LOGINSeptember 22, 2026. Chapters 2-2. Thank you for waiting. the next update is tomorrow.
~ Elara ~They were nearing Westfall, but they still spent a second night on the road.Like the last, Elara and Kael conversed with Prince Corvin and his wife. Elara listened carefully as Kael inquired about the Crown’s standing.“How is His Majesty Osric doing?” Kael asked while giving Elara her slice of meat.The warriors had earlier hunted in the woods and were able to bring back two hares. That was their dinner for the evening.“He is not doing well. The healers are doing their best to keep him alive,” Prince Corvin said. “The kingdom is worried about the succession. That was why my older brother had hoped for your cooperation, Prince Kael…”“And you already know that was impossible,” Kael interrupted, a hint of irritation in his voice.“I know,” Prince Corvin laughed.“And you don’t have to,” Princess Rosaline made it clear.Elara understood quickly. After all, in her past life, King Aldric had repeatedly pressured Kael to marry into Westfall’s Crown. She put her bowl down and sa
~ Elara ~*Road to Westfall*“Kael, what do you know of my parents’ deaths?” Elara asked, looking at her husband.They were still on the road to Westfall, traveling by carriage. With only the two of them inside, they finally had a moment to speak privately without the others overhearing.The sun was up, but the trees shaded their snowy path. The closer they came to the neighboring kingdom, the colder Elara felt.She pulled her cloak tighter around her while waiting for Kael’s answer.“The same information as you,” Kael answered, pulling her closer against his chest. “They were attacked before reaching the Whispering Forest.”“It was an ambush,” he said, trying to soften his voice, as though gentler words could lessen Elara’s pain.“What I don’t understand is why they were sent to investigate the frost when so much was already known about it at the time,” Elara muttered. “There was simply no way to stop it.”“I have wondered the same,” Kael said. “But over the years, Father has sent wa
~ Elara ~“Would you like some eggs?” Kael offered her a few warm, boiled eggs. He had ordered his warriors to warm some of the eggs in boiling water so everyone could have something more substantial along with the vegetable stew.Elara nodded, and to her surprise, Kael began peeling the eggs for her.She smiled and leaned against his shoulder before kissing his cheek.Kael narrowed his eyes at her as he handed her the first egg, but said nothing. Elara knew that look. He was probably annoyed by her constant affection, but at least he had learned not to complain about it.“When I learned that the brides had been switched, I was concerned,” Prince Corvin commented. “But seeing you both, I can see that the decision is only right.”“You must be true mates,” he said.“I thought so too.” Princess Rosaline smiled.Everyone was already in the middle of their late dinner.The night had grown colder. Tall trees surrounded them, and the bright moon lit the snow-covered ground. The warmth from th
~ Elara ~*Road to Westfall*The journey from Mooncrest began with a small royal convoy.Three carriages traveled together along the road, one carrying Elara and Kael, while the other two carried the Prince Regent of Westfall and his wife, along with their maids and attendants. Four of Kael’s warriors from Frostfang rode on horseback around the convoy, while four Westfall warriors rode alongside their royal couple.They traveled north from Mooncrest, following the road along the borders of Ironwood Territory. The journey was quiet, with the dense forests of Ironwood stretching beside them as they continued toward Westfall.As they reached the point where the road turned west, the convoy left the main path and followed the route leading deeper toward Westfall. By then, the moon had already risen high in the sky, and they decided to stop for the night near the woods along the road.Kael had built two fires, one for cooking and another to keep everyone warm. Kael’s warriors made camp whi
~ Elowen ~*Mooncrest Castle*Elowen walked beside King Aldric into the courtyard, where the visiting royal couples were preparing to depart.Carriages stood ready beneath the morning sun, with royal guards loading the last of the luggage. Prince Dorian and Princess Audrey were preparing to return to Valea, while Prince Regent Corvin Lorent and his wife were making ready for their journey home to Westfall.Cassian and Mira were there as well. They were exchanging pleasantries with Prince Dorian and Princess Audrey. Aldric was speaking to Prince Corvin at the moment. Elowen's gaze soon found Elara standing beside Kael.A smile touched her lips.She approached them and took Elara's hands in hers. “I am so happy, Elara. And I am grateful that you have chosen to do what is best for the realm. The knowledge you have uncovered about the Firebloods could change the fate of all our kingdoms.”Elara was taken aback by her approach. It was obvious from the way she stepped back, but very quickly
~ Kael ~*Gilded Chalice, Mooncrest*Two days passed.Kael and Elara had returned from Frostfang, where they had left Isolde at Frostfang Keep. That same evening, they met with Prince Dorian and his wife.The Valean royal couple had extended their stay in Asteria so Dorian could give Kael a proper celebration after his marriage. They spent the evening drinking in a private chamber at the Gilded Chalice.From his seat, Dorian looked Kael up and down. “You look different.”Kael frowned and said dryly, “How?”“Married suits you,” Dorian suggested before taking a sip of his wine.While Princess Audrey laughed, Kael scoffed. “I am still the same man.”“Of course,” Dorian answered. “You are simply the same man with a wife now.”Kael sighed, irritated. “Moon Goddess, give me patience.”“Patience was never your good quality,” Dorian teased. “But you wouldn’t dare hurt me in front of your wife.”“He won’t, Your Highness,” Elara assured Dorian.Then Elara wrapped her arms around Kael’s biceps. S







