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Our convoy of vehicles made its way along winding streets that rose ever higher through the city on elevated roadways. We passed gleaming towers capped with elaborate spires that scraped the night sky. Some even appeared to have gardens and parks built into the heights. Other buildings were more whimsical, sporting curved facades reminiscent of art deco architecture. The whole city was a work of art unto itself.
We eventually turned onto a grand avenue lined with magnificent statues of titans from myth and history. Flowers and vines spilled from rooftop gardens and there were more green spaces here than in the rest of the city. This had to be the royal quarter. My heart raced faster the farther we went.
Then I saw it, rising majestically above all else - the Royal Palace of Thyan Caelora.
"Holy shit," I muttered under my breath, not even caring if anyone heard me swearing. The sight before me simply defied words.
Thorsten just smiled knowingly at my reaction. I probably looked like a slack-jawed fool, but I couldn't find it in me to care.
Spotlights illuminated the palace's imposing façade of pale stone etched with intricate designs. Towers and turrets clawed at the night sky, capped with silver domes that gleamed like moons. As we passed through a set of towering gates and onto the grounds, I spotted terraced gardens, courtyards with bubbling fountains, and wooded parks.
It was like gazing upon something out of myth come to life. I'd seen my fair share of Titan architecture before, but nothing compared to this enormous estate that was a city unto itself.
Our convoy came to a stop near the base of the wide steps leading up to the main entrance. I took a deep breath, steeling myself. This was really happening. I was about to enter the Royal Palace, not as an intruder or a prisoner, but as Thorsten's chosen consort.
Sensing my nerves, Thorsten gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze as we made our way inside, our children flanking us on either side. The heavy doors swung open, and we stepped into the grand greeting hall.
I barely stifled a gasp as I took in the soaring ceilings held aloft by rows of stately columns. Intricate mosaics depicting scenes of Titans adorned the walls and floors. Servants rushed forward to greet us, their voices echoing through the cavernous space. Overwhelmed didn't even begin to describe how I felt in that moment.
A regal-looking woman stepped forward from the small crowd assembled to receive us. She had the same striking features and snow-white hair as Thorsten. This could only be his eldest sister,Helga. She embraced Thorsten warmly before turning to me, her ice-blue eyes scanning me up and down, taking my measure.
"Brother, welcome home," she greeted formally. "And this must be your exotic little mate."
Well, that was an awkward first impression. But before I could stammer out any kind of reply, she smiled and pulled me into a gentle hug.
"I'm pleased to finally meet the one who captured my youngest brother's heart," Helga said kindly, holding me by the shoulders. "Any mate of Thorsten's is now kin to me. You and your sons will always have a place here."
I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, relief coursing through me. "Thank you, Lady Helga."
She tutted in response. "Please, just Helga is fine. We are family now, after all." With a smile, she turned and called to a servant. "Show my brother's consort to their chambers so he may rest and refresh himself."
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
KAL
I stood on the balcony connected to the royal chambers Thorsten and I shared, sipping my morning tea as the first hints of dawn crept over the horizon. Far below, the sprawling metropolis of Thyan Caelora was just beginning to stir awake. Sleek vehicles already dotted a few lanes, while early risers could be glimpsed strolling in the gardens and parks.
It had been three weeks since our arrival, and I still couldn't get over the sheer vastness of this ancient city. Mile-high towers scraped the heavens while labyrinthine streets wound through architectural marvels both modern and ancient. Even from this height, the greenery woven throughout stood out -vines cascading down walls, trees sprouting from rooftops, and sky bridges linking manicured parks high above the avenues. Everything about Thyan Caelora was designed with an eye for beauty and harmony.
My lips quirked into a smile as I caught movement in my periphery - Huginn and Muninn swooping into view to perch on the railing.
"Morning, boys," I greeted, reaching over to stroke their inky feathers. Their presence had become a reassuring constant. With a flap of wings, they were off again to gods know where. I still held out hope that one day our connection would return.
The sound of laughter drew my attention to the courtyard garden below my balcony. A group of Titan children were playing some sort of game that involved hitting a ball through a hoop. My own twins were among them, and I watched with pride as both Thor and Loki scored, eliciting cheers from their new friends.
In the three weeks since arriving at the palace, the boys had really come out of their shells. Their daily lessons with their tutor Leif were going well, they'd made fast friends with noble children their age, and they wanted for nothing thanks to the servants doting on them. I may have hesitated coming here, but seeing my sons thriving made all the anxiety worthwhile. This really could be the fresh start our family needed.
I wish I could say that everything was all smiles and happily ever afters, but it wasn’t. While I stood here in peace, Thorsten’s heart was breaking. The thought sent a pang throughmy heart as I still pictured Thorsten's stoic face when news arrived yesterday from Ljósálfar, bearing word that his father Bergelmir's body had been found. The late king had been slain by Undvik forces, sadly confirming Radorgirn's suspicions.
Thorsten had taken the news with quiet grace, the only sign of his grief was a new heaviness that lingered in those striking silver eyes. We believed this meant that Thorsten would have to continue to rule indefinitely, but with Liv’s help, we managed to convince Radorgirn to take up the crown once more after the royal family was properly reunited or those still missing were labeled MIA. Thorsten never wanted power for its own sake, he never asked for this but he took to ruling during this crisis like a duck to water. I couldn’t stand watching him bear this unwanted burden and all I could do was stand beside him and offer what comfort I could. Now, hopefully, it would soon be over.
Shaking off my somber reflections, I downed the last swig of tea before heading back inside to start my day. My footsteps padded softly across the woven rugs as I navigated the sprawling royal chambers. It was hard to believe rooms this palatial were considered "cozy" by Titan standards.
I passed through the large study where Thorsten often handled administrative tasks and correspondence, his massive hand-carved desk piled high with papers. Beyond that was the music room where Thor liked practicing the odd double-flute instrument Titan children learned.
Continuing on, I entered the master bedroom and freshening room that Thorsten and I shared. Thankfully, he was still sleeping soundly. After the news about his father, I figured he could use the extra rest this morning. I quietly washed up andchanged into a casual blue tunic and black loose pants before exiting to hunt down some breakfast. I'd learned that formal wear wasn't required until later in the day when holding court or receiving visitors. The royal family - my family now - could let their hair down over the morning meal.
Navigating the maze of hallways, I passed towering statues of past rulers and faded tapestries depicting Titan history and myths. Three weeks in and I still sometimes got turned around in this massive place that was more like a city than a mere palace. But I was gradually learning my way.
