You were Right

"You were right."

Ronan's voice was barely above a whisper, but Selene heard it the moment she stepped into his chambers.

He was preparing to leave. His armor lay in pieces across the table, his sword already strapped to his side. He looked like a man ready to walk through hell itself.

"For the first time, I wish I wasn't," Selene replied quietly.

The image of Hannah's lifeless body was burned into her mind. The child hadn't deserved such a fate—no one did. A part of her blamed herself. If she had let the girl stay in her chambers, would she still be alive?

She was shaken. And if she was being honest, she was afraid. If their enemies could do this to an innocent child, what would happen if they succeeded?

"I should have killed him when I had the chance," Ronan muttered, his hands clenched into fists. "I was a fool. And—I brought her here, to very own her death. A terrible death…" His voice broke, and he shut his eyes, his entire body trembling.

Selene swallowed against the tightness in her throat. Why did this hurt? Why did it ache to see him like this?

Because, despite everything, she was human. And she had a heart.

Slowly, she stepped closer. He still had his back to her, so she reached out, turning him to face her.

She cupped his face.

"You made a mistake. A grave one, but still a mistake," she said softly. "But I know you. I know you will fix it. You will avenge her."

Ronan's golden eyes, once bright and full of fire, had now darkened like Coals.

His jaw tightened. "I'll search every inch of the Seven Kingdoms if I have to. I'll find every last member of this rebellion. And I'll kill them all. Every. Single. One."

Selene said nothing. She believed him.

Then, to her surprise, Ronan took her hands and sank to his knees.

"I leave the castle and all Seven Kingdoms in your hands," he said, his gaze never leaving hers. "I trust your judgment now. Rule in my absence."

Selene's lips parted, but no words came. She could only nod.

-----

The Sun had barely risen.

The castle courtyard was filled with people, their faces filled with grief and guilt. The cold bit at the skin, but no one moved, no one complained. Noblemen and Women, servants, soldiers—they all stood together, gathered to bid farewell to the vengeful king.

Even the council members were present, their expressions grim. They all knew—this was on them. Their hesitation, their decision to spare the prisoner, had led to this. A child's blood was on their hands.

Ronan stood at the forefront, beside Selene, his armor gleaming in the dim morning light. His warhorse, Bluelight, pawed the ground restlessly.

Before mounting, Ronan turned to the gathered crowd, his voice cutting through the cold air like a blade.

"In my absence, Queen Selene will rule in my stead," he declared, his gaze sweeping over the council. "Her word is law. Any who dare challenge her—council members included—will face execution by her command."

A ripple of unease passed through the council, but not a single one of them spoke. Not even the boldest among them would dare.

Ronan turned to Selene, his golden eyes steady. "I'll be back soon."

Selene nodded, but as Ronan turned, something in her chest tightened. She didn't think—she just acted.

Her hand shot out, grabbing his arm, pulling him back. And before she could stop herself, before she could even understand why—she kissed him.

It wasn't soft. It wasn't tender. It was desperate and impulsive. His lips were warm, firm against hers, and for a brief, dizzying second, she forgot everything. Forgot that she hated him. Forgot that this wasn't supposed to happen.

Ronan tensed in surprise, but only for a moment. Then his hands found her waist, pulling her flush against him, returning the kiss with a force that left her breathless. His grip was possessive, as if he wanted to hold onto this moment just as much as she did.

When she pulled away, her heart was racing. A thousand thoughts screamed at her, but she silenced them. She had nothing to say—nothing to explain why she had done it.

So instead, she whispered, "Gods be with you."

For a long moment, Ronan simply stared at her. Then, without another word, he mounted Bluelight.

Travis swung onto his own horse, ready to follow.

But Ronan turned, his expression hardening. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Ah...Mounting my horse?"

"Stand down."

Travis frowned, gripping the reins tighter. "I fight by your side. I've always fought by your side."

"Not this time," Ronan said. "I need you here. You're the only one I trust to protect my Queen until I return. Stay."

Travis's jaw tightened. His loyalty had always been to Ronan.

"But you are my King."

"Then listen to me."

Travis hesitated. But in the end, he finally, with great reluctance, slid off his horse.

"As you command," he muttered.

Ronan kicked Bluelight forward, leading his men through the gates. The sound of hooves thundered through the courtyard until, one by one, they disappeared into the misty horizon.

Travis exhaled sharply. He turned to Selene with a smirk.

"Well, my Queen. It's just you and me."

Selene shot him a withering glare before lifting her dress and marching back inside without a word.