At first, Xavien only frowned, the words foreign, puzzling.
Then the sky split—thunder cracked in the east, the west, the north, the south—answering Viktor like hounds to a master’s whistle.
Xavien’s brows knit, not in fear but fascination. A predator’s delight glittered briefly in his eyes—then vanished behind perfect composure.
“Ruakite. I know what you are. Masten told me.”
He pivoted lightly, as though dismissing lightning itself.
“But I wanted to see it for myself.”
Viktor’s knuckles whitened in his gloves, a flicker of storm still in his eyes. Amerei felt the war inside her—part of her wanting to reach for his hand, part unable to look away from the dangerous ease in Xavien’s gaze.
Storne broke in, voice sharp.
“Then you understand what’s coming, Your Highness. We’ve very little time.”
“Indeed.” Xavien turned back to Amerei, laying his fingers over her wrist with scandalous familiarity.
His eyes never left hers as he asked, “May I steal a moment with the princess?”
Her gaze flicked, the faintest flash, to Viktor.
Storne answered, “You may.”
Father?
“Will you walk with me, Princess?” Xavien asked, already offering his arm. “Only to the terrace.”
Amerei hesitated, then stepped toward him.
“Give us privacy,” he told the guards.
His hand closed over hers as they crossed the marble corridor—warm skin, the serpent bracelet cool and glinting against her palm.
Each step stole distance from Viktor.
Each step felt like drifting from shore.
Yet her father’s answer had left her no choice, and Xavien’s presence pressed around her like the tide—inescapable.
“I did not think it possible…
His voice fell low, nearly reverent.
“…that you could have grown more beautiful.”
Amerei forced a gentle laugh. “We’ve only just met, my lord.”
“You do not know me,” he said. “But I know you. The girl who sat alone by the sea on the spring equinox.”
The anniversary of Mama’s passing…
“I watched you,” he murmured, gaze steady. “From the tower in Rhidian. Envied your freedom… your spirit. For a moment, I forgot the world I am sworn to.”
He stopped beneath banners of House Draekenra, shadows stirring over his face.
“Her ghost haunts me…”
