Page 66 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

“You fight well, my love,” he said, offering me his hand to help me up.

I take it, feeling the warmth of his touch as he pulls me to my feet. “And you were going easy on me, my dear husband,” I reply, brushing off my training attire and meeting his gaze with a smile.

“Not by much.” He answers, taking the sparring stick from me and handing them to the weapon handler present.

My words die in my throat as Hadeon barges in, his voice booming with accusation. “You let Dryston live and didn’t bother to tell us?” His tone is filled with disbelief and betrayal.

A shiver runs down my spine, the sweat on my skin turning icy as fear grips me. My heart races as I struggle to find a response, knowing the consequences of my actions will not be taken lightly by Hadeon and the others.

“What?” Eryx’s voice is laced with concern as he questions his best friend, casting a quick glance at me before scanning the room for anyeavesdroppers. “Leave us,” he commands the staff, who quickly scurry away, leaving us alone in the quiet hallway. Eryx pulls me closer to where Hadeon and Esmeray now stand together, their faces serious and unreadable. I can’t help but wonder if Ruelle had already told them what she had just told me.

“When Ruelle and Verena were kidnapped, Amaelya wasn’t alone.” The memory of that terrifying night floods back, sending shivers down my spine. The words echo in my mind, causing my heart to race and my palms to sweat.

Suddenly, as if on cue, Ruelle comes running out from a side door. Her hair is wild and tangled, her cheeks flushed with exertion. “I’m sorry, Verena,” she gasps for breath as she joins our small group. Her eyes are wide with worry and guilt, and I can sense the tension radiating off of her.

Eryx turns to face me, his eyes cloud with a mix of emotions — hurt, confusion, anger. I can see the questions swirling in his mind, and I know he wants answers. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you,” I begin, my voice strained. “It wasn’t meant to be a secret. After I told you about Amaelya, you made me go back to sleep. I forgot about it until shortly after I woke up, and by that point there was so much going on with the wedding.”

“What happened in the cave with Dryston?” he presses.

I take a deep breath, memories flooding back as I recount the events that took place. As I finish telling him, I see the hurt in Eryx’s eyes deepen into a hardened gaze. “It wasn’t meant to be a secret,” I try to explain.

“You just kept the fact that you could’ve prevented this war, Verena,” Eryx says, his tone accusatory. “I thought Khyrel meant something to you.” His walls are coming up now, and it breaks my heart.

“It does! I never meant for it to turn out this way,” I plead with him, hoping that he can understand my feelings. But his gaze remains cold and distant, and I know he is shutting me out.

“No, it doesn’t matter to you like we all thought. Your revenge apparently outweighs the safety ofmypeople. And you didn’t even tell me. I am your husband but more than that, I am your mate. We are supposed to be one soul.” My heart aches now, pained by the declaration as if I hadn’t already known. Of course I did.

“Leaving him alive wasn’t an easy choice. Of course I thought about the people.Ourpeople.” I try, my voice full of desperation. “You do not understand the gravity of the situation. Yes, I could’ve killed him. But we know nothing of what the cost would’ve been. There was no concrete evidence that he had taken us captive. However, both Princess Lianna and Queen Consort Rya could have perceived it as an act of aggression toward their kingdom. Having spent time with them, I am aware of their perspectives. Rya has blind faith in her son and cannot fathom him causing any harm. She is overly attached to him, almost disgustingly so. On the other hand, she holds a strong dislike for me. If given the chance, she wouldn’t hesitate to declare war on us, likely with more strategic planning than her son. They would change his entire plans, Eryx. Then I would know nothing of their plans of attack and where we can keep our people safe. I didn’t do this out of a haste.” I plead with him but I know he is genuinely upset with me.

“But you never told me. That’s what hurts the most.” He starts to walk away, leaving me in stunned silence. Hadeon follows him, for reasons unknown to me. Esmeray comes over and puts a gentle hand on my shoulder.

“Even if you didn’t consider the consequences, I wouldn’t blame you. As someone who knows the lasting pains of trauma all too well, I can understand the desire for revenge instead of just a quick death. I’ll talk to him.”

Chapter 35: Leaving

Eryx

“Ican’t believe you’re leaving.” She speaks softly as I pack a small bag of fighting leathers.

I pause, my hands momentarily still as I feel Verena’s sorrowful gaze upon my body. My heart aches at the sight of her, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. I want nothing more than to gather her in my arms, to soothe away her fears and uncertainties. But duty calls, a heavy burden that even I can not ignore.

“I must go, Verena,” I explain, my voice tinges with regret. “The people of Elmswood need my help. I cannot turn a blind eye to their plight. Dryston is moving fast but thanks to your knowledge, we have an advantage. I need to start evacuations of the towns he plans on attacking.”

Verena bites her lower lip, a gesture of frustration and hurt. She had always understood my sense of responsibility, my unwavering dedication to this kingdom and its subjects. But this time feels different, the weight of my departure pressing down on us like a suffocating blanket.

“Please, Eryx,” Verena’s plea echoes in my head as I held her tightly. “I’m sorry.” Every fiber of my being wants to stay, to be by her side and protect her. But duty called, and I know that I couldn’t deny my responsibilities as king. The weight of the crown feels heavy on my head, but I can’t let my emotions cloud my judgment. The border towns needed me, and It ismy duty to show them that their king will not abandon them. And yet, the thought of leaving Verena behind tore at my heart, knowing she would face danger in my place. Our love was a constant battle between duty and desire, and in this moment, they seemed impossible to reconcile.

“I know, Seren Fach,” I whisper to my wife, trying to comfort her. But her expression remains troubled, her eyes full of worry and fear. A sudden knock at the door interrupts us. “Just a minute!” I call out, knowing it must be Esmeray.

Turning back to my wife, I gently cup her face in my hands. “I love you,” I tell her earnestly, hoping she can feel the depth of my emotion through my touch. She nods, her response a quiet echo of my own words.

In that moment, as we stand together in our large but cozy room, I am struck by the overwhelming beauty of this person before me. Her hair is like spun gold cascading over her shoulders, her skin glowing with warmth and love. The way she looks at me makes my heart swell with adoration.

But even as I revel in her presence, the world outside waits for us. War looms on the horizon and we must prepare for battle. Yet in this brief pause, I am reminded that no matter what happens, I am blessed to have her by my side. And for that, I will forever be grateful.

With a firm grip, I heft the heavy luggage and push open the creaky door to hand it off to a sharp-eyed staff member of the palace. “To the stables, please,” I request, my voice carrying a hint of urgency. Glancing at my sister, I catch her giving Verena a subtle nod full of unspoken meaning that I can’t begin to decipher. “Are you ready?” I inquire, searching her face for any sign of hesitation.

My sisters narrowed eyes meet mine before she finally nods and begins making her way toward the stables as well, her steps purposeful anddetermined. I take one final look back at Verena, seeing her clutch her chest before looking away, knowing I have to leave now or I won’t at all. I know we need to talk this through but right now, this kingdom needs us. I will not fail the prophecy.

---