Page 54 of Under the Lion Star

“I–” I stammered. “Thank you.”

His words seemed genuine, and I appreciated how he treated Sanna as an adult when he spoke to her. I’d witnessed many lords speak to Mera and Zara as if they were toddlers, and it had always been something that made my skin prick.

The finery he wore spoke to his station, and I knew that he had been an instrumental part of Leor’s parents' council. The deep navy doublet he wore contrasted with the crimson snake pin on his lapel. I had to admit I was a bit jealous. The symbol for the Helner family was a boar, and it didn’t look nearly as fearsome when displayed.

“I look forward to the wedding,” he said, as much as to me as to Sanna. “With the princess’s involvement, it will surely be an event to remember.”

Sanna glowed under his praise, and I couldn’t help but smirk. Making her happy was its own kind of reward, and I was pleased to know that others felt the same way.

We found Leor in the council chamber with Atlas, both pouring over several documents. Leor looked up first, smiling at Sanna and me before rising to meet us at the doorway.

“Are we allowed in here?” I asked, waving my hand at the stately room.

“This is your home,” Leor frowned. “Nowhere is off-limits.”

“My room is off-limits,” Atlas interjected. “I’d hate for you to witness what occurs behind the door late at night. Not something fit for the eyes of royalty.”

Leor groaned and offered me an apologetic smile.

I laughed, as did Sanna, while Atlas only winked.

Leor had lunch plans with Sanna, which he invited me to, but I politely declined. I wanted to help Nima and Aunt Stella with one last batch of potions before my life dramatically changed. Atlas offered to walk me home, which Leor seemed satisfied with.

“I met your father,” I said as we exited the castle gates.

“Stay away from him,” Atlas said in a stern tone I’d rarely heard.

My eyes found his, but there was something behind them, something he wasn’t telling me.

“Might be hard once I’m queen,” I hedged. “But I’ll mind what I say to anyone who isn’t you or the royal family.”

“Good,” he said solemnly. “You can always come to me. I know Leor will be your husband, but I’m as much your friend as his, alright?”

I studied him briefly, trying to glean any insight from the crumbs he offered, but there was nothing there. Instead, I nodded and let him lead me out into Galvord and toward my parents’ house.

Chapter 16

Leor

My palms were sweating. The weight on my chest grew heavier with each passing moment, and all I wanted to do was run out into the countryside and sit by the lake. My hands trembled as I lifted them to adjust my crown for the hundredth time.

“Relax,” Atlas said, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You look good. You’re marrying a good woman. Sanna has organized everything down to the smallest detail. Just enjoy this.”

I looked over to where Orin sat, leaned back in a chair with his ankle resting on his knee as he read a book. He seemed completely at ease. I still wasn’t entirely comfortable with his attendance, but he was my brother, and I wanted him to be a part of this.

The slim crown he wore was a darker bronze; my parents had decided that gold wouldn’t look as good with his pale yellow hair. He seemed comfortable in his finery. At least that made one of us.

I let out a harsh breath, looking myself over in the mirror again. My hands ran over the velvet of the tunic, a deep crimson that reminded me of my old cloak. Part of me longed to don my armor, missing the simplicity of the battlefield.

“Alright, let’s do this,” I sighed.

“There’s the happy husband,” Atlas winked at me through the mirror.

Orin rose, as did Liras, both dressed as members of the royal family, as was Atlas. My parents were gone, but like Z said, we were making a new family from the ashes, even if it was an unconventional one.

“Sanna?” I asked no one in particular.

“Helping Zialda get ready,” Liras explained.

---