LOGINChapter 207The PromiseGianna couldn’t stop laughing as she made her way back toward their chambers, Nolan trailing behind her, still dusted with flour, the apron somehow still tied around his waist despite the disaster he’d left behind in the kitchen.“You know,” she said, glancing back at him with a wide grin, “you can lead armies into battle. You can face down rogue kings and defeat them in single combat. You survived an ancient curse that’s plagued your bloodline for centuries. And yet a simple loaf of bread completely defeated you.”“It wasn’t that simple,” Nolan protested, though a sheepish smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “There were more steps involved than I anticipated.”“It’s bread, Nolan.”“Apparently there’s more to it than just putting things in an oven,” he said, his tone carrying just enough wounded pride to make her laugh even harder.Still, despite the teasing, he carried himself with an odd sort of pride, walking beside her with his chin held high even as f
The morning after arrived soft and golden, sunlight filtering through the curtains in warm streaks across the bed. Gianna stirred slowly, a pleasant soreness settling into muscles that had been thoroughly used the night before, a satisfied warmth still lingering in her chest as the memories of the previous hours drifted through her mind.She reached out instinctively, expecting to find Nolan beside her, and frowned when her hand met only empty sheets, the space where he'd been lying now cool to the touch.Disappointment tugged at her briefly, though she pushed it aside and forced herself upright, stretching carefully before making her way to freshen up. Her stomach growled loudly in the quiet of the room, reminding her how famished she actually was after everything her body had endured over the past several days.Breakfast together sounded perfect. She dressed quickly and made her way out into the corridor, expecting to find Nolan somewhere nearby, perhaps already seated at the table
Gianna could feel the longing woven into every movement of his mouth against hers, a hunger built from weeks of separation, of fear, of nights spent wondering if this moment would ever come again. She kissed him back with the same desperate intensity, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as she pulled him closer.She had missed this. Missed the warmth of his hands against her skin, the weight of him pressed close, the simple, overwhelming reality of being wanted by him after so many nights spent watching his still, cold body and wondering if she would ever feel his touch again.Her hands trailed across his chest, over the muscles she knew so well, and she felt him respond to her touch with a low sound in his throat that sent heat coursing through her entire body. She wanted him. Wanted to feel close to him in every possible way after everything they’d survived to reach this point.And then, suddenly, he pulled back.Gianna blinked, confusion flooding through her at the une
Nolan crossed the courtyard toward Elmund, Gianna following close behind him. The guard straightened immediately upon their approach, his hand moving to his chest in a formal salute out of pure habit.“Your Majesty,” he said. “Lady Gianna. Is everything alright?”“I won’t argue with what my wife just proposed,” Nolan said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Elmund, you’ve served me faithfully for years. Sacrificed more than any man should have to give up in service to another. It’s time you finally took what I offered you weeks ago.”Elmund’s brow furrowed slightly, confusion flickering across his features. “Your Majesty, I don’t understand—”“Go find your woman,” Nolan said simply. “Build the life you deserve. I release you from your duties, effective immediately.”For a moment, Elmund simply stared, as though he couldn’t quite process what he was hearing. Then something shifted in his expression, a warmth breaking through his usual composed exterior.“I already found someone I love
Nolan’s expression tightened at her words, and he shook his head slowly, pulling back just enough to look at her more directly.“Gianna, this isn’t a simple matter,” he said. “The laws against Faes have existed for centuries. Even if I wanted to change them overnight, the council would never agree to such a drastic shift. They’re already unstable after everything that happened while I was unconscious. Introducing something this controversial now could shatter what fragile order remains.”“You’re being selfish,” Gianna said, her voice sharpening despite her attempt to remain calm.Nolan blinked, clearly not expecting such a direct accusation.“You have the power to end this,” she continued, sitting up straighter, pulling slightly away from him so she could meet his eyes properly. “You could issue a decree stopping the killing of Faes. Right now. Today. You have that authority, Nolan, and instead you’re hiding behind excuses about council approval and political stability.”“It’s not tha
Just as she expected, Nolan found her within minutes, his expression concerned as he approached her in the quiet corner of the garden.“Is everything alright?” he asked, taking her hands gently in his own.“Yes,” she said, though the weight in her chest suggested otherwise even as she spoke the word. “I need to talk to you about something important. But not here. Somewhere quiet, away from all the music and celebration.”Nolan’s brow furrowed slightly with worry, and he immediately turned as if to head back toward the courtyard. “I’ll have them end the celebration early, if that’s what you need.”“No,” she said quickly, catching his arm. “Don’t disrupt everyone’s joy for this. We can simply go somewhere else. Just the two of us.”He studied her face for a moment longer before nodding, understanding settling into his expression even without full explanation. “Where would you like to go?”“The lake,” she said softly. “The one you took me to before.”Something flickered across his face a
Gianna turned around slowly.Nolan was still standing by the window, his expression unreadable in the firelight."You found him," she said."I did.""Who was it?""A council member named Broderick. He holds a seat in the lower chamber and oversees trade regulations for the outer markets."Gianna fr
Gianna stood perfectly still, studying his face.He was only agreeing because he needed her blood and he was desperate.The moment the transfer was done, he'd go back to making decisions without her but something in his eyes looked genuine.She decided to trust him one more time.Just once more.Sh
Chapter TwoShe was having the best dream of her life.She didn't know what it was about – just that it was warm, and she was laughing, and nothing hurt.Then she felt eyes on her.Gianna's eyes snapped open.A man was sitting in the chair right beside her bed, close enough that she could see the i
Chapter OneThe gates swung open at dusk. Gianna heard the patrol return before she saw it – boots on gravel, wolves shifting back to skin, the familiar chaos of Valemont's warriors coming home.She was standing on the upper terrace with a glass of wine when she saw Cyrus walk through the main ga







