And Kaelen—cocky, careless, reckless Prince Kaelendrin—knew it now.
Reiya wasn’t just their Omega.
She was their future.
For the first time in his life, Kaelen looked at everything—his kingdom, his path, the man he was—and realized he wanted to be . . .better.
His lips quirked slightly. Could she possibly know how deeply she’d already changed him? How her presence made him want to be more—not just for her, but for the family they’d build, for the kingdom they’d shape?
For the first time, he understood the kind of king, mate, and father he wanted to be. The vision was sharp, unyielding as the desert sun.
If he wanted to be that man, if he wanted Asadia to be that kingdom . . .
The change had to start withhim.
It had to starthere, in this room.
The chamber doors creaked open, pulling Kaelen from his thoughts. He straightened, arms clasped behind his back as councillors filed in, footsteps faltering when they spotted him already waiting.
“Well, this is a rare sight,” remarked Advisor Arman, his tone laced with dry humour. The elderly man settled into his seat with a wry smile. “The Tazahrin, here before us mere mortals. Did anyone check the stars last night for omens from the gods?”
Kaelen smirked. From others, it might’ve been an insult, but Arman was one of his father’s most trusted advisors, and his former mentor. Sharp-tongued, but honest and loyal.
“Perhaps the gods are just as tired of waiting on you lot as I am,” Kaelen replied.
Laughter rippled through the room as the remaining councillors entered, including Captain Marzius and Alarik. The king followed. He paused mid-step, eyebrows lifting in mild disbelief.
“Miracles do happen,” his father mused as he took his seat, eyes twinkling. “Or perhaps we have Princess Reiyana to thank.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty,” Marzius said with a faint smile. “The princess’s influence seems to have accomplished what years of scolding could not—a remarkable feat.”
“And on her first day, no less,” Alarik added. “Imagine how transformed he’d be after a year.”
Kaelen gave an exaggerated shrug as he sat. “What can I say? It seems I’ve finally found something worth getting out of bed for.”
More laughter, but beneath it, Kaelen caught something else. A shift. A flicker of something he’d been given countless times but had never fully believed he’d earned.
Respect.
The chamber doors swung open again.
High Chancellor Hassamir entered with the air of a man accustomed to being noticed, his crimson robes catching the sunlight streaming through the latticed windows. He bowed deeply to the king—though, as always, with a calculated delay.
“Your Majesty, forgive my tardiness,” he said smoothly. “I had pressing matters to resolve before joining this esteemed gathering.”His gaze swept the room before landing on Kaelen, lips curving into a knowing smile. “Ah. The Tazahrin graces us with his presence this morning. Truly, we live in extraordinary times.”
Kaelen resisted the urge to roll his eyes and leaned back with a lazy grin. “You’re late, Hassamir. EvenIarrived on time.”
Chuckles spread through the room, though Hassamir’s smile remained intact.
“A rare feat,” he replied lightly before turning to the king. “Speaking of extraordinary, I understand our Aethonian guest arrived yesterday. I trust she was warmly received?”
“She was. Kind of you to inquire,” Kaelen answered curtly. “Though, Hassamir, Princess Reiyana is not a guest. This is her home now.”
Hassamir’s gaze lingered. “Of course. It is an occasion worth marking with the honour it deserves. I understand last night’s dinner was a private affair. Such moments are precious, especially after long absences. A perfect opportunity for formal introductions and personal congratulations.”
The man gave a pause, a measured tilt of the head. “One might say the inclusion of certain loyal subjects would have further enriched the celebration.”
The king, sensing the subtle edge in Hassamir’s words, replied evenly, “After weeks apart, I wanted the chance to be with my sons and their bride in private. I trust you understand, cousin.”
