chapter 32

Chapter 32

The city of Valla shimmered under the glow of countless lanterns, their golden light flickering like stars against the darkening sky. The entire kingdom rejoiced, for today was not only the sixteenth nameday of their beloved Princess Alissa but also the day she had been accepted into the esteemed Citadel-the first woman to ever be chosen for the path of a Maester.

The streets were alive with merriment. Musicians played their flutes and lutes, laughter rang from every corner, and dancers spun in the firelight, their skirts and cloaks flowing like waves upon the cobbled roads. Even the common folk, who were rarely granted entry to the palace on such occasions, had been allowed within its outer courtyards to partake in the festivities.

Yet, while the kingdom celebrated, King Mathias stood alone.

In the quiet of his chamber, he gazed upon a great painting of his late wife, Queen Abbitha. The candlelight flickered against the canvas, illuminating the delicate strokes that captured her soft features-the same warm hazel eyes that now belonged to Alissa. His fingers grazed the edge of the frame, as if by touching it, he could bring her back, even if only for a moment.

A soft knock sounded at the door.

Mathias turned just as Alissa stepped inside, her gown of deep sapphire blue flowing gracefully around her. The color was striking against her fair skin, a mirror of the very dress Abbitha had worn on her own sixteenth nameday.

The king's breath caught in his throat. His eyes misted, the weight of the years pressing upon his chest.

"You look exactly like your mother in that dress," he murmured, his voice heavy with emotion.

Alissa stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him. He held her tightly, closing his eyes as he breathed in the scent of her hair-so different from Abbitha's, yet a part of her all the same.

"I wish I had met her," Alissa whispered.

Mathias sighed, pressing a kiss to her hair before pulling away. "She would be proud of you if she were here."

Alissa smiled softly, though the longing in her eyes did not fade.

"Come," Mathias said, clearing his throat as he extended his arm.

Alissa looped her hand through his, and together they stepped out into the grand corridor.

The halls were ablaze with light, the chandeliers casting golden hues across the polished marble. The scent of honeyed wine, roasted meats, and freshly baked bread drifted through the air. The palace had never looked so alive.

As they entered the great hall, all eyes turned toward them.

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd-admiration, pride, joy. Alissa, the cherished daughter of Valla, had come of age, and tonight, she was honored not only as a princess but as a scholar who had achieved the impossible.

At the head of the room, standing tall in their finest attire, were her brother, Prince Alistair, and Adam.

Alistair, in a deep crimson tunic embroidered with silver threads, smirked as he watched her approach. Pride shone in his gaze, though he masked it with his usual composed air.

Adam, beside him, wore a dark green coat lined with gold, his broad frame looking more knightly than ever. Yet his eyes-gentle, warm, filled with something unspoken-were for her alone.

Beside them stood Lady Jasmine, draped in a gown of pale rose, her dark curls cascading over her shoulder. Though she held her usual air of poise, there was something softer in her tonight-a quiet acknowledgment of the momentous night.

Further beyond, Lord Grendy stood proudly, his presence as commanding as ever. Even Lord Vryndel and several noblemen who had come to pay respects were present.

At the far end of the hall, amidst the knights and high-ranking guards, Elias stood with arms crossed. He watched Alistair carefully, as he always did, though his expression was unreadable.

And then, there were the common folk-the people of Valla, standing by the pillars and along the edges of the grand room, their eyes filled with wonder.

Mathias led Alissa forward, stopping at the center of the great hall.

With a commanding but warm voice, he spoke.

"Tonight, we honor not only the birth of my beloved daughter but also her place in history. Never before has a woman been chosen to walk the halls of the Citadel as a scholar of wisdom and knowledge. Alissa, my child, you have proven to us all that tradition need not be a chain but a path we forge anew. Valla is proud of you, as am I."

A thunderous cheer erupted through the hall, goblets raised high, voices shouting her name.

Alissa, her eyes bright with unshed tears, turned to look at the faces before her-the people who had stood by her, who had supported her.

And in that moment, she knew-this was not just her victory. It was Valla's.

Away from the Celebration

The sounds of music and laughter carried through the halls, muffled by the thick stone walls. The celebration in honor of Princess Alissa still roared within the palace, but outside, on one of the quieter balconies, Prince Alistair stood in silence, watching the city bathed in torchlight.

Adam approached with measured steps, hesitating before stopping beside him. He did not scoff or challenge, but his presence alone spoke of the weight of what he had seen.

Alistair did not turn to look at him. Instead, he spoke first. "You have something to say?"

Adam's fingers curled into his palms before he exhaled. "I saw you," he admitted, his voice steady, though laced with something unreadable.

Alistair finally turned to him. His expression gave away nothing, but there was a shift in his posture-tense, as if bracing for what would come next. "I know."

Adam shook his head slightly. "You know what."

There was no malice in his voice, but neither was there acceptance. Adam had long admired Alistair, had respected him as both prince and brother in arms, but Elias was a different matter entirely.

The tension stretched between them before Adam finally spoke again, quieter this time. "Does Jasmine know?"

Alistair exhaled through his nose. "She knows enough."

Adam's jaw tensed, but he nodded. He would not push further. It was not his place, and he would never betray Alistair.

But before either of them could say more, a familiar voice cut through the still night air.

"Your highness."

Both men turned-Elias stood a short distance away. His posture was casual, hands resting behind his back, but his sharp eyes were fixed on Adam first, then on Alistair. There was no smirk, no mockery, only quiet observation.

Alistair met his gaze briefly before sighing. "How long have you been standing there?"

Elias shrugged. "Long enough."

Adam stiffened but said nothing. His dislike for Elias was well known, but he would not air it here-not in front of Alistair.

Elias, for his part, ignored him and stepped closer. His voice was quieter now, meant only for Alistair. "Your wife has been looking for you."

Alistair nodded, running a hand through his hair. "I'll return soon."

Elias held his gaze for a moment longer before inclining his head. "Good." Then, he turned and left, his footsteps fading into the distance.

Adam let out a slow breath. "You trust him too much."

Alistair's lips quirked into something that wasn't quite a smile. "Perhaps."

He did not explain himself further. He never did.

Adam remained silent for a long moment, his fingers gripping the balcony railing as he stared at the city beyond. The celebration still raged inside the palace, a stark contrast to the quiet tension lingering between them. He finally spoke, his voice measured. "He's desperate and therefore dangerous."

Alistair tilted his head slightly, studying Adam. Not in amusement, nor in challenge-just quiet curiosity. "You think I don't know that?"

Adam turned to him then, his eyes sharp. "Then why do you let him linger so close? He doesn't just follow you like a knight-he watches you like a man ready to burn the world if you let him."

Alistair chuckled under his breath, a low, tired sound. "Is that what you think?"

Adam held his gaze. "I don't think. I know."

Alistair sighed, rolling his shoulders. He did not need this conversation, not tonight-not when his mind was already full of Jasmine, of Elias, of the thin line he had begun to walk.

"Elias is loyal."

Adam scoffed but quickly caught himself. "He's loyal to you, yes. But what happens when that loyalty turns into something else?"

Alistair's jaw tightened. "You think too much."

"And you don't think enough," Adam shot back.

The words hung between them, not quite an argument, but not far from one.

Alistair turned away first, his gaze drifting back toward the city. "I've known Elias for years. You've known him for far less. You do not have to like him, but you will respect him."

Adam exhaled sharply. "I respect you."

Alistair stilled. He understood the meaning beneath the words. I respect you, but not him.

But there was no use in continuing. Adam would never approve of Elias, and Elias would never care for Adam's approval. It was a rift that would not mend, not in this lifetime.

Before Adam could say more, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the moment.

Alistair turned just as Jasmine stepped into view.

She was still in her gown, but her expression was softer now, curiosity flickering in her eyes as she looked between them. "Should I be jealous that my husband disappeared so quickly after our first dance?"

Alistair offered her a small smile. "You know me, always vanishing when I shouldn't."

Jasmine hummed, stepping closer, her gaze flickering briefly toward Adam before settling back on Alistair. "Come, then. The people are waiting."

Alistair glanced at Adam one last time, as if to silently end the conversation. Adam said nothing-only nodded.

As Alistair followed Jasmine back inside, he did not turn to see if Elias was still watching.

But he felt him.

---

The night air was cool against Adam's skin as he stood on the balcony, his thoughts still tangled from his conversation with Alistair. The city beyond was alive with celebration, but in this quiet corner of the palace, everything felt still-until a soft voice broke the silence.

"Adam."

He turned at the sound of his name, and there she was-Alissa. The moonlight bathed her in silver, her green eyes shimmering as she smiled at him. She was breathtaking, the soft curves of her face framed by loose strands of her dark hair.

Adam's breath caught in his throat. "You look beautiful."

Alissa tilted her head playfully. "You sound surprised."

A small chuckle escaped him, but then his hand moved on its own, reaching up to brush his fingers against her cheek. Her skin was soft, warm beneath his touch. She leaned into his palm, her lashes lowering for just a moment, as if savoring it.

"Where have you been?" she asked softly.

Adam hesitated. There was so much he wanted to say, so much he wanted to protect her from-but in that moment, none of it mattered.

Before he could answer, she took his hand and pulled him down the corridor, her steps quick and full of purpose. Adam followed without question, his heart pounding. They moved through the palace like shadows, slipping past guards unnoticed, their quiet laughter filling the space between them.

When they reached her chamber, Alissa pushed open the door, and the moment it closed behind them, she turned and captured his lips with hers.

It was not a chaste kiss.

It was raw, full of need and longing, her hands tangling in his hair as she pressed her body against his. Adam groaned softly, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her closer.

Alissa broke the kiss just long enough to whisper, "I'm ready."

Her fingers moved to the laces of her dress, but before she could undo them, Adam caught her wrists gently. His dark eyes searched hers, his breathing uneven.

"Are you sure?" His voice was low, edged with restraint.

She answered him with a kiss-deep, desperate, full of quiet promise. When she pulled back, her eyes held no doubt.

"Yes," she whispered. "Only with you."

Something inside Adam shattered at her words. Whatever control he had left crumbled as he cupped her face and kissed her again-deeper this time, with nothing held back. He walked her backward until her knees hit the edge of the bed, and as she fell against the sheets, he followed.

Hands roamed, breaths mingled, and every touch was a confession of love and devotion. Their bodies molded together, moving in sync, as soft gasps and whispered names filled the room.

Their breaths tangled, the air between them charged with an intensity neither could deny. Adam hovered above Alissa, his weight supported by his arms as his lips trailed from her jaw to the curve of her neck. She sighed, her fingers threading through his hair, urging him closer, pulling him deeper.

Each touch was a promise, each kiss a silent vow. Adam moved with reverence, as if worshipping her, as if memorizing the way her body responded to his. She was warmth and fire, soft yet unyielding, and the way she looked at him-like he was the only one who mattered-undid him completely.

"Adam..." she whispered, her voice barely audible, but he felt the way she trembled beneath him, the way she held onto him like he was her anchor in a storm.

He lifted his head, meeting her gaze. "I love you," he murmured, his thumb brushing against her swollen lips.

Alissa smiled, her fingers trailing down his back, a slow, delicate touch that sent shivers down his spine. "I love you more."

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. "Not possible."

She silenced him with a kiss, deep and slow, her body arching beneath his. The heat between them grew, their movements turning more urgent, more desperate. Every sigh, every whispered name, every moment they shared was woven with something far greater than desire-it was devotion, longing, an unspoken promise that even the world's cruelest fate could not break them.

Their breaths came faster, their bodies pressing closer, until nothing remained between them-not space, not doubt, not hesitation.

The night wrapped around them like a sacred veil, shadows flickering against the stone walls as the candlelight bathed their entwined bodies in a golden glow.

Adam moved with tenderness, his hands tracing over Alissa's skin as if committing every inch of her to memory. She trembled beneath his touch, her breath hitching as he pressed soft kisses along her collarbone, down to the delicate curve of her shoulder.

"You're perfect," he whispered, voice thick with emotion.

Alissa's fingers dug into his back, her lips parting as she pulled him closer. "So are you," she murmured, her green eyes gleaming with love and something deeper-something raw and unguarded.

The way she looked at him unraveled him completely.

Their bodies moved in harmony, a dance as old as time, slow and intoxicating, filled with soft moans and whispered names. The world outside ceased to exist; in that moment, there was only them-two souls bound together by something far greater than passion.

Adam held her as if she were the most precious thing in the world, his forehead pressed against hers, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the room. Alissa clung to him, her heartbeat racing in sync with his, her fingers tracing the contours of his face as if she never wanted to forget the way he felt beneath her touch.

"Mine," she whispered.

Adam stilled for a moment, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. Then, he smiled-soft, reverent. "Yours," he vowed.

And as the night deepened, they lost themselves in each other over and over again, until exhaustion pulled them into the sweetest oblivion.