“Nowhere I’d rather be than on this saddle,” he mused, satisfaction curling at his lips.
Reiya arched a brow. “Nowhere?”
Kaelen grinned down at her, winking. “Well, almost nowhere.”
She huffed a laugh as she mounted Ember, settling into the familiar rhythm of the mare’s movements. Alarik was already astride Ruhasul, the stallion standing composed, waiting for his rider’s command.
Marzius surveyed them with a keen eye before giving a short nod. “We should set out. The Lady Consort and Princess Thalina are expecting you most ardently.”
As they urged their horses forward, Reiya’s gaze drifted to Kaelen. The lightness in his expression, the ease in his posture—it was good to see. The venom had weakened him for a time, but it seemed nothing could keep Prince Kaelendrin from the saddle for long.
And from the way Shahram carried him, the stallion had never doubted his return.
Chapter Forty-Two
REIYANA
Their procession moved in steady rhythm, but Reiya’s gaze kept drifting over her shoulder, scanning the endless dunes. Shadows flickered at the edges of her mind, half-expecting another band of attackers to crest the horizon.
But the desert remained still. The world—for once—seemed content to leave them in peace.
“Still no sign of him,” Kaelen muttered, more to himself than anyone. “If Castiel is following, he’s being careful about it.”
Reiya’s fingers flexed against the leather reins. “Did you ask Solmaz about him? You said she knows more than she lets on. With all her connections, her influence—has she ever crossed paths with him?”
Kaelen shook his head. “Solmaz is a former Moonflower at Luminara Isles. But despite her reach, she never had dealings with him—or any reason to suspect him.” His eyes narrowed. “Doesn’t mean he’s not dangerous.”
She frowned, looking between the brothers. “A Moonflower,” she echoed. “You’ve mentioned that before—Moonflowers, Luminara Isles. What are they?”
Alarik, riding ahead, glanced back at her with a flicker of amusement. “You really want to hear this from me?”
“Why not?”
“Because,” he replied, smirk widening, “I can’t do the tale justice. This one,” he jerked his chin toward Kaelen, “has firsthand experience.”
Kaelen groaned. “You’ll never let me live this down, will you?”
“Without question,” Alarik replied, dryly amused. “Moments like this are too rare to squander.”
Kaelen sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before relenting.
“The Luminara Isles are a sanctuary. A place where highborn Omegas can go during their Heat to be safe and in control of their choices. If they wish, they can spend that time with trustworthy Alphas in an environment built on care, respect, and above all, consent.”
Reiya’s brows lifted. “That kind of place exists?”
“It does. Not just for Omegas. Alphas go there too—in anticipation of their Rut or . . . for other reasons.” His lips quirked, but she noted how his cheekbones were flushed. “It’s where young Alpha royals are sent to . . . study.”
“Study?” She echoed.
When Alarik snickered, Kaelen shot his brother a sharp, quelling look.
“Train, then,” he corrected, “in how to properly court and please their future Omega mates.”
Alarik chortled, the sound loud enough to turn a few soldiers’ heads, as if surprised that he could laugh after all. Reiya caught Captain Marzius’ lips twitch into a small smile.
“He spent an entire season there,” Alarik supplied. “Graduated with honours, I hear.”
Kaelen huffed, but the crimson tint on his cheeks betrayed him. “The Isles teach that the bond between Alphas and Omegas isn’t about dominance—it’s a partnership. Earning an Omega’s trust is the real lesson.”
