Wind Of The Palace Novels & Stories

“The council knows. They’ll come for you tonight, chains, cells, whatever it takes to make you look weak before the Trial. We’re moving you.” She shoved at my chest, weak but defiant. “I’m not some fragile thing you can replace like furniture.” “You’re a wildfire in a wooden palace,” I countered, scooping her into my arms despite her hiss of protest. “And right now, you’re burning too bright for them to ignore.” She went rigid in my hold, but didn’t fight. Not yet. The old royal tower was at the far eastern edge of the palace grounds, Isolated, warded with runes carved by long-dead seers, with stone walls.

FIRE BEFORE THE STORM XENIA’S POV The scent of lilacs and smoke filled the air. Outside my window, the palace bloomed under golden daylight — all glittering towers and sparkling fountains. But I knew better. It wasn’t beauty. It was bait. A gilded cage built for wolves with long memories. I smoothed my hand over the front of my gown, my eyes dropping briefly to my stomach. It had only been a flutter — but it was real. A whisper of life.

“Here, my lady.” Talia looked up, surprised—then grateful. “Thank you.” Dorian flushed and retreated quickly. Amalia leaned close and murmured, “Well done.” Lucian’s thumb pressed gently into Talia’s shoulder. “You’ll need strength for what comes next.” She met his gaze, resolve, and exhaustion pouring off her. “I’ll be ready.” Outside, the wind shifted. The lights around the palace grounds flared brighter than usual, far more colorful than wolves ever needed. Usually subdued, they now burned with a harsh glare, meant for the human eyes that resided at the palace rather than supernatural ones.

I steadied the IV stand behind me and made my way toward the balcony. I slid the door open, and a gust of wind kissed my face, pulling strands of my hair into the air. I stepped outside. The view from here was endless. The palace sat like a crowned beast, high above the rest of the world, surrounded by miles of untamed wilderness and sharp stone cliffs that tore the land into jagged ribbons. The wind caught the edge of my shirt, lifting it slightly. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply. My chest rose, then fell in a jagged sigh. I tilted my head up and stared at the sky, so wide, indifferent, and heartbreakingly beautiful.

His grip was too tight, and I could feel the pain in my wrist due to his strength. I couldn't break free, so I shouted helplessly, "Let go of me!" Simon seemed not to hear me, and he only kept pulling me toward him. "Janice, give me another chance to make it up to you, alright?" Before he could finish, someone punched him in the face. "She told you to let go! Don't you understand?!" The punch came fast and hard, catching Simon off guard. He let go of my wrist and stumbled back, knocking over the chair behind him.

Shifting under my feet like sand that cannot be physically correct. The fire pops behind him, a small, ordinary sound, and the candle flames shiver as if they’ve been startled, too. Somewhere near the window, winter wind worries the panes with a low howl, the glass faintly rattling in its frame. Snow is heavy in each cloud, the kind that only tempts but will never fall, that darkens and swallows the sun. The wind sounds like it carries drifts with it—like it’s trying to drag something impossible into the palace. Or pull something away. One last wall to keep everything standing. Should have–that I still have more time to…

“Not today, Luna. Some ghosts are left buried for a reason. Do not dig them up.” Beside him, Kael caught my eye. He didn't say a word, but his jaw was tight, and he gave me a subtle shake of his head. The sudden wall they both put up made my stomach twist. It wasn't just a secret; it was a wound. By the time we reached the upper residential levels, the pale northern sun was entirely gone. Tumbled over the mountain peaks, heavy, clouds rolled in like thick smoke. The wind howled through the stone defense wall outside, making the thick glass panes vibrate against their lead frames. Down in the courtyards, the regular pace of the palace had broken. Servants hurried in panic lines, pulling down

The wind was howling, and the sparkler in her hand lit up her gentle profile. In the background, Archie's voice carried a playful tone. "Sienna, make a wish." Sienna smiled as she blew out the sparks. Her gaze almost melted the camera as she said, "My wish is for every year to be like today, with Archie by my side." A cold chill ran through me. With Archie by her side? What about me? Was I just a joke to her? My gaze drifted, stiff and robotic, back to the photo of the hands clasped inside the car.

But it was too late to turn back. And truthfully? A part of me didn’t want to. ** ~ The Ride To The Palace ~ We rode fast. Wind tore at my hair, stung my eyes, and whipped my cloak behind me like a trailing shadow while the forest blurred into streaks of green and gold. Edna rode beside me, cheeks flushed from excitement—or terror. With her it was hard to tell. Liam rode ahead, silent for the longest time. He only slowed his horse when the Palace walls finally appeared between the trees—massive, silver-white stone rising high above the surrounding hills, towers hitting the clouds like they had something to prove.

"Did you hear that? Selena told you to let go. If you want to bring down the Xenakis family by marrying Selena, you should ask if Selena agrees." Michael shook his head with a smile. He had never realized that the heir of the Xenakis family was this foolish and ignorant. "Zachary, I told you to let go," Selena said. The smug look on Zachary's face gradually disappeared. "What did you say?" "I'm the one marrying into the Chiton family," she revealed. "Let go right now. Don't cause any delay to my wedding." Zachary stood rooted to the spot. Then, he turned to look at Liam and Martha. "Mr. and Mrs. Yane, what's going on?"