Ascendancy

The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of Zach’s royal chambers, casting a soft glow on the room. Vera stirred beneath the silk sheets, feeling the warmth of Zachary’s body beside her. Her hand drifted lazily to his chest, feeling the rhythmic rise and fall of his breath, steady and reassuring.

Zach’s deep voice broke the silence, soft yet filled with authority. “You awake?”

Vera smiled, her eyes still closed. “Barely. The bed is too comfortable.”

He chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest. “I could get used to this. Waking up with you here.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. The bond between them had grown stronger since their return to the underworld, and last night’s intimacy had sealed it even more deeply. She turned to look at him, his chiseled features bathed in the morning light, his dark hair slightly tousled.

“You make it sound like we’re going to be doing this every day,” she teased, though the thought of it thrilled her.

“We will,” Zach replied, his gaze intense. “This is your home now. By my side, as my mate. Forever.”

Vera’s breath hitched, the weight of his words sinking in. It was all still so surreal — the underworld, Zach’s true identity as king, their deepening connection. But even with all that, being by his side felt… right.

Zach stirred beside her, his arm tightening around her waist. “You’re quiet this morning,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep. “Thinking about last night?”

Vera nodded, her fingers tracing the lines of his chest absentmindedly. “It’s a lot to take in. They all know who I am now, but I still feel… disconnected. Like I haven’t fully earned their trust.”

Zach shifted, turning to face her, his eyes serious yet soft. “You’ve already earned their respect, Vera. They saw it last night. You carried yourself with strength, and that’s all they need to know.”

“I’m not sure,” she admitted, her voice soft. “They respected you, Zach, not me. I’m just the woman you chose.”

Zach’s brow furrowed, his gaze locking onto hers. “You’re more than that. You’re my mate, yes, but you’re also powerful in your own right. They’ll see that in time.”

Vera sighed, her mind still swirling with uncertainty. She had seen the way the court looked at her last night, the way they whispered when Zach wasn’t looking. Some had accepted her, but others still seemed wary — like Glazilda, whose icy glares hadn’t gone unnoticed. There were factions within the court, people with their own agendas, and Vera knew she had to navigate them carefully.

“I don’t want to just be seen as your queen because of our bond,” Vera said, sitting up. “I want to prove myself, to be someone they can trust.”

Zach’s eyes followed her movements, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, with a slow smile, he reached out, gently pulling her back down beside him. “You will, Vera. But you don’t have to do it all at once. They’ll see your strength, just like I do.”

She smiled, the warmth of his words easing her worries. Still, the weight of what lay ahead lingered. As much as she appreciated Zach’s confidence in her, she knew that the underworld’s court was a world of power plays and hidden motives. It wasn’t just about love or loyalty — it was about control.

Zach kissed her forehead softly. “Let’s get through today first,” he said, his tone lightening. “The council is waiting for us, and they have questions about the future. Questions you’ll help answer.”

Vera’s stomach flipped at the thought of addressing the council again, but this time, she wasn’t an outsider. She was their future queen, and she had a responsibility to fulfill. “Alright,” she said, taking a deep breath. “Let’s do this.”

The grand council hall was as imposing as Vera remembered, with its high ceilings, marble columns, and the dark, regal banners that lined the walls. The long table in the center was already filled with members of the council, their faces serious as they waited for Zach and Vera to take their seats at the head.

Zach, ever confident, strode in without hesitation, his hand resting lightly on Vera’s back as he guided her forward. As they sat, the murmurs in the room quieted, all eyes turning to them.

“The council has gathered to discuss the state of the kingdom,” one of the elder members began, his voice steady. “But first, King Zachary, we acknowledge the presence of your mate, Vera Luna. She is welcome among us.”

Vera inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment, feeling the weight of the council’s gaze. It wasn’t hostility, but it wasn’t complete acceptance either. It was the same cautious respect she had felt during the feast — they were still waiting to see what she would bring to the kingdom.

Zach’s hand squeezed hers under the table, a silent reminder that she wasn’t alone.

“We’ll begin with the latest reports from the borders,” one of the council members, Lord Gareth, spoke up, his tone curt. “There have been growing tensions with the neighboring realms. Several of our scouts have reported unusual movements along the southern borders.”

Zach’s eyes sharpened, his body immediately tensing. “How many reports?”

“Three in the last month,” Gareth replied, his face grim. “They’ve been cautious, but we believe they’re testing our defenses.”

Vera listened closely, the seriousness of the situation settling in. The politics of the underworld were still new to her, but she understood the importance of maintaining strong borders. If the neighboring realms were preparing for conflict, it would affect everyone in the kingdom.

“What do you suggest?” Vera asked, her voice cutting through the room.

All eyes turned to her, surprise flickering across some faces. Zach, however, remained calm, his expression unreadable as he watched the interaction unfold.

Gareth raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting her to speak. “We suggest increasing patrols and sending a message that we are aware of their movements.”

Vera nodded, considering the situation. “And if they’re preparing for something larger?”

“We’ll be ready,” Zach interjected, his voice firm. “But we won’t act in haste. Vera’s right to ask — we need to understand their motives before making any aggressive moves.”

Gareth nodded slowly, though his expression remained skeptical. “Understood, my king.”

The discussion continued, but Vera could feel the shift in the room. The council wasn’t sure what to make of her yet, but she had made her presence known. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.

As the meeting drew to a close, Zach leaned in, whispering in her ear. “You did well.”

Vera smiled, feeling a bit more confident. “Thank you.”

Later that evening, Vera stood on the balcony of Zach’s chambers, looking out over the vast expanse of the underworld. The city lights glittered below, casting a soft glow over the dark landscape. Zach joined her, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, his warmth seeping into her.

“You handled yourself well today,” he murmured, his breath tickling her ear.

“I was terrified,” Vera admitted with a soft laugh.

“You didn’t show it,” Zach replied, pressing a kiss to her neck. “And that’s what matters.”

Vera leaned back into him, feeling the strength of their connection. She wasn’t just Zach’s queen in name — she was slowly becoming a part of this world, a part of his rule. Together, they were stronger, and Vera knew that with time, she would earn the respect she craved.

For now, she was content to let Zach hold her, their bond unspoken yet undeniable.