Mag-log inIn the weeks that followed the execution, the palace grounds transformed into something Gianna could hardly have imagined possible only months earlier. What had once been quiet, unused fields at the edge of the territory now bustled with activity as Nolan’s council, finally cooperating rather than resisting, oversaw the construction of proper homes for the Fae families continuing to arrive.Gianna spent much of her time among them, her belly now heavy and round, though she refused to let her advancing pregnancy keep her entirely confined to the palace. She walked the growing settlement most mornings, greeting families by name, listening to their stories, learning slowly what it meant to belong to a community she had never known existed until recently.It was during one of these walks that she met Fenna.The older woman approached her cautiously near the edge of the settlement, her hands twisting nervously in the fabric of her skirt, though something steady and assured lived behind her
The council members exchanged uneasy glances, but no one dared challenge her decree a second time. The elder who had spoken first bowed his head slowly.“As the Luna commands,” he said. “It will be carried out.”Nolan reached for Gianna’s hand beneath the table, his thumb brushing gently across her knuckles, a silent acknowledgment of everything she’d just carried on her own shoulders before the entire council. She squeezed back, some of the fury still simmering in her chest even as exhaustion crept in behind it.The meeting dissolved shortly after, the council filing out in subdued silence, and Nolan wasted no time issuing the necessary orders. The execution would take place within three days, enough time to prepare properly, enough time for word to spread among the newly emerging Fae communities so they might witness, if they chose, the justice finally being delivered on their behalf.Gianna didn’t sleep easily that night, her mind turning over everything that had transpired, the we
Gianna sat quietly beside Nolan as he laid out the full scope of the healer’s and Elias’s crimes before the assembled council members, his voice carrying the weight of everything they had endured over these past weeks. The elders listened with grave expressions, murmuring among themselves as the details unfolded, the deception, the manipulation, the attack on Gianna and their unborn child. When Nolan finished, the eldest among them, a silver-haired man who had served the council longer than any other member present, spoke first. “Their offense is punishable under pack law,” he said slowly, his tone carrying the careful deliberation of someone accustomed to weighing consequences. “That much is clear. But Your Majesty, we must consider practical matters as well. Both of them serve the moon goddess in their capacity as healer and librarian. If she dies, who takes her place? Neither of them has a child to inherit her position. We would be left without a healer entirely.” Nolan’s jaw t
Gianna 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
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
Chapter FourCyrus and Pietra said goodbye at the door for four full minutes.Gianna watched from inside the carriage through the small window, arms crossed, expression blank.Pietra had both of Cyrus's hands in hers. She was looking up at him saying something – Gianna couldn't hear it and honestl
Chapter ThreeGetting out of bed took longer than it should have.Evelyn hovered the entire time – hands half-raised, ready to catch her – while Gianna moved carefully, testing each step like she was walking on ice. The lump on her skull had softened slightly overnight but the unpleasant headache







