Chapter 59
The golden light of morning spilled through the chamber windows, brushing over the stone walls and silken drapes of Valla's royal chambers. Prince Alistair stood before the tall mirror, fastening the last of his buttons. His tunic was deep forest green, embroidered in silver—his mother's house colors. He ran a hand through his tousled hair and exhaled. The weight of too many nights lingered behind his eyes.
The door creaked open.
A small pair of feet pattered across the chamber before the voice came, bright and full of joy.
"Father!"
Alistair turned just in time to catch the little body that launched into his arms. Caelen, not yet four, with wild chestnut curls and eyes far too knowing for a boy his age, clung to him with a giggle.
"There's my knight," Alistair said, spinning him once in the air, earning another laugh. "Have you come to duel me this morning?"
"No!" Caelen said proudly. "I came to show you my lion!"
The boy held up a wooden lion figurine, its paint chipped but loved.
Alistair smiled, holding him close, burying his weariness in the warmth of his son.
Behind them, the door clicked shut.
Jasmine stood by it, her gaze steady.
She said nothing for a long breath, only watching.
Alistair's smile faded slightly as he glanced her way. Her hair was neatly braided, her figure heavy with child—due any day. There was a quiet fatigue in her eyes, but also something harder to read. She said nothing still, only moved to the edge of the room with grace and silence.
He lowered Caelen gently to the floor.
"I had things to attend to last night," Alistair said, his voice calm but measured. "That is why I didn't come to our chamber."
He coughed lightly, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve.
"I didn't ask," Jasmine replied, her voice smooth as ever. "But I appreciate you telling me."
She sat on the bed, her hands resting on the swell of her belly.
Alistair watched her. Guilt, quiet but persistent, curled in his chest. She bore him no accusations, yet he felt them all the same.
She was kind.
She was dignified.
And she deserved more than a husband who disappeared into the night.
Without a word, he stepped forward and leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. She closed her eyes at the touch.
Then he knelt, turning his head to rest gently on her belly. "And you, little one," he murmured. "What news do you bring from within?"
Jasmine smiled, her hand resting on his hair.
"I want to listen too!" Caelen cried, bouncing forward.
Alistair laughed and pulled his son into his lap, guiding the boy's head to join his on Jasmine's stomach.
"Shhh," Alistair whispered. "You might scare the baby."
Jasmine giggled at the sight—father and son pressed close, eyes wide with wonder.
For a moment, it was easy to believe this was all there was. That they were just a family. Whole. Happy.
But Jasmine knew better.
They looked perfect.
Almost.
---
Alissa entered her chamber, the quiet hush of morning still resting in the air. Adam was awake now, sitting up on the bed, eyes fixed on her the moment she stepped inside. His gaze searched her face—she looked distant, troubled.
"What's wrong?" he asked gently.
Alissa moved toward him, her steps slow. She sat at the edge of the bed, silent for a moment, then turned to him.
"My father called for me."
Adam raised a brow, waiting.
"He received an invitation," she continued. "From Aethelgar. They've summoned the maidens of the kingdoms… a gathering for the prince to choose his bride."
Adam's face darkened slightly. He said nothing at first.
"I told my father I didn't want to go," Alissa said, her voice soft. "But before I could finish, he said he didn't want me marrying into Tommen's bloodline either. His words were clear—lose. That is all I must do."
He paused for a while.
Then.
Adam reached out, cupping her face in his hands. "Everything will be alright," he said. "I'll make sure of it. I'm going with you."
Alissa blinked. "How?" she asked, voice edged with disbelief. "How will you do that? You have no place in Aethelgar's halls, not even as my guard. You are no knight."
"I'll find a way," he said, unwavering. "I won't let you go there alone."
Alissa stared at him, her eyes softening. "Aethelgar is the largest kingdom in all the realm. If they're as clever as they are powerful, they'll choose the maiden whose kingdom brings them the greatest gain. Valla has little to offer them. My being there is but formality… I'm to play my part, lose with grace, and ensure Valla does not offend them."
She leaned into his touch. "But that place… that palace… it won't be easy."
Adam pressed a kiss to her lips, then pulled her close. She sank into his arms, sighing quietly.
"I will stand by you," he murmured.
She closed her eyes, breathing in the familiar warmth of him. His scent—earth and wind, something she could never seem to let go of.
"I'll do what I must," she whispered. "But only if I know you'll be there, somewhere in that place, even if just beyond the shadows."