Aurein's POV
"Aurein! What on earth is going on in there?" my father shouted the moment I heard him enter the bath chamber.
My heart leapt straight into my throat.
"General—how are we supposed to explain this?" I whispered in panic.
General Voltaire's gaze flicked sharply around the chamber.
We had only a few seconds left. Before anyone could reach the pool itself, there was a narrow corridor leading into the chamber—and footsteps were already echoing through it.
"Aurein," he said quietly, cupping my cheeks and forcing me to meet his eyes, "make them leave. As fast as you can. All right?"
"W–what are you planning to do?" I asked, my voice cracking.
"Just make them leave," he repeated.
Then he took a sharp breath—and without another word, he submerged himself completely, sinking to the deepest part of the bath. I watched in horror as he pressed himself against the far edge, positioning his body where he wouldn't be seen.
"Aurein! What's happening!" my father demanded as he finally reached the bath.
Rowan was right beside him.
The moment Rowan saw me—completely naked—he froze.
He swallowed hard. His cheeks and ears turned bright red.
Instinctively, I clapped a hand over my manhood.
My father's brow furrowed deeply as he stared at me, disbelief written all over his face.
Then his eyes swept the chamber.
"Rowan said General Voltaire was here with you," my father said. "Where is he?"
"Huh?" I replied far too quickly. "He's not here, Father. And why would he be? I'm bathing. It's not as if we'd bathe together and do something... scandalous."
I laughed nervously.
I actually swallowed so hard my throat hurt.
"Rowan," my father said slowly, "are you telling the truth?"
"Yes, King Lucen," Rowan replied. "I saw them enter the bath chamber together earlier. I even timed it. They've been in here for quite a while without coming out."
"And why exactly were you timing us in the bath chamber, Rowan?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.
But Rowan refused to back down. His gaze continued to roam the chamber, searching for any sign of the general.
And then—
My blood ran cold.
Right by their feet.
General Voltaire's clothes.
I swear my lungs forgot how to work.
If either of them bent down even slightly, I was finished.
So I acted.
I rose from the water abruptly, letting irritation flash across my face.
"Why are you disturbing me while I'm bathing?" I snapped. "I just came from training, I'm drenched in sweat, and I want to relax. If I decide to soak here all night, I will—and that is none of your business. Understood?"
As I spoke, something else hit me like lightning.
The kiss mark.
General Voltaire had left it on my chest. And there are two of them! Left and right!
I instantly crossed my arms, shielding myself, and—while they were focused on my outburst—I discreetly gathered my clothes.
Along with his.
Success.
Neither of them noticed. They were far too focused on my performance.
"But I saw him earlier," Rowan insisted. "He was here. I even heard moaning. I heard a topic. Something about... calming a horse."
"Rowan," I said icily, squinting at him, "why are you spying on me? Give me one good reason."
"I'm only concerned," he replied. "I worry you and General Voltaire might be doing something improper. Someone could see."
"Improper?" my father echoed sharply. "Is there something you and General Voltaire are hiding, Aurein? Are you doing anything that goes against our laws?"
"No!" I said immediately, shaking my head.
My father exhaled slowly.
Then Rowan suddenly pointed at the water.
My stomach dropped.
"Look, King Lucen!" Rowan exclaimed.
Oh no.
Had they seen him?
"What's that?" my father asked, narrowing his eyes as he followed Rowan's finger. Then he froze. "Is that... what I think it is? Is that semen?"
My eyes went wide.
The evidence.
The undeniable, floating, traitorous evidence.
I had to act—now. Before General Voltaire ran out of air beneath the water.
"All right. I admit it," I said.
My father turned to me, his expression grave and expectant.
"Admit what?"
"Rowan is right," I said calmly. My father shot Rowan a stunned look. "He heard moaning. That was me."
"What does that mean, Aurein?" my father asked.
"And that white substance floating in the water?" I continued, straight-faced—almost proud. "That's mine. My own creation. I couldn't help myself. I... gave pleasure to myself."
I lifted my chin.
I had never lied so bravely in my entire life.
Then I looked at my father.
He was frowning—silent, severe, unreadable.
For one terrifying second, I thought I was about to be exiled, disowned, or forced into a lecture that would last longer than the kingdom's history.
And then—
His expression softened.
And suddenly, he burst out laughing.
I froze.
Completely.
What... was happening?
Why was he laughing?
"I am delighted, Aurein! Truly delighted!" he said between amused breaths. "Well done! You are finally becoming a man! To feel the urge to *release*, to be so eager to experience what married couples do—ah, how youthful!" His eyes sparkled with far too much pride. "You even look ready to plant an heir into Princess Serena already!"
My brain shut down.
"...Huh?" was all I managed to say.
Then he placed a heavy, fatherly hand on my right shoulder, as if we were sharing a noble, man-to-man moment instead of the most humiliating misunderstanding of my life.
"My apologies for interrupting your... private moment," he continued warmly. "I understand completely. That feeling of release—why, it is a victory for us men." He nodded sagely. "Instead of fully enjoying it, we disrupted your concentration. Very well. We shall leave you be. You may continue if you wish."
At that, I finally breathed again.
Relief flooded through me so hard I nearly sank back into the bath.
I glanced at Rowan, who was scratching his head and looking around the chamber, clearly baffled—especially by the conspicuous absence of General Voltaire.
My father had already turned his back when he suddenly paused and turned back to face me again.
Why does he always do this before he leaves? I hate this feeling! It gives me anxiety!
"Aurein..." he said.
He pointed to his own right cheek.
I blinked. "What is it, Father? Do you... want me to kiss you?"
"No!" he snapped, recoiling. "I mean—you still have something on your cheek." He squinted. "A mark of your manhood appears to have... splashed onto your face."
I nearly drowned.
My hand flew to my cheek in panic.
Was it mine?
Was it the General's?
I didn't know—and more importantly, I didn't want to know.
Thank the heavens my father suspected nothing!
I wiped it off immediately, scrubbing like my life depended on it.
"You seem to have been overly excited, Aurein," my father went on, entirely too calmly. "Your release appears to have been... forceful. Just remember—do *not* attempt to eat or swallow it. We men do not do such things. That privilege is left to women. Is that clear?"
"Yes! Crystal clear!" I said, nodding so fast I nearly gave myself whiplash. "Very clear. Extremely clear. I would now very much like to continue my bath."
He didn't have any clue that I had just swallowed the general's white seed... and that was A LOT! It was drowning me!
"Afterward," he added, "inform the female servants to replace the bathwater. Next time, do not release into the water."
"I—I apologize," I said quickly. "Please. I wish to continue bathing."
"Understood," my father said with a satisfied grin. Then he turned to Rowan. "Come, Rowan. Let us allow my son his solitude—after all, he is becoming a man! Hahaha!"
They finally left the bath chamber.
The moment the door shut—
General Voltaire surfaced from the depths of the bathwater like a man returning from war, gasping for air.
"I did my best," I whispered anxiously. "My father is simply... very talkative. I'm sorry, General."
"It's all right," he said between heavy breaths. "At least we were not caught. You thought quickly."
"I think we should leave soon," I added, glancing toward the door. "Rowan might try to sneak back again. What is wrong with that man?"
"I do not know," General Voltaire said, stepping out of the water.
I handed him his clothes and a fresh towel.
As he dried himself, I found myself staring.
Helplessly.
His body was... unfair. Perfectly sculpted, battle-hardened, and absolutely illegal for someone like me to be looking at under these circumstances.
I could feel the heat rising again.
Just from looking at him.
And this time, I had absolutely no excuse ready.
"General... can we continue the lesson in my chamber?" I asked shyly.
"No," he said firmly. "You need to rest, Aurein."
"Hmph!" I muttered, rolling my eyes at him.
"You look like you're becoming addicted, Aurein," he added teasingly.
"This is your fault," I said, pouting—then immediately sneaking another glance at his body.
Just looking at him made my thoughts spiral again, and I hated how easily my imagination betrayed me.
"Aurein," he said calmly while drying his hair, "whatever it is you're thinking, set it aside for now. You're getting far too aggressive."
"That's annoying!" I snapped. "You can read my mind already because of that horse's special gift you made me swallow!"
"That effect works only with you," he said. "No one else can have it."
Then his gaze dropped to my chest—and he smiled.
"It's amusing to see my mark on you, Aurein," he said softly.
I immediately covered my chest.
"I almost got caught," I said nervously. "Good thing I remembered you marked me. If they had seen it, it would have raised questions about where it came from."
Soon after, General Voltaire put his clothes back on. I did the same.
"We can't leave together, Aurein," he said. "You go first. I'll follow later. I have a feeling Rowan is lurking outside the bath chamber."
"Okay. I'll go first," I said. "But I expect you to come to my chamber quickly. Don't stand guard outside. I want you to sleep beside me tonight... please?" I added, doing my best to sound innocent.
He smiled and nodded.
"Yes!" I exclaimed happily, clapping once.
"You really are still a child," he said with a smirk, shaking his head.
Then he patted my head.
"Still, you were a good boy," he said. "You did everything I told you."
"Yes, I did," I replied proudly. "I'm going now."
With that, I stepped out of the bath chamber.
And immediately—
Rowan was there, standing right in front of me.
The General had been right. Thank goodness we didn't leave together.
"Aurein," Rowan said in a low voice, "don't lie to me. I know General Voltaire is inside the bath chamber."
"He's not," I said smoothly. "You already checked, didn't you? And even if he were there, what of it? He's my personal guard. It's normal for him to be nearby while I bathe."
"Then how do you explain the two marks on your chest?" he asked.
"M-marks?" I repeated, stunned.
I thought he hadn't seen them.
"Yes. I saw them," he said. "I didn't say anything earlier because I didn't know what the King would think if he noticed. We both know Princess Serena wouldn't leave marks like that. So tell me, Aurein—who did they come from?"
"This is... a training injury," I said quickly. "It's not a mark like that, all right?"
He exhaled slowly.
"Aurein," he said, unimpressed, "I'm not an idiot. I know the difference between an injury and something else." His voice softened with concern. "Did the General force you? Did he take advantage of you? Tell me. Report it. I'll help you."
"No!" I said firmly. "Nothing like that happened. Don't assume things." I frowned at him. "Besides, why are you watching me behind my back? Are you spying on me?"
"It's not spying," he replied. "It's looking after you—making sure nothing unfortunate happens."
"Rowan, you don't need to do that," I said, keeping my tone calm despite my irritation. "Anyway, I'm going back to my chamber now. Good night."
And with that, I walked away—leaving him standing there, still watching me far too closely for my comfort.
* * *
Rowan's POV
I knew I was not imagining things.
I had seen them—both of them—enter the bath chamber together.
I had been following Aurein quietly for some time now, careful enough not to be noticed, and it was always the same pattern. Wherever Aurein went, General Voltaire was there. Too close. Too constant. Too intimate.
Those marks on Aurein's chest—there was only one possible source. General Voltaire. No hesitation. No uncertainty. And the thought that Aurein had allowed him to do that to his body—
That was what enraged me.
And more than that, it was what consumed me with envy.
It should have been me.
I should have been the one standing at Aurein's side. I should have been the one allowed close enough to touch him, to kiss him, to claim that intimacy. His trust. His body. Everything.
Why did it have to be that commoner, when I was more than enough?
I was already turning away when I saw him.
General Voltaire stepped out of the bath chamber, calm and unhurried, as if he had nothing to hide.
"I knew it," I said sharply. "You were here with Aurein."
"And?" he asked, his voice steady, almost bored. "What are you going to do about it?"
"You're not worried about what I might do?" I said coldly. "I could report you to the King for your insolence."
"Go ahead," he said calmly.
His indifference only fueled my anger.
"Your ego is enormous," I continued. "You think highly of yourself just because you've gained Aurein's favor. I know what you want—you're securing his trust so that when he becomes king, everything you desire will fall into your hands."
Then he laughed.
Not mockingly. Not loudly.
Amused.
"What exactly is so funny?" I demanded.
"That," he said, "is what I want?" He tilted his head slightly. "Or is that what YOU want?"
Something inside me snapped.
Then my gaze dropped to his neck—and my eyes widened.
"Is that..." I muttered, staring.
"Ah. This?" he said, casually pointing at the mark on his skin proudly. "Aurein gave it to me. Willingly."
My jaw clenched.
"I despise you," I said. "Using his innocence for your own selfish gain. If only Aurein knew what you truly are."
He looked at me then—fully, sharply.
"You know, Rowan," he said, "everything you're accusing me of—that's who you really are. Not me."
"I have no choice but to inform the King," I said.
He stepped closer.
One step.
Then another.
Until he was standing directly in front of me, his presence overwhelming, I swallowed involuntarily.
"Go ahead," he said quietly. "Tell the King about me and Aurein." His voice lowered as he leaned closer, his words brushing my ear. "But be warned—if Aurein comes to harm because of your actions, you will not like what I do next. And it won't be just me who suffers. And the whole Kingdom if Ardentia will suffer too."
My throat tightened.
"You act as if you're the most powerful being in the world," I said stiffly.
"You said that," he replied calmly. "If that's how you see me." His hand closed firmly around my shoulder. "But understand this—anyone who lays a hand on Aurein is walking straight toward death."
Then, insultingly—
He placed his hand on my head.
And patted it twice.
"So behave," he said lightly. "Be a good boy. All right?"
He chuckled and walked away.
For a moment, I stood frozen.
Then I turned sharply, seething.
"I still outrank you," I snapped after him. "You're nothing but a commoner!"
He dismissed me without even looking back—simply raising one hand in the air.
"I despise him," I muttered, narrowing my eyes. "Who does he think he is?"
I sighed sharply and ran a hand through my hair.
"Did he really just tell me to behave like a good boy?" I thought irritably. "Damn it... I'll get you soon. Just you wait, General Voltaire."
Good boy?
No one had ever dared say those words to me.
No one. Just him.
* * *
Aurein's POV
Where was General Voltaire?
I lay on my bed, staring at the canopy above me, my thoughts spiraling despite the silence of my chamber. Why hadn't he come yet? Did something happen? The questions drifted in circles, refusing to settle.
And then my mind betrayed me—returning to the bath chamber, to the warmth of water and the closeness we shared. The memory arrived gently, not loud or demanding, but tender and lingering. I remembered the way our breaths had slowed together, the way trust had filled the space between us. Even now, the sensation clung to me like warmth after firelight—faint, but unmistakably there.
I exhaled, a small, helpless smile touching my lips.
Sometimes, I wondered what life might have been like if the world had been kinder to such thoughts. If the laws had been different. If love had not come with fear. In another life, I would be his woman, perhaps we would have lived quietly somewhere far from the palace, raising children who laughed freely beneath open skies.
But this was the life we had.
We were both men. And while that truth was heavy at times, it was also honest. I was happy. And that—above all else—was what mattered.
A knock sounded at the door.
My heart leapt.
I knew it. It's him.
I rose at once and crossed the room, reaching for the handle with hope blooming in my chest—only to freeze when the door opened.
"Mother?" I asked, startled. "Why are you here?"
She smiled softly, her eyes warm with knowing. "Why? Were you expecting someone else?" she teased gently. "Are you disappointed that it's only me?"
"N-no! Of course not," I said quickly, shaking my head far too fast to be convincing.
"May I come in?" she asked.
I nodded, suddenly nervous.
What if General Voltaire walked in without knocking?
The thought sent a jolt of panic through me. He could be seen. We could get into trouble.
As soon as she stepped inside, I closed the door behind her. She moved with familiar ease and sat on the edge of my bed, smoothing her gown.
"Come here, Aurein," she said kindly. "Sit with me."
I obeyed, settling beside her.
"I heard from your father," she began carefully, "that you... did something unusual in the bath chamber."
My face warmed instantly. "I—I was just... experimenting," I said shyly, unable to meet her gaze.
She sighed, not in anger, but in thought. Then her hands found mine, resting gently in my lap. Her touch was steady and reassuring.
"Aurein," she said softly, "next time, make sure no one suspects you and the General."
I nodded at once.
Silence followed—but only for a moment.
Realization struck me so suddenly that I looked at her with wide eyes. "Mother—no, wait! You misunderstand. The General and I—we don't have any relationship," I blurted out.
She frowned, just slightly. "Didn't General Voltaire tell you that I already knew about the two of you?"
I blinked. "Huh? What did you say?"
"I thought he had told you that I knew," she said calmly.
I inhaled sharply, as though the air itself had vanished from the room. "When did you find out, Mother? He didn't say anything—I didn't know you already knew!"
She chuckled softly. "When you were drunk," she admitted. "You talked in your sleep. You kept saying how much you loved the General."
"Mother!" I groaned, grabbing the pillow beside me and pressing it over my face. "Why does alcohol turn me into an uncontrollable mess?"
"Well," she said with a smile, "alcohol affects everyone differently. Perhaps for you, it loosens the heart a little too much."
I slowly lowered the pillow, peeking at her. "You're... not angry? About me and the General?"
"At first, I was," she admitted. "But he was very persistent." Her eyes sparkled. "He even threatened me—said he would become our enemy and destroy the kingdom if I denied him."
"What? That General!" I exclaimed, scandalized. "He even scared you? I hate him for that!"
She laughed. "Do not worry. He said it while kneeling before me—bowing so low, just to earn my blessing."
"And you gave it to him?" I asked quietly.
"He vowed to protect you, no matter what," she said. "And when I looked into his eyes, I knew he meant it. That sincerity... it moved me."
Tears gathered in my eyes as I smiled. "Thank you, Mother."
I leaned forward and embraced her, holding on as though anchoring myself.
"All for you, my love," she murmured.
"I thought you would be disappointed," I admitted as I pulled back. "Angry, even."
"You are my only child," she said, stroking my hair gently. "How could I ever be angry at you?"
"I'm sorry," I whispered, lowering my head. "If I failed to meet your expectations."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"That Father and you wanted a strong, manly prince," I said softly. "But your only son feels more like a princess."
She lifted my chin with care, just enough for our eyes to meet.
"Listen to me, Aurein," she said firmly but lovingly. "I am proud of who you are becoming. You may not have grown into the prince we imagined—but you are braver, stronger, and truer to yourself than you were before. And the General has helped you grow into someone worthy of leading this kingdom."
Her words settled into me like warmth.
"But how about Father," I said hesitantly. "He doesn't know yet. And I know he won't accept this love."
She nodded. "I know. Your father has no idea. And when he does... I cannot say what will happen."
"Then we'll keep it hidden for as long as we can," I said. "The General and I—we'll act normal in front of him."
She nodded once more, her expression gentle but resolute.
"I also told him that, in the eyes of the people, it would still be you and Serena standing together," my mother said gently. "That the two of you would one day bear an heir."
Bear an heir...
The words echoed as I stared at the floor, my thoughts drifting far from the room. "And... what did the General say about it?" I asked quietly.
"He said he would protect that child," she replied, "with the same devotion he gives to protecting you."
A small smile curved my lips.
"I suppose I'm just a little sad," I admitted, releasing a long breath. "I wish that child could have come from the two of us instead. But... that will never be possible."
"That is the price of loving someone of the same gender," my mother said softly. "But as long as you have each other, that is what truly matters."
"Thank you, Mother," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "For accepting our love."
She reached out, cupping my cheek, her thumb brushing my skin with tenderness that only a mother could give.
"Mother," I added after a moment, "since you've accepted this... may I ask about one more thing I wish for?"
She smiled faintly. "Which one? You have so many wishes, Aurein. I hardly know where to begin."
"About becoming a Moon Dancer," I said.
Her expression changed—not harsh, but firm. "I can accept your love for the General," she said, "but this wish... this one I cannot agree to."
"Why?" I asked, my brows knitting together.
She closed her eyes and sighed, as if the weight of years pressed down on her shoulders. "When you become king, you will understand why I forbid it."
"I don't understand," I said quietly. "Even the General refuses to allow me to become a Moon Dancer. Did you speak to him about this?"
"We did speak," she said. "But I did not force him. I merely asked if he would allow it. His answer was the same as mine."
"Then why not tell me now?" I pressed. "If I knew the reason, perhaps I could accept it. Instead of waiting until I become king."
She did not answer. She only smiled at me, gently, sadly.
"So... I'm not getting an answer," I murmured.
"Go to sleep, my love," she said instead. "You have training early tomorrow. The competition is drawing near. Focus on that. Make your father and me proud—and the General as well."
I nodded and smiled. "I will. I'm no longer the weak Aurein I once was. All thanks to General Voltaire—his patience, his persistence, and his faith in someone who knew nothing of weapons, war, or battle."
She smiled warmly. "That makes me happy to hear. Just promise me one thing."
"What is it?"
"Be more careful next time," she said gently. "Choose a place where no one can interrupt you and the General."
My face burned with embarrassment. "I will," I said shyly.
"Good night, Aurein. I'll leave you now."
"Good night, Mother. I love you."
She kissed my forehead. "I love you too, my son," she whispered, before turning and leaving my chamber.
As she opened the door, she paused—and looked to her right.
"General Voltaire," she said in surprise. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Not that long, Your Majesty," he answered.
But I know for sure, he had been there for a long time already, eavesdropping.
"Forgive me for keeping you waiting," my mother said. "I was speaking with Aurein. You may have him now."
"N-no—please don't say it like that, Queen Crysta," the General said, clearly flustered.
My mother laughed softly. "I rarely see you like this, General Voltaire. Perhaps Aurein is the only one who can make you feel that way."
"Y-yes," he replied.
I smiled, warmth blooming in my chest. Even without seeing him, just hearing his voice made me happy.
"Good night, General," my mother said.
"Good night, Your Majesty," he replied.
Once she had gone, General Voltaire finally stepped inside my chamber, closing the door behind him.
"Were you listening the entire time?" I asked.
He nodded, a faint smile on his lips.
"Then why didn't you tell me my mother already knew?" I protested, pouting. "That was unfair."
"I wanted to tease you a little longer," he said with a smirk. "I wanted to act flirty with you in front of her so you would feel uneasy."
"If I hadn't spoken to her, I would never have known!" I said irritably.
He sat beside me and gently took my right hand from my lap, lifting it to his lips and pressing a kiss to my knuckles.
I smiled as our eyes met.
In that moment, it felt as though I truly were his wife—and he, my husband.
He lifted his hand to my cheek, and as his palm warmed my skin, I closed my eyes, ready to receive the kiss I knew was coming.
Then, a deafening siren tore through the night.
The sound shattered the moment between us, sharp and merciless, and we pulled away at once—our eyes wide, hearts pounding. The air itself seemed to tighten, as though the palace had drawn a breath and forgotten how to release it.
General Voltaire moved first.
He rose swiftly and crossed the chamber, peering through the window as the siren continued its relentless cry. The lightness that had lingered moments ago vanished from his face, replaced by something cold, alert, and terrifyingly focused.
Then—steel rang.
He seized his sword.
The sound alone made my chest constrict.
"The warriors inside the palace are forming," he said gravely. "There is an intruder."
Panic surged through me like ice water.
He turned to me at once, his gaze sharp and unyielding. "Stay here in your chamber. Whatever happens, do not come out. Is that clear?"
"But, General—" I began, my voice trembling. "I want to fight with you."
"I cannot risk you, not yet." he interrupted firmly. "I will not risk you being dragged into this. Please—stay here. This is where you are safest."
Before I could respond, the door burst open.
I gasped.
In a single fluid motion, General Voltaire raised his sword and aimed it at the intruder's throat.
Then we saw her.
"Serena?" I breathed.
She stood there, bent forward, panting hard, her chest rising rapidly as though she had run without stopping.
"Thank the heavens you're here, Aurein," she said breathlessly.
"What's happening outside?" I asked urgently.
"I was in the royal library, outside the palace walls," she said quickly. "I heard horns—marching. And then I saw them. Warriors from the Kingdom of Solyn. They're invading—now, in the dead of night, when they know everyone is resting."
My heart slammed violently against my ribs.
"Why now?" I whispered.
"This is why I always tell you," General Voltaire said sharply, already turning toward the door. "War does not announce itself. It comes when you least expect it."
He faced us both.
"Stay here," he commanded. "Both of you. Together. You are the most important lives in this kingdom—the future of it. I will not allow a single enemy to reach this palace."
Then his grip tightened around his sword.
"I am going to face the warriors of Solyn," he said.
A thunderous explosion shook the palace.
The walls trembled. Serena and I flinched, gasping as the sound echoed through stone and bone alike.
"I have to go—now," the General said, already turning to run.
"Wait!" I cried.
He stopped abruptly.
"Promise me," I said, my voice breaking despite myself. "Promise you'll come back."
He looked at me—and smirked, as though daring the world itself to prove him wrong.
"I will," he said. "Wait for me here."
And then he was gone.
The moment he left, the illusion of safety collapsed.
My hands trembled. My breath came shallow and uneven. This—this was real. This was war. Not drills. Not training. Not stories told in council halls.
I moved to the window and looked out.
Warriors poured out of the palace gates like a tide of steel.
"Serena," I said quietly, fear tightening my throat. "I thought I was ready. All the sword drills. All the training. I believed I was prepared."
I swallowed.
"But now that war is here... it feels completely different."
She reached for my hand.
I turned to her at once.
"Don't worry," she said firmly, her grip steady. "You have me. I will protect you."
Her certainty steadied me—just a little.
Yet the irony stung.
In that moment, it felt as though she were the prince—and I was the princess, the one who needed protecting.
I had told the General I would fight by his side when the time came.
But now that the time was here, my mind was frozen. My body refused to move.
I had thought myself bold.
But this—this proved how weak and powerless I still was.
And if this was how I faced my first true war—
Then perhaps... I was not ready to be king after all.
End of Chapter 32