Page 67 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

We will be fine, we are fated to be together and now we are wed. Nothing will change that. As we walk, the sound of our footsteps echo against the stone walls and the distant chatter of other palace workers fills the air. Anticipation and tension mingle in the atmosphere, making me wonder what lies ahead at the stables.

I know why Verena did what she did. But it was her not telling me that was the issue. We needed no secrets between us, no boundaries.

* * *

Verena

I decide to spend time in the kitchens after I gather myself after Eryx’s departure. I know why he had to leave. I don’t blame him. I just wish we had a chance to be on better terms before he did.

I had hoped Eryx forgave me. I still hadn’t regretted it. Dryston deserves to suffer. Should I have told him immediately? Sure, maybe. But it didn’t change any outcome. Everyone here seems to forget I endured a decade and a half of manipulation and assault from Dryston. They couldn’t assume I’d be perfectly happy giving up my need for revenge. I refuse to give him the satisfaction of just dying. He will learn what it felt like to have your entire world ripped from your grasp, just as I did.

If Eryx doesn’t understand that— or if he doesn’t want it for me— than he isn’t the mate I thought he’d be. He should want the same.

“Eryx loves this country,” Mama Zen starts. It breaks me from my reverie and I face her, dusting my floured hands on the apron she had made for me. “But, I know he loves you more, mia cara. Trust in him. Trust in your marriage.” Her words are wise, sage advice. And I know she is right. I shouldn’t assume he doesn’t feel the same as I do. I am just surprised at his reaction. “All done.” She announces to me about the goodies. “Why don’t you go get some training in. I can wash up here.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, wanting to help but she just nods me off, untyingmy apron for me and practically pushing me out the doorway. I roll my eyes at her, smiling form her antics before looking for Hadeon. Hopefully he hadn’t left with Eryx and Esmeray.

Luckily I find him already in the courtyard’s sparring area.

My heart leaps with joy as I notice Hadeon amidst the group of guards circling around, his sword glinting in the sunlight as he moves with practiced grace. I watch in admiration as he parries a blow from one of his opponents and swiftly counters with a calculated strike of his own. The clash of steel rings through the air, the sound echoing off the stone walls that surround us.

Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I step forward, determination shining in my eyes. This is exactly what I need. Without saying a word, I approach the sparring match, my footsteps light on the grassy ground. I know exactly when Hadeon catches sight of me, even without turning his attention away from his current opponent. A smile tugs at the corners of his lips, his eyes alight with excitement at the prospect of facing off against his best friend and former student.

One of the guards in front of me turns to see who’s lurking behind him, but he steps back at the sight of me, making room for his queen to join the circle surrounding Hadeon. He nods at me, “Your Grace, we were not expecting you.” He announces me to the others. Everyone takes a notable step away from me, as to give me room. I hadn’t minded the cramped space, although I understand why they did it.

Hadeon finishes his fight against one of the other guards and I take my stance opposite him, my grip firm on the sword I pick up from the ground, readying myself for the challenge ahead. The air was cooler than usual, picking up on the autumn days coming. The crisp breeze sends a burst of energy my way. I meet Hadeon’s gaze, a silent understanding passing between us — this is not just a friendly spar, but a test of skill and trust between two warriors who have stood side by side through countless training exercises over five years.

I hear the guards whisper to themselves, unsure on how this will work.

“Are you sure you want to do this, Your Majesty?” He asks me.

A mischievous glint twinkles in my eyes as I meet Hadeon’s gaze, the familiar banter between us sparking to life. “Oh, I’m more than sure, Hadeon. Let’s see if you can still keep up with me, old man.” I retort playfully, a smirk dancing on my lips.

“I’m like three years older than you,” He exclaims in laughter but before he can say anymore, I lunge forward. The clash of our swords ring out like a battle hymn. Hadeon meets my strike with ease, his movements fluid and precise as he defends against my every move. The onlookers gasp in amazement at the sight of their queen holding her own against the renowned royal guard.

As our swords continue to dance in a flurry of strikes and parries, I feel a surge of exhilaration coursing through my veins, pushing harder and faster than I ever have against him. This was where I belong, in the heat of battle alongside my dearest friend, pushing each other to new heights of skill and strength.

But then, in a swift and unexpected turn of events, my sword catches his and I twist my wrist around, sliding against his sword so hard, his grip releases. Our eyes meet, both impressed and stunned for a brief moment. We begin to circle each other, knowing this isn’t over. The courtyard falls into hushed anticipation. The sound of our footsteps on the soft grass is the only noise that fills the air, the tension palpable among the watching guards.

With a sudden burst of speed, I launch myself at Hadeon, a fierce determination burning within me. Our bodies clash once again, our groans of tiresome fighting reverberating through the courtyard as we each push ourselves to the limit. I wrap my legs around his head, twisting my body with speed and agility to throw myself to the ground in a calculated move. He falls flat on his back as I let go and land just as I trained with Esmeray to do.

“I see someone’s training with Esmeray has gone well.” He groans out with a cough, the air knocks from his lungs when he lands. I stand, forgetting I am near his feet and he swiftly kicks mine from under me, a groan leaving my lips from the impact. I go to laugh, the sound a bit breathy as I coughin a lungful of air. We both rise to our feet simultaneously, standing our ground and positioning in organized stances.

This time, I do not have the moment to strike first. Hadeon comes forward, attempting to punch me. I side-swipe the muscular fist. Every move is met with a thought-out response, every strike countered with precision. We move in perfect synchronization, our years of training together evident in the seamless flow of our movements.

Hadeon’s eyes glint with respect and pride as he recognizes the fierce warrior standing before him. The playful banter is replaced by an unspoken agreement between us — this is no longer a friendly spar, but a battle of wills and strength. I feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through me as I push myself harder, faster, refusing to back down.

As we continue to exchange blows, I see an opening, a split second where his defenses waver. With lightning speed, I seize the opportunity and drop to the ground, turning hastily while sweeping my legs outward, taking his legs in a swift strike that catches him off guard. He drops to the ground and before he can move further, I’m on top of him with a dagger at his throat.

“I win.” I barely manage to get out in a smirk, my chest rapidly falling as it heaves air in and out. Sweat from my face drips onto his training leathers but he is unbothered.

I see the flash of emotion in his eyes. He’s never looked at me so proudly.

Finally I note the whoops and hollers form the surrounding crowd of guards and soldiers. The excitement from their queen defeating their head guard.

From what I learned, Hadeon trained most of these men and women, Esmeray the one to train the newer additions since Hadeon was gone for years.

But I had not beat Hadeon in a sparring match before. This was momentous. And the first person I wanted to share my excitement with wasn’t here.

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