The sincerity in his voice washes over me, chasing away some of the insecurities I’ve been holding onto.
“Thank you,” I say quietly, squeezing his hand.
“And if you ever need help, I’m here. We’re in this together.”
His words make my chest feel lighter. I stayed not just because I love him, but because of the partnership we’ve built. We face every challenge together, our bond growing stronger with each obstacle we overcome.
That evening, as we walk through the palace gardens, the cool night air a welcome relief from the weight of the day, Kael slips his arm around my waist.
“Do you ever miss Earth?” he asks, his voice thoughtful.
I consider his question, my gaze drifting to the twin moons above. “Sometimes,” I admit, “but less and less. My life there feels… distant now. Like it belongs to someone else.”
He nods, his expression unreadable.
“I don’t regret staying,” I add, looking up at him. “Not for a second.”
His lips curve into a soft smile, and he pulls me closer, pressing a kiss to my temple. “You’re everything I never knew I needed,” he says, his voice low and filled with emotion.
The words settle deep in my heart, and I know they’re true for me too.
As we walk back toward the palace, the challenges of ruling still waiting for us, I feel a sense of peace. Life as a queen is far from easy, but with Kael by my side, it’s a life I’m proud to embrace.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Kael
The palace balcony offers a sweeping view of the city, the golden domes and crystalline spires glowing under the soft light of Erythos’s twin moons. It’s a view I’ve known my entire life, one I used to take for granted.
But tonight, it feels different.
Because of her.
My bride.
My queen.
My life.
Emily stands at the edge of the balcony, her face turned upward to the stars. The faint breeze lifts her hair, framing her in a way that makes my chest ache. She doesn’t notice me watching her, lost in her own thoughts, and for a moment, I let myself marvel at how much has changed.
Before Emily, I was a prince bound by duty, my life defined by expectations and responsibility. The crown was a weight I bore without question, my path set long before I was old enough to understand it.
But then she came into my life, and everything shifted.
She challenged me, pushed me to see beyond tradition and obligation. She showed me strength and vulnerability, intelligence and compassion, fire and resilience.
She transformed not just my life, but my kingdom.
Under her influence, the court has grown more open, the people more hopeful. She’s brought ideas, solutions, and a perspective that Erythos desperately needed.
And she’s brought me joy, something I never thought I’d find amidst the burdens of leadership.
I step closer, the sound of my boots soft against the stone. She turns at the movement, her eyes lighting up when she sees me.
“Kael,” she says, her voice warm, the hint of a smile playing on her lips. “You’re staring again.”
I smirk, unashamed. “Can you blame me?”