My family offered polite laughter at the appropriate moments, though I caught the strain around Mother's eyes whenever Thayden's hand found mine on the table.
"The wedding preparations sound magnificent," Prince Maelor said, slicing into his poached pear with surgical precision. "Which brings me to something I've been eager to discuss."
The table seemed to collectively hold its breath. Even the servants moving between courses slowed their steps, as if sensing that something important was about to be announced.
Prince Maelor set his cutlery down and folded his hands calmly before him. "I have a pre-wedding gift for you both." His voice carried the weight of royal decree. "Something I believe will be... particularly meaningful."
The quiet that followed was absolute.
What the hells was he going to give us? Both of us.
A quick glance at Thayden’s father and the pleased expression he bore told me he already knew what the present was.
Something powerful, no doubt. Mattieu had the same power-hungry look engrained in his son’s eyes.
Prince Maelor's smile broadened. "You are all aware that recent months have required some... restructuring within the royal command structure," he began. "With this in mind, my father and I determined that fresh leadership is essential for our continued stability."
Thayden straightened in his chair. He knew what was coming, though he hadn't expected this conversation. I had a feeling I knew what was coming, too.
"Therefore," Prince Maelor continued, "it gives me great pleasure to announce that Thayden Blackthorne will assume the title of Lord Commander of the King's Guard, effective immediately."
Yes. That’s exactly what I’d thought was going to happen.
Only last week, Grandmother explained it would with King Varis’ passing. She thought we still had time to get through the wedding and adjust. But it was happening now. It meant Thayden would have a share of ownership of our lands starting tomorrow. And he’d be lord of everything we owned. All the things King Varis had afforded us would be shifted to his hands, and we would belong to him.
The announcement landed like stones dropped into still water, sending ripples of shock around the table. Mother's fork paused halfway to her lips. Grandmother's tea cup rattled slightly against its saucer. Even Thayden seemed momentarily speechless, though he recovered quickly with what looked like genuine surprise and gratitude.
“Your Grace. That is truly a great honor,” Thayden said with a deep bow. Then he cut me a glance.
“Thank you, your Grace,” I spoke quickly.
"I thought it best to make this appointment now," Maelor explained smoothly, "before the darker days ahead with my father's imminent passing gave it a more somber association.This way, your new position begins with celebration rather than mourning."
“I couldn’t agree more,” Thayden replied. “My deepest gratitude. I will make you proud.”
"The kingdom requires stability in these times of transition. Strong leadership from men who understand the importance of order. I believe you're precisely what we need, my Lord."
The title rolled off his tongue like it had always belonged to Thayden. Like this had been planned for far longer than anyone at this table realized.
Maybe it had.
Regardless, everything had just gotten far worse than it was before.
This wasn’t just the last day I belonged to myself.
It was the last day of freedom for my family, too.
Chapter 34
Elariya
“The Rising Storm”
The gray realm swallowed me whole.
There was no sky. No ground. Just endless ash and mist that rolled over itself like a tide that had forgotten how to break. I couldn't tell if I was standing or floating. My feet touched nothing. My lungs burned as though I'd been running for hours, yet I hadn't moved.
Was I back there?
