LOGINGianna pulled back slightly, wiping at her own tears while offering Nolan a teasing smile. “You’re such a big baby,” she said, though her voice carried nothing but affection. “Missing your parents, getting all emotional over a grave visit.”“I’m allowed to miss them,” Nolan protested, though a small smile tugged at his lips despite the lingering wetness in his eyes.“You are,” she agreed, squeezing his hand. “And speaking of which, I want to visit my mother’s grave too.”Nolan nodded immediately, understanding without needing further explanation, and helped her back into the carriage, directing the driver toward the smaller, quieter burial ground where those without royal blood were laid to rest.When they arrived, Nolan gave her space, remaining a respectful distance away as she approached the simple headstone marking her mother’s resting place, the modest carving offering none of the elaborate detail that had adorned Nolan’s mother’s grave, though it held no less significance for th
After their kitchen moment finally settled, Nolan helped her back toward their chambers, his hand steady beneath her elbow as they navigated the corridors. He assisted her with her bath, his movements gentle and unhurried, taking his time washing her hair before helping her from the water, wrapping her carefully in warm towels.Once he’d cleaned himself up as well, joining her in their room, he moved toward the wardrobe with a purposeful air.“Wear something simple,” he said, glancing over his shoulder at her. “I want to take you somewhere special today.”Curiosity sparked immediately, though she didn’t press him for details, trusting whatever surprise he had planned. She selected a light floral dress, comfortable enough to accommodate her growing belly, and once dressed, she followed him out to the waiting carriage.The journey passed pleasantly enough, Nolan pointing out various landmarks along the way, his mood carrying an easy warmth that made the ride enjoyable despite the myster
After their passionate moment finally settled into something quieter, Gianna curled against Nolan’s chest, her fingers idly tracing patterns across his skin as their breathing slowed into a shared, contented rhythm.“Thank you,” she said softly, “for standing up for me tonight. For not hiding what I am, even knowing it might complicate things.”Nolan pressed a kiss into her hair, his arms tightening around her. “I will always stand for you,” he said. “I won’t ever watch you be bullied or diminished, Gianna. Not by council members, not by frightened crowds, not by anyone. That’s a promise I intend to keep for the rest of my life.”She smiled against his chest, warmth spreading through her at his words, and eventually sleep claimed them both, deep and untroubled for the first time in what felt like ages.Gianna woke early the next morning, well before Nolan stirred beside her, and she slipped quietly from the bed, careful not to wake him as she made her way toward the kitchen. The maids
Gianna braced herself, expecting Nolan to soften the moment, to offer some diplomatic reassurance that would smooth over the murmurs of doubt spreading through the crowd. Instead, his shoulders squared, his chin lifted, and when he spoke again, his voice carried an authority that silenced the room instantly.“Yes,” he said, the single word ringing out clear and unapologetic. “You’re right. I would not have considered reintegrating your people into this society if not for my wife.”Gianna’s breath caught. This wasn’t the direction she’d anticipated at all.“She is the one who fought for your freedom,” Nolan continued, his gaze sweeping across the crowd with unwavering conviction. “I did not know, until she showed me, just how many of you remained, hidden away, surviving in fear generation after generation. I did not understand the scope of the injustice my own bloodline helped perpetuate until she forced me to see it clearly.”He turned slightly, his hand still resting against her back
Over the following weeks, Nolan watched with growing astonishment as the number of Faes emerging from hiding continued to swell, far beyond anything he had anticipated when he'd first drafted the bill. Families who had lived in isolated pockets throughout the surrounding territories for generations, individuals who had disguised themselves so thoroughly that even their closest neighbors had never suspected the truth, began arriving in steady streams, until their combined numbers were enough to fill an entire village on their own.He hadn't imagined there could be so many. He had believed, as most did, that centuries of persecution had all but wiped them from existence entirely, leaving only scattered survivors clinging to secrecy in the shadows. To see them now, gathering openly, cautiously hopeful, filled him with a pride he hadn't expected to feel so deeply.Through Gianna, these people, who had lost nearly everything, hope included, were finally finding their purpose again.He deci
Gianna paced the length of their chambers, her arms wrapped tightly around herself despite the warmth of the afternoon sun streaming through the windows."This is going to destroy everything," she said, her voice tight with panic. "If people believe I caused Pietra to lose her child, if they think I'm cruel, heartless, how am I supposed to convince anyone that Faes deserve compassion and freedom? They'll say the very person championing this cause has no mercy in her heart at all.""Gianna." Nolan caught her arm gently as she passed him again, halting her frantic movement. "Calm down. You're spiraling.""I'm not spiraling," she snapped, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her. "I'm being realistic. This could ruin everything."He didn't release her arm. "Breathe," he said simply. "We'll deal with whatever comes."It didn't take long for her fears to prove justified. By the following morning, word reached them that Pietra had begun speaking openly to anyone who would listen, her voi
Cyrus followed Gianna to her room."I'm coming with you," he said.Gianna opened her wardrobe and started pulling out dresses. "No, you're not.""It's improper for a married woman to have dinner alone with the King. I'm your husband. I should be there."She held up a dark green gown, examining it.
Gianna dressed quickly, pulling on a dark cloak that would help her blend into the night.She was halfway down the stairs when Cyrus appeared.He stood at the bottom, watching her descend with narrowed eyes."You're in a hurry," he said.Gianna kept walking."I asked you a question." He stepped int
Nolan stared at her, completely thrown.He'd expected anger when she came here. He'd even expected her to demand an explanation for why he'd issued the declaration without consulting her. He'd expected arguments about boundaries and agreements and the limits of their arrangement.He hadn't expect
Chapter FiveThe King didn't look at her again.He moved to the head of the table, sat, and the entire banquet resumed around him, everyone pretending the last five minutes had been completely normal.Gianna walked back to their seats with Cyrus's hand clamped around her elbow the entire way.He l







