I wake to the chirping of birds outside the window. The bed feels colder than before—my eyes jolt open. Last night.
Could you hold me?
A blush creeps up my cheeks, and I cover my face with the blanket in shame. What was I thinking? I had rested my head on his shoulder all night, his arm gently around me.
Why? Why would I do something so foolish?
The room is empty. Kaelen must have left before dawn. How am I supposed to face him now? I groan inwardly.
"Oh, good—you're awake," Emelia says as she enters, carrying a tray of food. "We leave right after breakfast."
"Kaelen?" I ask, my voice still groggy.
"He's downstairs, discussing something with Harlin and his general," Emelia answers, brushing dust off my cloak.
A little while later, we're back on the road. The journey to Belwyth is long and eerily quiet.
Suddenly, the carriage halts. Kaelen opens the door. A strange sense of déjà vu washes over me.
"Emelia, would you ride up front with the coachman?" Kaelen says. "I need a moment with Nyriane."
"Of course, Lord Commander." She disembarks, and Kaelen steps in.
"Is something wrong?" I ask as the carriage begins to move again.
"Saelow knows we're coming. He's already in Belwyth."
"But how…?" The realization hits me. "You think I told him?"
"My council suspects it."
"I don't care what your council thinks. What do you think, Kaelen?"
He meets my gaze. "I trust you, Nyriane. Besides, Belwyth was the obvious target after the attack. Your brother could've guessed."
"There's something else, isn't there?" I sense it in the weight of his words.
"Bathora and Carrick have pledged their support to Saelow."
"What? They've never involved themselves before. Why now?"
"I don't know for certain," Kaelen replies, his voice low. "But I think it has something to do with you."
"Me?"
"Yes. When we brought you to Aureliath, Saelow sent letters—threats, really—and nearly every neighboring kingdom condemned us. He's been campaigning for your release since."
Kaelen takes a breath, visibly uneasy. It's the first time I've seen him so unsure.
"He is your brother," he continues. "If you choose to return to him… I won't stop you. I know what he's accusing me of—and I'm guilty of much. I have no excuse."
I sit in silence, stunned.
"If it comes to it," Kaelen adds, "I'll admit to everything and ask the House of God to annul our marriage. That should be enough for them."
The carriage begins to slow.
"We're nearly there. Saelow's camp lies just beyond the trees. Harlin will escort you to a tent. I'll send word for your brother."
He doesn't move. Neither do I.
"Goodbye… Princess," he says, kneeling and kissing my hand. His voice is barely a whisper. Then he's gone.
Emelia helps me down. My feet feel like stones. Harlin leads me to a large tent—a war tent with a map-strewn table in the center. I grip a chair for balance, forcing back the sting in my eyes.
A soldier enters. "Your Majesty, your brother has arrived—with Kings Aldamer and Tharion. They request an audience."
"Send only my brother in," I say quietly.
The fabric at the entrance lifts, and Saelow strides in.
"Sister!" he exclaims, rushing forward and pulling me into a tight embrace. "I thought I'd lost you."
I bury my head against his chest. "I missed you, brother."
"You'll never suffer among these savages again," he says, cupping my face. "Aldamer and Tharion are here. Kaelen will pay for what he's done."
"Brother, wait—please listen—"
"He didn't hurt you, did he?" His grip tightens on my arms.
"No," I shake my head. "He never hurt or mistreated me."
"Good. That's good," Saelow mutters, his fingers brushing his chin. "Here's what you'll do: tell Aldamer Kaelen never touched you. Say the marriage was forced—that Kaelen's impotent, if possible. I'll handle the rest."
"What? Why would I need to tell Aldamer that?"
"Because it's crucial he believes you're untouched. He won't marry you otherwise."
"Marry me?!"
"Of course. Why do you think I went to Bathora? I was securing your engagement to King Aldamer."
"Saelow, he's older than Father!"
"Power doesn't age, Nyriane. With his support, we'll reclaim the throne. Velmoria will be ours."
"But I'm already married."
"Not for long. I'll destroy any claim Kaelen has on you. You just have to say the right words."
"Saelow, listen—people in Velmoria… they aren't suffering. Trade, food, stability—they live better than they did under Grandfather."
"What nonsense are you spewing?" His tone turns cold. "Better for whom? The rebels? Those thieves? Who stole my crown!"
"They're our people too," I whisper.
"I don't care what happens to them. When I'm King, I'll crush every last one of them. What happened in Caerthrone was only the beginning."
I stagger back. "You… you ordered the attack?"
"Of course. And worse is coming. You'll see."
"No." I let go of his hand. "No, I can't help you end this marriage"
"What do you mean no? You said Kaelen hasn't touched you. We can still annul this marriage!"
I taken a gulp, my lips quivering. There's no turning back now "I said he didn't force me. I never said he hasn't touched me."
His eyes go wide with rage. He lunges, grabbing my face with brutal force.
"You spread your legs for that savage like some common whore!"
Saelow raises his hand and I brace for impact but it never comes.
"Enough!" Kaelen appears, seizing Saelow's arm mid-swing. He yanks him away by the collar, dragging him outside.
I follow.
In the distance, Aldamer and Tharion wait, their guards on alert. Kaelen throws Saelow at their feet.
"What is the meaning of this, Thorne?" Aldamer shoats
"He dared lay hands on my wife. He's lucky to still be breathing." Kaelen roars
"Nyriane!" Saelow demands getting up, his eyes filled with rage. "Come here! Let's end this!"
"Yes, brother," I reply coldly, stepping forward. "Let's."
I turn to the kings. "You raise banners against Velmoria's King—yet forget I am Queen by blood and by right."
"We were told you were taken," Tharion says. "Forced into marriage."
"And your hand was promised to me!" Aldamer adds.
"Did I agree to that promise? Do I not have a say in whom I marry?"
"Yes, but your brother—"
"My brother offered me like a bargaining chip. To a man who murdered his last two wives for failing to give him heirs. I'll pass."
"You insult me?" Aldamer growls.
"Saelow brought you here to be insulted," I say. "Not my doing."
"She's been poisoned by the savage," Saelow spits. "I'll bring her back—"
"You think I want her after Kaelen has already placed his seed inside her ?" Aldamer snaps. "I withdraw. No harm done. Expect trade to resume, and I'll send a formal apology."
Kaelen's glare hardens. "Take your apology—and the tail between your legs—and leave. Now."
Aldamer doesn't wait to be told twice. He mounts his horse and leaves only dust behind him.
"I suggest we meet tomorrow," Tharion interjects. "A peaceful negotiation. For the sake of Velmoria and the north."
"A truce?" Saelow sneers. "I'll never bow to this savage!"
Tharion ignores him. "We'll meet at dawn."
With that, he departs—Saelow storming behind him, fuming.
I stand frozen until Emelia leads me back to a tent and lays me gently on the bed. But sleep won't come. I am wide awake.