Lady Neda set her cup down. “Speaking of governance, we should begin planning the wedding soon. Once we receive word from your family, Reiya, we can determine the date.”
Reiya turned to her. “Is there a specific tradition to follow?”
“The ceremony itself is flexible, depending on what you wish to include. There will be a feast, of course, and a blessing at the temples of Solthar and Luneth. But beyond that, it should be a celebration that reflects you, Kaelen, and Alarik.”
Kaelen leaned forward. “That means you’ll have the final say, Sáel. If you want a quiet affair, we’ll keep it intimate. If you want a grand festival, we’ll give Mezerin a reason to celebrate for days.”
Reiya’s lips quirked. “What would you prefer?”
He feigned thoughtfulness. “A celebration of reckless extravagance. Endless feasting. Fireworks in the desert sky.”
Alarik shot him a dry look. “You despise fireworks.”
“They startle the horses.” He winked before his expression grew solemn. “It’s a moment worth celebrating, but we can’t ignore the hardship in the north. Some of our villages have suffered under a prolonged drought.” His gaze softened as it met Reiya’s. “A measured approach would be more suitable, if it meets your approval.”
The king shot Kaelen an amused glance. “So, youdoknow some matters of governance.”
He smirked over his goblet. “I like to keep an element of surprise.”
Reiya considered their words. “Then we should be mindful of thesituation. A grand banquet is lovely, but I’d rather the celebration reflect what truly matters.” She glanced between them, her voice warm. “The feast is only the final flourish, anyway.”
She caught the approving glances the king exchanged with Kaelen and Alarik, the sudden fullness in her chest making her lower her gaze.
“We’ll plan with discretion, then,” Lady Neda said. “Aethonia has its own customs, and we should respect that.” She turned to Reiya with a gentle smile. “I would be honoured to help, if you’d allow it.”
Warmth unfurled in Reiya’s chest. It wasn’t just duty in Lady Neda’s voice—it was sincerity. A genuine desire to make this day hers, not just the kingdom’s.
“I’d like that,” she admitted softly.
King Azarion turned toward Reiya. “I took the liberty of sending a Sparo last night to inform your family of your safe arrival. We’ll hear back soon. Still, we should send a formal invitation. A union like this is more than a bond between hearts—it is an alliance between kingdoms. Their presence would honour that.”
Alarik leaned forward. “Your family would want to share this day with you, Ketra. We’ll wait for them.”
Reiya’s throat thickened at their thoughtfulness. “Thank you,” she murmured. “It’s a long journey, but having them here would mean everything.”
The lingering sweetness of honeyed dates and orange blossom pastries clung to the air, mingling with the crisp scent of mint tea. The warmth of the feast had settled over them, conversation ebbing into something quieter—a content lull, the kind that followed satisfaction but hinted at something yet to come.
Reiya saw Kaelen’s gaze flick toward Alarik, a silent signal passing between them. Then, he set his cup down.
“A walk might do us good after all this feasting,” he said lightly. “Will you join us, Sáel? There’s somewhere we want to show you.”
Reiya arched a brow. “Should I be concerned?”
Alarik offered his arm. “Not at all. Trust us.”
She chuckled. Farewells and goodnights were exchanged before she placed her hands in theirs, allowing them to lead her into the cool embrace of the night.
Outside, the air was laced with the heady sweetness of jasmine and the soft rustle of desert roses. The world had been stripped to its essentials: the vast sky above, the steady rhythm of their steps, and the quiet hum of anticipation.
“How peaceful it is here,” Reiya murmured, brushing a velvety petal. “So different from the urgency of the road.”
Kaelen smirked. “Are you already missing the chaos? I thought you liked adventure.”
“There’s a thrill in unexpected turns, but there’s also solace in knowing where you stand. In being surrounded by those you trust.” She hesitated, voice softer. “By those youlove.”
Their gazes sharpened. Kaelen’s mischief dimmed into something deeper, while Alarik reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers—a quiet promise.
“Reiya,” Alarik murmured. “There’s a place—no, two places—we want to share with you.”
