVAlaric stared at me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack.I approached him slowly, reached out and took the broken glass from his bleeding hand. He let me, though his body remained tense.After setting the shattered pieces aside, I grabbed a clean glass from the sideboard and poured fresh whiskey into it, the amber liquid sparkling in the firelight.Then I placed the glass in his hand, gently wrapping his fingers around it."Drink," I whispered. "And just breathe."For a long moment, he just stood there, his gaze shifting between the glass, me, and the empty space around us.Then, slowly, he raised the glass to his lips and took a few sips.I waited patiently and quietly.Finally, he set the glass down and looked at me. His eyes were still hard, still angry, but they were human again."Feeling better?" I asked."No, but I am in control.""Good," I nodded.







