Mag-log inEvanders 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.
Evander's POVThe banquet was winding down. People were still laughing and drinking, but the energy had changed. The lively celebration was giving way to something… quieter.As I stood by the head table, watching Ravena leave with the servant, my chest felt tight.I did not like not knowing what they were discussing. But I forced myself to stay calm."Evander."I turned to see my brother standing beside me. His expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp and observant."It looks like mother is quite interested in the young princess," he remarked casually.I nodded slowly. "It certainly seems so.""She has been asking about her," Alaric continued. "About her accomplishments. Her character. Her future."I felt a knot form in my jaw. "Has she, now?”"Yes," he smirked. “I imagine they are having quite the conversation right now."I said nothing. Just stared across the room, my
Ravena's POVQueen Seraphine leaned forward slightly, her expression gentle but serious. "Marriage, Ravena. It is time to think about marriage."My heart immediately sank and everything inside me went cold."Marriage?""Yes, you are at the perfect age. You have status. You have influence. A strategic marriage could strengthen your position and secure your family's legacy for years to come.”I was taken aback, my thoughts swirling.She wanted me to get married again?"I… uhmm I have no intention of getting married," I whispered, keeping my voice calm despite the storm raging inside me. "Not now. Not anytime soon."Seraphine's expression did not change. She just watched me with those knowing eyes."I understand your hesitation," she said gently. "After what happened with Lucien, it is natural to be cautious. But not all marriages are the same, Ravena. Not all men are like him."“I kn
Ravena's POVI turned to Evander, expecting to see understanding or maybe even reassurance. But instead, his face had gone completely still. His jaw was tight, and his eyes suddenly hard."What does my mother want?" he asked, his voice sharp enough to startle the servant.The girl stepped back slightly, her eyes wide with fear. "I... I don't know, Your Highness. She only said it was urgent.""And she didn't say why?""No, Your Highness," the servant stammered. "She just asked me to bring Princess Ravena to her."“You should have…”"Evander," I interrupted quietly, reaching out to touch his arm. "It’s fine."He looked at me, his eyes still hard. "You don't know that.""I know that you are scaring the poor girl," I teased, nodding towards the servant who looked like she was about to cry. "There is no need to interrogate her. She is just doing her job."Evander's jaw clenched ti
Ravena's POVI leaned back in my chair, letting the noise of the banquet wash over me. The laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. It all felt distant, like I was watching it from somewhere far away.My eyes drifted across the room, taking in faces. Officials. Warriors. People I knew and people I did not. All of them celebrating. All of them happy.And then my gaze landed on Garrick Throne.He stood near the entrance, his face red and twisted with rage. His eyes swept the room until they found me. And when they did, they burned.Pure hatred.I met his gaze without flinching. Without emotion. Just stared back at him, calm and unbothered.For a moment, we just looked at each other. A silent battle of wills.Then I saw the hesitation and the fear.His eyes flicked to King Alaric sitting beside me. Then to Prince Evander on my other side. Then back to me.It was clear he wanted to confront me. I co







