A Disobedient Dog On a Leash

Melanova let out a shaky breath, lowering her hand as the pearl crumbled into fine dust, dissipating into the wind. "It's done," she said, her voice laced with exhaustion. 

"Where did we end up anyway?" Chirovan wondered, putting a hand up to shield his eyes as he surveyed the scenery below.

The group stood on a high ridge overlooking a vast plain, the golden fields stretching out like a sea of honey beneath the midday sun. In the distance, the faint silhouette of the capital's spires pierced the sky, their shadows stretching long across the horizon.

Caspian swung himself down from his horse, taking a moment to look out over the view. He turned to Edris, who stood a few paces behind him, already awaiting orders.

"Edris," Caspian called, his voice firm but calm, "I want you to scout ahead. Determine our exact location and see if there are any obstacles between here and the city."

"Understood, your Grace. I won't be long." He moved swiftly, disappearing into the tall grass with the silent efficiency of a shadow.

"We'll take a short break," Caspian announced to the group. "It's midday, and we need to be sure of our bearings before continuing. We'll rest here for a while until Edris returns. Keep to the forests, under the cover of the trees. If you have to stray further, take a knight with you, but stay close to the group if you can help it. I'd rather us not have any more incidents like what happened yesterday."

Elara, feeling strangely worn out despite their quick journey, stuck to the comfort of the carriage. The velvet cushions felt like a relief after the tension of the warp, and she sank into them, staring out the window as the maids busied themselves with the meal preparations.

Elara's mind returned to Astrielle's temple. The way the air itself seemed to tug at her hands, trying to guide her back to the loom and the breathing tapestry. Her skin prickled at the memory of it, goosebumps rising on her arm that she rubbed at.

Did you bring me here, Astrielle? Elara wondered, a shiver tracing its path down her spine. Are you the one who answered Caspian's call?

Her thoughts were interrupted as the scent of fresh bread and roasted vegetables wafted through the air, pulling her back to the present. Crisseda approached the carriage with a tray in hand, her expression bright and cheerful despite the long journey.

"Miss, I've brought your meal," said Crisseda, carefully balancing the tray so the stands rested on either side of Elara. "It's simple today. After the attack yesterday, a lot of our food supplies were too damaged to be salvaged but Erin is a miracle worker, so she managed to make it work." Crisseda grinned. "She would've been more suitable for the kitchens than for cleaning. I don't know why she doesn't ask to be transferred."

Elara smiled back in spite of her worries. "Thank you, Crisseda."

The meal was a hearty spread of soft cheese, freshly baked bread still warm from the fire, and roasted root vegetables seasoned with herbs. Elara ate slowly, savoring the flavors, though her appetite was dampened by the knot of unease twisting in her stomach.

By the time she'd finished her meal, Edris had returned, his clothes marked with dust and his hair windswept. He approached Caspian and bowed his head, his expression focused.

"Your Grace, we're positioned about half a day's ride from the capital," Elara heard Edris reporting from across the way. "We're in the forests near Qarandor. If we leave now, we should reach the city by early evening."

Caspian nodded. "Good work. Thank you, Edris." Then to the group, he said, "We'll head out immediately."

The camp was dismantled swiftly, and within moments, they were back on the road, the group falling into formation behind Caspian and Kyran as they led the way.

Elara stared out of the carriage window, watching as the towering spires of the capital disappeared as they descended the plain to get onto the main road. With each step that brought them closer, Elara felt the nerves in her stomach fly into an uncontrollable frenzy. 

This was it—they were almost there.

When they arrived in the capital and got to the palace, she would officially meet Lyanna Orinthal, the female lead of this world. In three more days, Valtren's Bounty Hunt would officially begin with the welcoming ceremony for commoners and nobles.

Her stomach churned with a mix of anticipation and dread. Their time in the capital would be the turning point in the story. Until now, though some things were different than originally described, the main plot had yet to be touched but that wouldn't be the case after Valtren's Bounty Hunt ended.

She wondered what Lyanna would think of her. She wondered if Caspian would be strong enough to deal with the cunning ire of the woman he once liked conspiring against him. She wondered if he'd be strong enough to hit back when it came down to it.

Well, I guess I'll know soon enough.

She placed her palm against her chest, as if that would stop the erratic pulsing of her heartbeat.

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The capital city of Isyndor unfolded before them like a jewel set against the darkening sky, its tall spires and grand archways silhouetted by the golden glow of the setting sun. The streets bustled with the hum of evening activity—noblewomen in silken gowns strolling along the cobblestone avenues, gilded magic carriages glided down smoothly paved roads, and groups of children dressed in uniforms walked in clusters, giggling amongst each other boisterously. Despite the anxiety that had taken root in her belly, Elara couldn't help but stare out the window of her carriage in awe.

They made their way deeper into the city, following Caspian's lead as he guided them through winding streets and past grand stone buildings. They arrived at a large, elegant inn nestled near the heart of the capital. Its facade was painted in deep blues and gold, and hanging lanterns illuminated the polished marble steps leading to the entrance. The sign above the door read The Azure Crown.

Inside, the inn was no less impressive. They were met by the innkeeper, a portly man dressed in fine silks, who greeted Caspian with a deep bow. 

"Grand Duke, welcome to our humble inn."

Humble? Elara looked around the grand inn and tavern around her. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting prismatic light over the rich mahogany floors. The walls were adorned with paintings that reminded Elara distinctly of Renaissance paintings from her world, and the smell of fresh lilies filled the air. There was nothing about The Azure Crown that gave off the impression of humble.

"I'm thankful to you as always, Mr. Thorton," replied Caspian.

Mr. Thorton in question grinned so wide, it was a wonder his face didn't split in two. "Of course, your Grace," he all but crooned. "I'll have rooms prepared for all of your people. And this lovely lady with you must be the famous woman who has thawed the heart of the icy Grand Duke." He bowed low to Elara. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss..."

"Elara."

"Miss. Elara. Such a lovely name. For you, I will grant the second most exquisite room our humble inn has to offer. Why, it will be—"

"There's no need to give her another room," Caspian cut him off. "We'll be sharing."

The innkeeper's eyes danced back and forth between the two of them for a moment and then recognition flared in his eyes.

"Ah, of course. I've prepared our best suite; it will surely be to your liking."

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Elara sat on the edge of the grand, canopied bed, sinking into the plush mattress with a sigh of relief. The room was spacious and tastefully decorated, with delicate porcelain vases on every table and a tall window draped in dark green and gold velvet curtains that overlooked the lively city below. She felt a pang of exhaustion wash over her—despite the ease of their journey thanks to Astrielle's blessing, the day had still been long and tense.

"Are you alright?" Caspian's voice broke the quiet.

Elara nodded, managing a tired smile. "Just tired. I don't know if I'm imagining it or not, but today has felt incredibly long."

He stepped closer, his gaze assessing her face as though he could read her every thought. "I'll have our meal brought up here," he decided. "You don't have to force yourself to join the others tonight."

Though it was a struggle to move her head as soldered to the bed as her muscles were, she did so to look at him and grin. "Thank you."

Caspian worked on removing his armor after calling for some food to be sent to their room while Elara sprawled out on the bed, struggling not to fall asleep because she was desperately hungry. Before long, a servant brought up trays laden with food: roasted duck glazed in honey, creamy potatoes, fresh green beans, and a loaf of warm bread accompanied by sweet butter. Elara couldn't help but marvel at the quality of the meal—this inn was a far cry from the rustic, simpler places they had stayed on the road. It was almost as good as food from Caspian's castle.

As they ate in comfortable silence, Elara gazed out the window that gave views of the sprawling city below. The tenseness in Caspian's shoulders and eyes had faded away the moment they stepped foot into their room, and his ease further pacified her own worries.

A sharp knock echoed from the door and Elara paused mid-bite. Caspian's eyes narrowed. He set down his fork and wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin, his demeanor changing in an instant. The relaxed air about him had changed into that oppressively commanding presence he wore around others.

The visitor was a tall man dressed in the palace's uniform. Elare recognized it because of its red coat and gold trim that was described in the novel. His chest was puffed out with self-importance, his lips curled in a self-satisfied sneer. He stepped inside without being invited, casting a cursory glance at Elara before turning his attention to Caspian.

"Your Grace," the man began with a thin smile, bowing slightly. "I am Arman Devries, a representative of the royal palace. We have been awaiting your arrival for some time now."

Caspian's expression turned icy, the warmth from earlier gone as though it had never been there at all. The Grand Duke of the novel—cold, ruthless, and unyielding—had emerged in full force. Elara watched, her breath catching in her throat, as his silver eyes turned steely.

Wow. Even when he's pissed off like this, he's still sexy. Or, no, maybe it's because he's so angry that makes it even sexier. 

"I'm aware," Caspian replied, his dangerously smooth voice cutting through her thoughts. "And now that I am here, I expect to be given the courtesy of a proper welcome tomorrow morning. Barging into my quarters unannounced at this hour is hardly what I would consider appropriate conduct, Devries."

The representative's smile faltered, his smug expression falling. He hesitated, clearly taken aback by Caspian's tone. "I—I apologize if I've overstepped, Your Grace. But the king's orders were to bring you to the palace immediately."

Caspian's jaw clenched, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. "The king's orders," he repeated slowly, tasting the words. "You may return and inform His Majesty that I will present myself at the palace tomorrow afternoon. I have no intention of being dragged there like a disobedient dog on a leash."

Devries paled, swallowing hard. He opened his mouth to protest, but Caspian took a single step forward, the threat implicit in his stance.

"If you want to keep wagging that insolent tongue of yours, stop speaking," Caspian continued, his voice dropping to a low, lethal whisper, "I suggest you leave. Now."

The representative's eyes darted to Elara, perhaps hoping for some support, but she merely looked back at him, stunned and slightly aroused. He took an unsteady step back, swallowing.

"If that's your wish, it will be done, your Grace. His Majesty shall hear of this." The threat veiled in his voice was heavy.

Caspian waited, unmoving, until the man was out the door and down the hall. Only then did he let out a quiet sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose as though dispelling a headache.