Chapter 88: Whispers of the Heart

The skies over Lunaris shimmered with twilight colors as the twin moons rose, casting silver and violet hues across the palace gardens. Irylia sat by the Moonblossom Fountain, her bare feet dangling in the cool water, her thoughts drifting far from court matters or political intrigue.

She thought of Shisui—of his quiet strength, the haunted yet warm look in his eyes, the way he had thrown himself into danger without hesitation to protect her.

He had no noble title, no land, no kingdom. Yet he carried the presence of a king.

She touched the locket hanging around her neck, a simple trinket he'd given her after saving her life in the assassination attempt. "A reminder," he'd said, "that you're not alone."

Since that night, Irylia had found herself watching him more often. The way he trained. The way he spoke—few words, but always weighty. He had become her silent guardian, and with every moment they shared, her feelings bloomed deeper, like frost-kissed roses.

Ellyn Starcrest had noticed it too.

"You're falling for him," Ellyn had said casually one morning, watching Irylia stare at Shisui from a balcony above the training courtyard. "He's strong. Mysterious. And not afraid of your title. Dangerous combination."

Irylia hadn't denied it.

Now, alone beneath the stars, she whispered aloud, "I don't want anyone else."

She rose and walked through the quiet palace halls toward her parents' solar. Her heart pounded louder with each step.