Chapter Twenty-Seven – A Dance Beneath the Moon

The festival had long ended, yet the palace grounds glowed faintly with dying lanterns. The night air was crisp, carrying the scent of perfumed oils and spices still lingering from the grand feast. Kael wandered into the open courtyard, his cloak half-on, half-forgotten over one shoulder, boots quiet on the polished stone.

Seriyah stood alone under the arch of silver-blossomed trees, her armor replaced with a flowing cobalt robe. The moons bathed her in pale light, making her look more statue than warrior.

"Couldn't sleep?" Kael asked casually.

She turned. "I'm not used to dancing. Or pretending to enjoy it."

Kael grinned. "I saw you faking a smile at the ambassador from the High Reeds. It was almost convincing."

She narrowed her eyes. "Don't push it."

He stepped closer. "You know, most people unwind with wine. Or stories. Or the occasional reckless decision."

Seriyah gave him a sidelong glance. "And what reckless decision do you have in mind, Your Majesty?"

Kael extended his hand. "Dance with me. No music, no crowd. Just... us."

She blinked. "You're serious."

"I'm never serious," he said with a mock bow. "But I do like proving people wrong when they think I am."

With a reluctant smirk, Seriyah took his hand.

They danced slowly beneath the stars, their feet moving instinctively to a rhythm that didn't exist. She didn't step on his toes, and he didn't crack too many jokes—though the two he did earned a snort and a half-laugh.

"I never thought I'd be here," she said after a moment, her voice softer than usual. "Dancing with the man I once threatened to assassinate."

Kael leaned in slightly. "Well, I always assumed you'd fall for my charm eventually."

She rolled her eyes. "You're insufferable."

"And yet here you are."

Their eyes met again—familiar, intimate. There was no need to mention it, but the silver rings on their fingers gleamed in the moonlight. Husband and wife, bound not by politics, but by chaos, trust, and a stubborn refusal to give up on each other.

They spun again, the world narrowing to just the rustle of silk, moonlight, and warm glances that lingered a second too long.

Just as Kael was about to say something—something clever, or foolish, or both—the air changed.

The shadows shifted.

A faint hum echoed across the marble, almost like the whisper of a blade drawn too fast to see.

Seriyah stopped. "Kael—"

From the shadows, a cloaked figure stepped into view.

Not a guard. Not an assassin. Someone... familiar.

Kael's expression darkened. "You."

The figure removed her hood, revealing violet eyes gleaming with mischief.

"I didn't want to interrupt," she said, her voice low and lyrical. "But I think we need to talk. About the night you disappeared... and the pact you broke."

Seriyah's hand hovered over her blade.

Kael's jaw tightened.

"I thought you were dead," he said.

The woman smiled.

"I was. But death, it seems, was only the beginning."

To be continued...