Page 78 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

“I am grateful for it nonetheless.” Her smile is bright and contagious, reminding me of Hadeon’s. Sunlight catches in her warm blonde hair, giving it a golden glow that matches her vibrant personality. She is dressed elegantly in a flowing gold gown, befitting of her royal status. I have only met Lieve once before, at Calanthe’s grand party last year, but she had been accompanied by her father then.

“As you may know, my father has passed away.” She does not mince words. We nod, understanding the gravity of her loss. “I am now the rightful heir to the throne, but there are sinister forces at playand I am in need of your assistance.” Her gaze is earnest and pleading. Eryx motions to our guards and they leave the six of us alone before shutting the doors as she reveals the true reason for her visit.

* * *

I swipe the staff at the feet of my husband, forcing him to jump to avoid it. He chuckles deeply at me, coming toward me with his own move to throw me off balance on the beams we currently spar on.

Esmeray attacks from behind him, making a curse flee his lips as we laugh. I’ll give it to him, he sure knows how to fight us both off at the same time. But, I guess with him being king it is almost expected. Ruelle and Calanthe sit on a large blanket that rests over the grass in the courtyard. They munch on fruit and crackers, sipping fruity wine and enjoying the sun just as we all are.

The chilled breeze of seasons changing cools my hot skin as I use every muscle I have to throw another blow at Eryx just as his staff smacks into his sister and she falls to the ground with a grunt.

“Now it’s just you and I, Seren Fach.”

I narrow my eyes at his attempts to smirk at me with his darker charm and intimate thoughts that I can only guess are running through his brain.

“For now.” The wooden stick I hold lets out a loudthwackas it meets its mark on his side. He hisses and almost topples over. I don’t give up, moving forward to aim again for him, hoping he blocks me so I don’t hurt him but wanting him to lose this game.

His weapon deflects me, but I swiftly duck and spin, delivering a quick strike to his knees that sends him stumbling backward. Eryx regains his balance with a grin, admiration shining in his eyes as he faces me once more.

“Well played, my love,” he concedes, his voice laced with both challenge and affection. The familiar thrill of competition pulses between us, igniting the air with tension and exhilaration.

As we continue our sparring match, the courtyard fills with the sounds of laughter and playful banter. Ruelle and Calanthe cheer us on from the sidelines, their infectious mirth blending harmoniously with the sunlight dancing around us, Esmeray counting on me to avenge her in this playful battle.

I lock eyes with Eryx, a silent promise passing between us—a promise of unspoken vows and shared battles yet to come. In this moment, surrounded by loved ones and bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, I know that no matter what challenges lie ahead, we will face them together.

With a dramatic sweep of our staffs, I manage to deftly knock his feet out from under him. Like a marionette with their strings cut, he tumbles to the ground with a satisfying thud. The earth trembles beneath him as he hits the dirt, sending dust and debris flying in all directions.

My victory leaves a lingering sense of triumph in the air as I stand over him, my staff held confidently at my side. Our duel comes to an end, both of us breathing heavily but grinning like fools.

Eryx extends a hand toward me, and I take it gladly, feeling the warmth of his touch seeping into my skin as he helps me down.

“You never cease to amaze me,” he murmurs, his eyes filled with pride and adoration. I feel a rush of emotion welling up inside me, grateful for this man who stands by my side through every trial and triumph.

As the sky above us transitions into a canvas of dusky hues, we gather our belongings and make our way over to join Ruelle and Calanthe on the blanket. The sweet scent of ripe fruits and the gentle hum of laughter envelop us, creating a sense of contentment that settles deep within my soul.

We bask in each other’s company, sharing stories and dreams beneath the tapestry of stars that begin to twinkle overhead. In this moment of perfect serenity, I am reminded once again of what family feels like.

Hopefully, mydreams of ash and smokewill cease and then maybe I will be truly healed.

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