My honeymoon with my two-time husband is beyond what words can capture. It is a paradise every woman would crave, except it's not just about the grand treats Cassian lavishes on me. It's the love that blooms between us with every gaze we hold, every hand we clasp, every silly joke and teasing remark, and every explosive moment of passion. We don't just share a bed, we share an unspoken understanding. A rhythm. A language of our own.
For an entire week, we lose ourselves in the exotic island, our private escape from the world. But like all perfect things, this too must come to an end.
This morning, I find myself folding clothes, packing the countless gifts Cassian has spoiled me with, while he lounges on the couch, his sharp eyes following my every move. His presence alone is a distraction, yet I focus on my task.
Then, his voice cuts through the silence.
"How soon do you want to move back to the palace?"
I freeze, hands tightening around a silk dress. My heart thuds against my ribs. The palace… the place that held both my triumphs and my nightmares. The place where I was once just a pawn in a political marriage, a woman despised and ordered around like a mere subject. My mind races, but I keep my expression neutral.
Slowly, I turn to face him. "When do you want me to?" I ask carefully, watching his reaction..
Cassian tilts his head, his gaze unwavering. "It's your choice."
I hesitate. I know why he's asking. He wants me to feel safe, to be certain before stepping back into that world. But the truth is, the palace is his home. The throne is his destiny. We cannot run from it forever. The coronation looms ahead, and we must face it together.
I swallow hard. "Christmas will be fun there," I say finally.
His brows lift slightly. "You think so?"
I nod. "Yes. But I will not be ordered around anymore. Not by your mother, not by the council, not by anyone." My voice is firm, leaving no room for doubt.
Something flickers in his eyes - pride, admiration. Then, a slow, knowing smile spreads across his lips. "I know. We're together this time. Trust me."
His words settle over me like a warm embrace, but it's the lingering kiss that follows that seals the promise.
***
The moment we step into Wild Haven, the air feels different; familiar yet thrilling. Cassian's private villa is nothing short of a masterpiece, the biggest of his private estates, standing boldly with its sprawling architecture and breathtaking gardens. It carries the same wild, untamed energy that defines us.
Cassian pauses at the entrance, his arm wrapped protectively around my waist. He leans in, his voice thick with meaning.
"Welcome home, my love. It's your home now."
I turn to him, my lips curling into a soft smile. "It's my Wild Haven," I murmur, gazing around as if claiming it with my words. "That's what I choose to call it."
He smirks, that signature expression of his that sends a shiver through me. "Wild Haven," he repeats, rolling the name on his tongue like fine wine. "I love it. It suits you… it suits us."
Just as I begin settling in, a familiar presence rushes through the door, Esther. The sight of her warms my heart instantly.
We meet halfway, our arms wrapping around each other as we giggle like mischievous girls sharing a secret.
"Princess, I've missed you!" she exclaims, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Not as much as I've missed you!" I tease, holding her close. The moment feels like home coming; real, comforting, and unshaken by the world outside.
Cassian watches us with amusement before shaking his head with a chuckle. "I'll leave you two to your excitement," he says, his deep voice carrying a teasing edge. "Alexander's waiting for me."
I watch him walk away, his broad shoulders disappearing down the hall. A part of me already misses his presence, but for now, Esther and I have a lot to catch up on.
As Esther and I lounge in the cozy sitting area of Wild Haven, I let out a contented sigh, sinking into the plush couch. My fingers absentmindedly trace the rim of my wine glass while she watches me with a knowing smirk.
"So?" she prompts, leaning in eagerly. "Tell me everything about the honeymoon."
I chuckle, shaking my head. "It was... wild," I admit, my cheeks heating slightly. "Cassian made sure of that. The island was paradise; music, dancing, endless fun… and let's just say, the nights were even better."
Esther giggles, clapping her hands together. "I knew it! You both match each other's energy perfectly."
I nod, taking a sip of my drink before pressing, "Enough about me. What's been happening at the palace?"
Esther's expression shifts, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Oh, where do I start? The Queen was furious when she heard about your second wedding."
I roll my eyes, already expecting this reaction. "Of course, she was. She wasn't told, wasn't invited. I bet she sees it as an insult."
"That's exactly how she sees it," Esther confirms. "She couldn't believe Prince Cassian went ahead without her blessing. And the council?" She lets out a laugh. "They were even more shocked."
I raise a brow. "Oh?"
"They kept asking, 'Another wedding? Why wasn't this one announced?'" She mimics their bewildered voices, and I smirk.
"I can imagine their faces."
Esther leans closer, lowering her voice. "But you know who was pleased?"
I tilt my head, curious. "Who?"
"Lord Edric." She watches my reaction carefully. "I think he favours you."
That catches me off guard. "Lord Edric?" The head of the council? The Queen's most trusted advisor? "Why would he be happy about our reconciliation?"
Esther shrugs. "Maybe he sees what the others refuse to see; You had the audacity to defy the queen which nobody has ever done. Or, he sees that Cassian is different with you. Stronger. More himself. Maybe he knows that having you by his side is what's best for him… and for the kingdom."
I consider her words, my mind turning over the implications. If Lord Edric, a man of immense influence, supports my union with Cassian, that changes everything. But it also makes me wonder; what's his true motive?