The palace loomed ahead, its domes gilded in gold, catching the late sunlight like coins laid against the sky. As they passed through the gates, the bustle of the city faded into a quiet stillness. Roads opened before them, paved in wide mosaics of lapis, jade, and burnt amber. Towering date palms lined the outer courtyard, their fronds casting soft shadows over the pale stone paths.
Everything here—from the latticework carved into the walls to the careful arrangement of shade and space—spoke of wealth, but also of intention.
Their procession slowed as they reached the palace’s grand courtyard, where the smooth stone road fanned outward into an open expanse before the main steps. The palace rose above them in sweeping arches and gilded domes.
As Reiya dismounted, two figures descended the wide stone staircase to greet them. The first—a woman with a long dark braid and a calm, measured presence marking her as a Beta—moved with unhurried grace. Beside her, a young girl no older than ten shifted restlessly on her toes, wide eyes fixed on them with barely contained curiosity.
“There they are!” The girl’s excitement was palpable. Before the woman could calm her, she darted forward, curls bouncing.
Kaelen’s face lit up.
“Thalina!” He slid from his horse just as she flung herself into his arms. Chuckling, he spun her before setting her down.
“I’ve missed you, my little star,” he teased, brushing a hand over her dark curls. “Have you been keeping everyone on their toes?”
“Maybe,” Thalina giggled, already turning to Alarik. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his waist.
Alarik caught her effortlessly, his smile quieter but no less warm. “You’ve grown,” he murmured, voice softer than usual. “Soon, you’ll be taller than me.”
“Not possible!” she declared with a grin.
Reiya smiled, warmth spreading in her chest at the obvious adoration between them.
Before she could dwell on it, Kaelen strode toward the waiting woman.
“Lady Neda,” he greeted, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
Reiya studied the Beta woman, dressed in deep green edged with gold that beautifully complemented her bronzed skin. Though the king’s favoured consort, there was no arrogance in her presence, only steady warmth.
She laughed lightly. “We’ve been waiting since the rider announced your arrival. I feared the city might keep you longer.”
Alarik bent to kiss her hand with quiet familiarity. “It’s good to be home.”
Her dark gaze flicked to the overflowing baskets tied to their saddlebags. “I see the people did keep you busy.”
Kaelen chuckled, gesturing toward Reiya. “It wasn’t us they were excited about.”
Lady Neda’s attention shifted, assessing, interested, but without scrutiny.
“Lady Neda, Thalina,” Kaelen said, his voice lighter than it had been, “may I present Princess Reiyana Elidris of Aethonia.” He turned to Reiya with a smile. “Sáel, meet Lady Neda, the Royal Consort, and our spirited little sister, Princess Thalina.”
Reiya dipped into a graceful curtsy. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady. Princess.”
The lady consort inclined her head. “The pleasure is ours, my dear. Welcome to Turasid Palace.” Her voice softened. “Ever since His Majesty spoke of you, we’ve been eager to meet you.”
“Are you truly from Aethonia?” Thalina gasped, her eyes wide with wonder. “That’s Issoirea’s only island kingdom, isn’t it? I’ve always longed to see the ocean—I’ve never seen one before!”
Reiya suppressed a soft laugh. Lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, she said, “When I met your brothers, I’ve never seen adesert.”
Thalina gasped, feigning scandal, then broke into peals of laughter. The sound rang clear through their small gathering, drawing smiles—even from the usually stoic Captain Marzius.
At that moment, Reiya felt something shift. This wasn’t just an introduction. It felt like an invitation to something more—to join afamily.
Lady Neda stepped closer, resting a gentle hand on her arm. “Forgive Thalina’s curiosity. She’s been asking about you since she heard you’d be joining us. She wanted to wait at the gates, but I convinced her to stay here.” Her gaze held quiet sincerity. “We’re glad you’re here, Princess. Truly.”
Her chest warmed at the words. “Thank you. And please, call me Reiya.”
The woman nodded, then turned toward the palace. “Shall we? The king cannot join us, but he’s made a few adjustments to your accommodations I think you’ll appreciate.”
