I love it.

Ren woke before the sun rose, feeling Lyra's warm weight on his chest. Her hair spread over him like a soft curtain, her breath slow and steady. For a moment, he just lay there, enjoying the peace.

It was rare to have these quiet mornings. Most days brought talks of alliances or careful threats hidden behind smiles. But here, wrapped up in Lyra, he could pretend they were just two people who had found each other and decided that was enough.

He ran his hand through her hair. She shifted with a soft sound, pressing her cheek more firmly against him.

"Can't sleep?" she mumbled, voice thick with sleep.

"Not really," he said. "Thinking."

"Stop that," she teased, eyes still closed. "Nothing good ever comes from too much thinking before dawn."

He smiled and kissed the top of her head. "It's hard not to. Feels like new eyes are turning our way every day."

Lyra pulled back just enough to look at him. Her gaze was serious now. "Let them look. They can watch all they want. Doesn't mean they can take what's ours."

Later that morning, they walked through one of Saphira's long gardens. Pale blue flowers climbed stone arches, and little glowing birds darted between them. A few spirits bowed as Ren and Lyra passed. Some watched them go with careful, curious faces.

Lyra leaned close. "They still whisper about us. About how you walked through Miraye's temptations and left Erithia's cold court without giving her what she wanted."

"And you like that, don't you?" Ren asked, grinning.

She gave him a slow smile. "I love it. Let them all whisper. I want them to know exactly how far I'll go to keep you."

They reached a fountain where water spilled down clear steps. Ren sat on the wide edge, pulling Lyra between his legs so she stood close. Her hands rested on his shoulders. He tilted his head back to look at her.

"You know," he said quietly, "sometimes I think you're the only reason any of this matters. Thrones, courts, gods — none of it would mean anything if you weren't here with me."

Her face softened. She ran her thumb over his lower lip. "That's why they're all so shaken by us. It's not about power. It's about love. And that's scarier to them than any sword."

A servant came then, bowing low. "My lord, my lady, there's a message for you. It arrived by winged seal — very high magic."

Lyra took the rolled paper, broke the little wax mark that glowed faint pink, and read quickly. Her eyebrows lifted.

"Well?" Ren asked.

"It's from one of Saphira's minor allies. A court that rules over mirrored lakes. They want us to visit — to see if our 'bond is as strong as stories claim.'" Her mouth twisted. "In other words, they want to test us, like everyone else."

Ren gave a small laugh. "Do they think we'll just fall apart because they ask pretty questions or promise shiny deals?"

"Maybe," Lyra said. "But we'll prove them wrong."

That night, after a quiet meal of sweet meats and spiced fruit, Lyra pulled Ren out onto their balcony. The sky above was dark purple, sprinkled with stars. Far below, soft lights moved through gardens where spirits danced.

Lyra leaned against the stone railing, staring at the view. "Do you ever wonder how long this will last? How long before some new queen or god tries harder than Erithia did?"

Ren stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Probably tomorrow," he said honestly. "Or the day after. That's how this world works. But let them come. We'll handle them together."

She sighed and leaned back into him. "I hate how they all look at you. Like you're some prize they might steal if they're clever enough."

"And I hate how they look at you," he murmured. "Like they're afraid and tempted at the same time. Makes me want to pull you closer so they understand exactly who you belong to."

Lyra turned in his arms then. Her hands came up to hold his face. "Then show me. Right now."

They made love there on the balcony, under the open sky. Lyra was fierce and hungry, her nails digging into his shoulders, her mouth claiming his like she needed to brand him. Ren pulled her tight, lifting her so she had no choice but to hold on.

When it was over, they stayed tangled together on the cool stone floor, breathing hard. Lyra stroked his hair back from his forehead.

"I'll never let them take you," she whispered. "No matter what they offer."

Ren smiled, kissing her wrist. "Good. Because I'd never let them have me."

The next morning brought new visitors.

A small party from the court of mirrored lakes arrived, riding on pale creatures that looked like giant swans. Their leader was a tall woman with hair like spun silver and eyes that seemed to hold tiny shifting shapes — like you could see your own face reflected a hundred ways.

She bowed low to Lyra, then to Ren. "We've come to see the truth of the tales. To judge for ourselves how deep this bond really runs."

Lyra didn't smile. "Judge all you want. Just know you'll find no cracks to slip through."

The woman's lips curved faintly. "We shall see."

They were led to a bright hall filled with shallow pools. The water was so clear it was like glass, reflecting everything above. Servants spread fine rugs and brought trays of delicate fruits.

"Please," the silver-haired leader said, gesturing. "Sit. Share food with us. The lakes show many things. Sometimes they show the future. Sometimes hidden thoughts."

Lyra stiffened. "We have nothing to hide."

Ren reached for her hand. "Let them look. Whatever they see, they'll still see us together."

Slowly, she relaxed. "Alright. But I'll be watching their every breath."

They sat close on the rugs, and soon strange ripples moved through the pools. Colors and shapes formed, like pictures painted on water. Ren saw himself standing on a high mountain, Lyra at his side, her power flowing around them both. In another pool, he saw a dark figure reaching for his hand — but it was Lyra who stood behind him, pulling him back.

One of the court's nobles let out a tiny sigh. "Your bond is... stronger than I expected."

The silver-haired leader studied them both. "It might be the strongest we've ever seen. Which means others will want to test it. Or break it."

Lyra's eyes were hard. "They can try. We've already proven no throne or promise can come between us."

Later, walking back through Saphira's gardens, Ren squeezed Lyra's hand. "See? Even their magic pools couldn't find a single weak spot."

Lyra leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "And they never will. As long as you keep choosing me."

He kissed her forehead. "There's never going to be anyone else."

Above them, the sky slowly darkened again, stars blinking into life. Somewhere out there, new courts were probably already whispering about the mortal who defied demon halls and frost queens — and the goddess who would tear down worlds to keep him.

And Ren welcomed it. Because every new test only made what they had even stronger