The question catches me off guard. “No,” I say carefully. “But I thought we were being...discreet.”
He sits on the edge of the bed, his expression suddenly serious. “We have been. And I understand why. But after yesterday, with the public appearance and the family dinner...” He trails off, searching for words.
“You’re reconsidering our approach,” I suggest, sitting up to face him properly.
“Not entirely. I still think a careful, gradual introduction makes sense. But I’m tired of pretending there’s nothing between us when we’re in less public settings.” He reaches for my hand. “I’m not suggesting a formal announcement, but perhaps we could be less... rigidly formal.”
I consider his words, the implications of what he’s suggesting. “Are you sure? Once we take that step, there’s no going back.”
“I know.” His expression is resolute.
The certainty in his voice makes something warm unfurl in my chest—pride, perhaps, or simple happiness at seeing him embrace what’s growing between us despite the complications.
“Forward it is, then,” I agree, squeezing his hand. “Though perhaps we should start with arriving at meetings on time rather than causing a scandal by showing up together and obviously dishevelled.”
He laughs, the tension breaking. “Reasonable. Let’s shower.”
We dress quickly, exchanging casual touches and occasional kisses that make the process longer than strictly necessary. Before we leave, Leo pulls me in for one final kiss, lingering and sweet.
“Tonight?” he asks against my lips.
“Tonight,” I confirm. “My quarters or yours?”
“Mine are more private, but yours have fewer prying sisters.”
I laugh, remembering Kit’s unannounced entrance. “Mine it is. After dinner.”
With a final touch, we slip out into the corridor, nodding casually to the guards who maintain admirably neutral expressions despite surely knowing exactly where I’ve spent the night.
As we make our way to the meeting, I reflect on how much has changed in such a short time. From the tense negotiation sessions to the stolen moments in gardens, from carefullymaintained distance to the warm intimacy we’ve just shared—each step has brought us closer to something I never dared hope for.
There are still challenges ahead, still details to navigate and obstacles to overcome. But for the first time, I allow myself to fully believe in the possibility of us—not just as a private affair conducted in shadows, but as something acknowledged and accepted, part of the changing face of Astipia’s royal tradition.
Forward, indeed.
EPILOGUE
LEO
One Year Later
The ancient trees of theMurmuranaycast dappled shadows across the sacred ground. I stand barefoot on the earth, feeling its energy through my soles as I have countless times before, though never quite like today.
“Nervous?” Charlotte asks, adjusting theperipunidraped over my shoulders.
“Oddly, no,” I admit, surprised by the calm certainty I feel. “For once in my life, I’m completely sure about something.”
She smiles, stepping back to admire her handiwork. “The paint suits you. Grandmother would be proud.”
I touch the ceremonial paint that adorns my face and arms, designs that trace my lineage back through centuries of royal heritage intertwined with tribal tradition. The royal markings on my left side mirror the tribal patterns on my right—a visual representation of the two worlds I bridge, two heritages now united.
“Think so?” I ask, though I know she’s right. Our grandmother, with her fierce pride in our Manari heritage, would have delighted in this day.
“Know so.” Charlotte presses a kiss to my cheek, careful not to disturb the intricate patterns. “I’ve never seen you look more like yourself.”
From beyond the trees, the sound of ceremonial drums begins, signalling the start of the procession. Charlotte straightens her own formal attire—a modernized version of tribal dress.
“That’s my cue,” she says. “See you out there, brother mine. Try not to trip over your ceremonial skirts.”
