Happy dinner

Zera's warmth was intoxicating. Elysia lay tangled in the sheets with her, her head resting on Zera's bare shoulder, fingers tracing lazy circles on her toned stomach. The room smelled of them—of sweat, of passion, of something unmistakably theirs.

Zera hummed in contentment, her fingers combing through Elysia's silver hair. "You're way too comfortable right now," she murmured.

Elysia grinned against her skin. "And what exactly is wrong with that?"

"You have duties, princess."

Elysia groaned. "Don't remind me."

Zera chuckled, pressing a teasing kiss to her temple. "Come on. You'll regret it if your father has to send someone to drag you out of bed."

That mental image was enough to make Elysia sigh dramatically. She reluctantly pulled herself away, sitting up and stretching. Her body ached pleasantly from training—and from what had followed after.

Zera propped herself up on her elbow, watching her with a smirk. "I like this look on you. The whole 'just ravished' aesthetic suits you."

Elysia threw a pillow at her face.

Zera caught it effortlessly, laughing. "Go. Before I drag you back in here."

Elysia rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her smile as she climbed out of bed and grabbed her scattered clothes.

As much as she wanted to stay, dinner was soon, and if she was late, her father would give her that disappointed look—the one that made her feel like a scolded child again.

She dressed just enough to make the trip back to her room, stealing one last glance at Zera before slipping out the door.

The hot water from her shower soothed her muscles, washing away the sweat and exhaustion of the day.

She let out a slow breath, tilting her head back. Life was good. She had her kingdom, her magic, her father, and Zera. There was nothing more she could want.

At twenty-four, she was exactly where she wanted to be—strong, capable, in love.

A smug smile played on her lips as she stepped out of the shower and dried off. She dressed in a loose tunic and fitted pants, something comfortable yet presentable. As she fastened her belt, her stomach growled.

"Alright, alright," she muttered to herself, heading for the dining hall.

The dining room was warm and inviting, lit by flickering candlelight and the golden glow of the grand chandelier.

Her father was already seated at the head of the long wooden table, his blue eyes sharp as ever despite the growing silver in his hair. Plates of steaming food covered the table—roasted meats, fresh vegetables, warm bread.

Elysia grinned as she approached. "You started without me?"

King Thalor gestured grandly. "I had to make sure the food wasn't poisoned, of course."

Elysia snorted, dropping into her usual seat beside him.

A moment later, Zera entered. Her brown hair was slightly damp from her own quick bath, and her blue eyes sparkled with mischief as she slid into the seat beside Elysia.

Thalor raised a brow. "Ah, there she is. I was beginning to wonder if I needed to send a search party for both of you."

Zera smirked. "Apologies, Your Majesty. Your daughter is very… distracting."

Elysia kicked her under the table.

Her father watched them, then suddenly leaned forward, clasping his hands together. "So tell me, why are you two still not married?"

Elysia choked on her wine.

Zera grinned. "Excellent question, Your Majesty. Maybe you should ask your daughter."

Elysia shot her a glare before turning back to her father. "I don't know, Father, maybe because I've been busy training to protect the kingdom?"

Thalor waved a hand dismissively. "Excuses. You're practically inseparable. I should start planning the wedding feast now."

Elysia groaned. "We are not having this conversation over dinner."

Thalor ignored her, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I'll have the royal tailor start on the dresses. Of course, we'll need the finest decorations—Zera, what colors do you prefer?"

Zera leaned forward, chin resting on her palm. "Oh, deep reds and gold, definitely. And maybe some silver embroidery to match Elysia's eyes."

Elysia slammed her forehead against the table.

Thalor beamed. "Excellent taste. Now, what about the cake?"

"You're both the worst," Elysia muttered.

Zera nudged her playfully. "Admit it, you love us."

Before Elysia could respond, the doors to the dining hall swung open. A guard strode in, his expression grim.

The lighthearted atmosphere vanished instantly.

The guard bowed before speaking.

"We have received a letter from the demon queen."