Mei Mei, still nestled in Reiya’s arms, piped up. “No wonder you didn’t know anything about lighting fires. Or fixing the cart. Or anything on the road.”
Kaelen grinned. “That’s fair.”
Reiya blushed, remembering her past failures. “It’s true I didn’t know anything at the start, but you’ve taught me. I hope we can all forget those embarrassing days.”
Ru Rong shook her head, eyes alight with humour. “Oh, no. I’m holding onto those stories forever. I’ll tell Mei Mei’s children one day.”
Xian Jun finally let out a faint chuckle, bowing his head—though this time, it felt less formal. “Still, if there was any insolence?—”
“There’s nothing to forgive,” Alarik said, calm and sincere. “You and your family have been generous to us, especially to Yara. We owe you our gratitude.”
Reiya’s gaze dropped, guilt twisting deep. “After what I put you through—after whathedid because of me—I should be the one apologizing.”
Xian Jun’s jaw tensed, just for a beat. “He may have used us to hurt you, but we don’t mistake that for your doing.” His voice was quiet, but firm. “We didn’t deserve what happened, but neither did you.”
Her breath caught. Of all the responses she’d prepared herself for—blame, resentment, cold politeness—this wasn’t one of them. Forgiveness, not offered like a gift, but shared like truth. His words unspooled the tight knot inside her.
Then, more softly, with his gaze steady on hers, he said, “It’s good to see you home . . .Yara.Titles or not.”
Gentle chuckles rippled through the courtyard. Reiya’s heart swelled as she took a bite of the steamed bun Mei Mei had pressed into her hands, its familiar taste melting on her tongue. Sweet, soft—comforting.
She took another bite, then another, only realizing then how famished she was. Three days of nothing but water, lost in the fever of Heat, had left her hungrier than she thought.
Ru Rong, watching her, clicked her tongue, hands on her hips. “Look at her—practically wasting away! Did neither of you think to feed her, wherever you were?”
“We . . . got a little distracted,” Alarik admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
Kaelen had the grace to look sheepish. “We had . . . other priorities . . . at the time.”
“Not the point!” Ru Rong scowled, crossing her arms. “This is an outrage. A crime against basic decency.”
Reiya laughed softly, shaking her head. Mei Mei’s arms curled around her waist, warm and trusting, as Ru Rong and Su Liancontinued to fuss over her, scolding the princes like a pair of disapproving matriarchs.
She glanced around at the faces of those she loved. She’d once been a stranger in their wagon, just another wanderer hiding from the past.
But now, surrounded by family—not bound by blood but by shared roads, common struggles, and a love that needed no name—she was trulyhome.
Chapter Sixty
REIYANA
The prison cells beneath Turasid Palace was a far cry from the grand, sunlit halls above. Here, the air hung damp and stale. Reiya’s steps echoed softly as she moved down the corridor, torchlight casting long shadows against the stone walls.
Kaelen and Alarik walked behind her, their presence steady, though it did little to ease the disquiet.
She stopped in front of the heavy iron door, staring at it a beat longer than necessary.
Kaelen unlocked the door, but he did not release the handle.
“She doesn’t deserve your time,” he said. “Whatever she says won’t change what she and her father have done.”
“I know,” she replied.
Yet, her hand lingered just above his, about to open the door.
“I . . . suppose I want some closure.”
Alarik remained silent behind her, watching closely. He wouldn’t stop her. He understood the quiet pull that sometimes drove her to seek answers, even when they brought little comfort.
