(Lyria's POV)
The morning sun was soft and pale when word reached me:
Riven had arrived at the palace gates.
I felt my heart skip—half worry, half something I still refused to name. I hurried outside, leaving the guards behind. When I stepped past the palace walls, I saw her standing alone beneath the sunlight.
Riven wore a loose white shirt, its fabric fluttering in the breeze. Her short black hair shifted with the wind, and her golden eyes were lifted toward the sky—as if she were staring at something far above, something only she could see.
There was a distance in her expression… a heaviness.
A loneliness that made my chest tighten.
"Good morning, Princess," she said when I called her name—smiling softly, though the smile never reached her eyes.
"Good morning, Riven," I answered, trying to hide the sudden warmth in my face. "I came to greet you."
"There was no need," she replied, voice calm. "I could have come in on my own."
"I came because I wanted to," I said firmly. "Now come. The king is waiting."
⸻
The throne room was crowded when we entered—the king, the queen, nobles, council members, guards… all watching Riven with the same mixture of awe and fear.
I took my place behind the king, Kara at my side, the little princess clinging to my hand. The moment Riven stepped forward, the whispers began.
She walked with quiet confidence, stopping before the dais to bow politely.
"Thank you for coming," my father said. "We called you here to discuss the events of recent days."
"You mean the coup," Riven said plainly. "Very well—what does it have to do with me?"
My father folded his hands. "That is what we wish to understand. You seemed to know everything about Lord Cassian—his plans, his crimes, even details of his past. Explain how."
Riven's voice remained steady.
"Are you interrogating me, Your Majesty? Do you suspect I took part in the coup?"
"No," my father answered. "But I need answers."
Riven exhaled softly.
"In that case… I'll tell you the truth."
She explained everything—how she recognized the dark magical signature of the curse placed on me, how she saw the same aura around Lord Cassian when she first encountered him. How she had investigated him quietly, knowing he had allies in the palace. How Cassian panicked once he realized she had discovered him, and rushed the coup before his plan was ready.
When she finished, the room was silent.
The queen was the first to speak, her voice warm and sincere.
"Thank you, Riven. You saved our family not once, but twice. You exposed Cassian's plot, and you protected both our daughters from harm. There are no words for our gratitude."
But of course… not everyone agreed.
A council member stepped forward.
"But there is another matter—her power. Her magic is black and unnatural. She is dangerous."
Another noble added, "She is a monster without a master. She could turn against us at any moment. We demand she be restrained—or imprisoned."
Riven's expression did not flinch .
"And what crime," she asked calmly, "will I be imprisoned for? Being strong?"
Murmurs rippled.
My frustration snapped.
"Enough!"
The word echoed across the hall, and suddenly all eyes were on me. I stepped forward, my voice trembling with anger.
"You speak of her as if she were some creature—but she saved your lives! All of you! You owe her your gratitude, not accusations."
I felt Kara nod beside me, agreeing strongly.
"She is not the monster here," I said. "Your fear is."
My father raised a hand, silencing the nobles.
"I trust Riven," he said firmly. "She is under no suspicion. You may go for today, Riven—but tomorrow, I wish to speak with you privately."
Riven bowed wordlessly and turned to leave.
Kara and I followed her quickly.
Before she could walk away, I stepped forward and caught her hand with both of mine.
"Riven…" My voice trembled more than I wanted. "Please don't listen to what they said. They don't know you. Not like we do."
Kara nodded behind me. "They're just scared old idiots."
Riven looked at me—tired, distant, hiding everything behind that thin, fragile smile she always used.
"Thank you… for your kindness," she whispered , but I really don't care what they think about me .
Then she gently pulled her hand free.
And walked away.
I couldn't stop her.
I watched her until she disappeared down the palace steps, a storm of anger and sorrow burning inside me.
How dare they speak of her like that…
How dare they call her a monster…
When she was hurting more than any of them could see.