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Chapter X : The Shape of Old Wounds and the Softness of New Trust

Author: Intana Meisya
last update Last Updated: 2025-08-03 22:39:35

Rebecca's POV

It was nearly dusk by the time the tailors finally left, trailing silk threads and unsolicited opinions in their wake.

I collapsed face-first into the bed the moment the door shut, groaning into the pillow like I’d just survived a battlefield instead of a fitting.

I was still recovering—physically and emotionally—when there was a sharp knock at the door.

I groaned. "If that’s another sleeve emergency, I swear—"

But it wasn’t a tailor. One of Gideon’s guards stood in the doorway, spine straight, eyes forward.

“Miss Rosewyn,” He said, bowing slightly. “Commander Malik sends his apologies. He was unable to return to quarters and instructed me to inform you directly.”

I sat up a little straighter, blinking at the guard’s words. “Where is he?”

“Training yard, Miss.”

Gideon had sent word this time. Told me where he’d gone. That was new—and it twisted something in my chest I wasn’t ready to name.

Was it because he didn’t want another misunderstanding?

“Can you take m
Intana Meisya

Finally, Chapter 10. A quieter one—but it’s one of my favorites. Sometimes, the soft moments speak the loudest. Thank you for reading. 💛

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  • The Knight's Claimed Bride    Chapter XXIII : Where the Commander Speaks of War and the Wives Speak of Waiting

    Rebecca’s POV The words lingered between us, heavy enough to choke the air. Gideon didn’t move, didn’t blink—just stood there like a verdict waiting to be spoken. When his voice finally came, it was low and unyielding. “I’ve come to a decision," A chill rippled through me. “What kind of decision?” “You need training,” I blinked. “Training?” “At dawn tomorrow. In the yard.” His voice was final, clipped. “I’ll teach you.” “You think I can fight?” I asked, my voice catching between disbelief and a laugh that didn’t quite make it out. “You need to fight,” Gideon corrected. “Not like a knight. But enough to keep yourself standing if—” He broke off, jaw locking. “If I’m not there.” The words sliced sharper than his blade ever could. I folded my arms, though it felt more like holding myself together. “You’re always there.” His eyes softened, for only a flicker. “I try to be.” The way Gideon said it—quiet, like it was some confession he shouldn’t make—settled in my chest, heavy an

  • The Knight's Claimed Bride    Chapter XXII : Silent Blades and Stifled Voices

    Rebecca’s POV “You always do this,” I whispered. Gideon’s eyes narrowed, though his voice stayed infuriatingly calm. “Do what?” “You act like I should be grateful. Like I should wear these chains and smile. You don’t even ask me what I want—you just decide for me.” My chest was tight, my voice trembling. “That’s what the Queen does, Gideon. And when you act like this, you sound just like her.” Something flickered dangerously in his eyes. “Don’t compare me to her.” “Then stop making me feel like I don’t get to want anything,” I shot back, fists clenched. “I didn’t ask for this—no. But I didn’t ask for you to choose everything for me, either.” His silence was heavier than shouting. His body was iron, but his eyes burned like fire. Finally, his voice came low and sharp: “If I hadn’t decided, Rebecca, you’d be dead by now.” The truth of it knocked the air from me. The Queen. The love potion. Kalali Vierent’s arrow—and the bruises she left on my wrist. Every moment since this began

  • The Knight's Claimed Bride    Chapter XXI : Whispers of Arrows and Heartbeats Between Shadows

    Rebecca’s POV The air between us lingered, taut and delicate, lavender and mint sharp in my lungs. But the sun was slipping, turning the edges of Blackthorn Hall gold, and with it came the reminder of where we had to return. “We should go,” Gideon said at last, though his voice was reluctant, like he’d rather anchor himself here with me in this forgotten garden. I brushed dirt from my fingers. “Back to the palace.” His jaw tightened. “Yes. Before nightfall.” Neither of us moved right away. I only realized I was still holding his hand when his thumb brushed once against mine, unthinking, like a man caught between letting go and refusing to. At last, Gideon released me. “Come,” He said quietly. We walked back through the hallways, the silence not empty but weighted, full of what hadn’t been said. The house felt different now—less imposing, less sharp. Maybe it was me, maybe it was him, but it seemed to breathe easier. Maeryn was waiting in the foyer, her hands clasped in front o

  • The Knight's Claimed Bride    Chapter XX : Of Fathers Unnamed and Mothers Remembered

    Rebecca's POV The walk back to the house felt different—lighter in some ways, heavier in others. I kept close to Gideon, his arm brushing mine, the warmth of him radiating quietly, almost deliberately. The courtyard seemed less intimidating now, the polished stones gleaming under the afternoon sun rather than threatening in their orderliness. Maeryn emerged from the house steps, arms crossed, giving me a careful once-over. “I trust the graves are in order?” She asked. Her voice carried that same sharpness that hinted at years of managing both the house and the temper of the Knight Commander. “They’re perfect,” I said softly, brushing imaginary dust from my skirt. Her gaze flicked to Gideon, and I saw the faintest twitch of a smile at the corner of her lips. “Then perhaps we can move to refreshments. Commander, Miss Rosewyn is welcome in the house.” Gideon inclined his head, almost imperceptibly, but it was enough. The way he moved—so controlled, so deliberate—made every step see

  • The Knight's Claimed Bride    Chapter XIX : Lilies and Blackthorn

    Rebecca’s POV The courtyard slowly began to quiet as the children scattered, each carrying their prizes like treasure. Mrs. Barbara busied herself with Gideon’s men, tallying the supplies his funds had purchased and murmuring in approval over the crates of goods. I lingered near the steps, brushing stray strands of hair out of my face where the girls’ braids had loosened, watching Gideon from the corner of my eye. He was crouched near the wagon, speaking to one of the older boys—his tone low, his expression patient but focused. Even at rest, there was nothing careless about him. The way his hand rested on the boy’s shoulder, steady and grounding, looked… permanent. Mrs. Barbara finished counting the last of the crates, shooing one of Gideon's men toward the wagon with a playful swat of her ledger. When she spotted me lingering near the steps, she came over, wiping her hands on her apron. “Still the same courtyard you used to run through, hm?” Mrs. Barbara said with a knowing smi

  • The Knight's Claimed Bride    Chapter XVIII : The Quiet Strength of Guardians and the Warmth of Forgotten Homes

    Rebecca’s POV Gideon had kept his word. At first light, we left the palace. The early morning sun spilled pale gold over the worn stones as we crossed the narrow street separating the palace from the orphanage. The Royal Orphanage—home to the ragged and hopeful, to whispered dreams and stubborn resilience. I hadn’t set foot there in years, and yet the sight of it stirred something deep inside me—familiar, bittersweet. The place was still wrapped in the hush of morning. Shutters were closed, and the faint scent of porridge drifted through the cool air. Somewhere inside, a single muffled laugh rang out before fading back into the quiet. Gideon walked beside me, silent and steady, the usual armor of command hanging lightly on his shoulders today, replaced by something quieter. When the door creaked open, Mrs. Barbara appeared in the threshold, her white hair pinned neatly, hands folded like a guardian of secrets and stories. Her smile bloomed the moment she saw me, warm as a heart

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