Page 10 of Crownless Heirs

Kyron wasn’t. He abruptly stepped away, just making it to the side of the bridge before doubling over. Sorcha’s face scrunched up as the unmistakable sound of him retching filled the space. Maelan blinked, remarking, “I was going to say, the wine can be a lot for those who don’t partake in it regularly, but I think that speaks for itself.”

Sorcha ignored him, stepping forward as Kyron wiped his mouth. His breathing was heavy; his composure was utterly gone. When Sorcha asked, “Do you need me to—”,

Kyron waved weakly, stating, “I just need to sleep it off.” He exhaled, still looking sick, and decided, “I should get back to the castle.”

Amused, Maelan clapped Kyron on the shoulder. “Shame. You were just starting to enjoy yourself.”

Kyron muttered under his breath, adding, “I’ll see you both in the morning.”

With that, he staggered back toward the castle. Sorcha watched him go, biting her lip. She knew Kyron could handle himself, but it had been a rough day. All the danger, surprises, and chaos had suddenly made Sorcha aware that she, too, was exhausted. She had surpassed her limitations, yet somehow she was still going.

Maelan turned, glancing at her. “Well, that was fun.”

She shot him a look. “You could at least pretend to be concerned.”

“I could,” Maelan admitted, “but he’ll be fine. Probably.” And then, with a lazy smirk, he offered his arm. “Shall we?”

Sorcha hesitated, then took it, and they vanished into the trees. The kingdom grew quiet as night fell, the market’s hum fading behind them as Maelan led Sorcha down a hidden path. She looked at him. “Where are we going?”

Maelan’s eyes darted towards her, excitement dancing across his expression. “You’ll see.”

4

Night Calls

The path wound through massive trees, their branches forming an arch high above, interlaced like the vaulted ceiling of a grand hall. Slowly the landscape opened to a vast, shimmering lake. It stretched before them, a sea of onyx and rippling light, mirroring the pale silver glow of the blossoms overhead and the hanging moon. In the center stood a single, immense tree. The arms of the colossal willow spread impossibly wide. Its branches drooped low, heavy with luminous petals that drifted languidly down, kissing the water’s surface before disappearing. Fireflies danced in the air, golden sparks weaving among the branches, bathing everything in an ethereal light.

Sorcha gasped. “This…” she whispered, stepping forward. “Is beautiful.”

“It’s my favorite place.” He said with a grin.

Sorcha moved closer to the water’s edge, glancing back at Maelan. Blooming flowers filled the air with a sweet aroma, carrying a hint of fresh rain. “Why’d you bring me here?”

Maelan exhaled slowly, stepping to her side. He didn’t answer immediately, his gaze fixed on the lake, hands clasped behind his back. His feet nervously tapping, “I need to ask you something.”

Sorcha’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What is it?”

Maelan hesitated, then met her gaze. “Marry me.”

The world seemed to spin, heat crackled beneath her skin, her heart beating so fast it was all she could hear. Sorcha blinked. “What did you just say?”

“I need a queen to take the throne. And you… you need an army. We could both get what we want.”

Sorcha’s lips parted, but no words came. She hadn’t expected this. For months, she’d shared her home and life with what she believed was a stray cat, whom she grew to love, and now he stood in front of her as a person. A prince. Her feelings were so conflicted. She loved Cat; she understood him; she had so many questions. But his audacity also angered her.

“You want me to marry you for political reasons?” She said through clenched teeth.

Maelan tilted his head slightly, studying her. “Partly. It’s more than that.”

“What about the other parts then?”

He held her gaze, unwavering. “Because I trust you.”

She exhaled, searching for the right words, but could only stare. He was beautiful in the moonlight, his silver eyes gleaming, the faint markings on his arms almost luminous beneath his skin. Her own seemed to glow faintly here, as some part of her began to shift.

“It doesn’t have to be forever.” Maelan almost whispered. “Just long enough for the Court to recognize me as king. Once that happens, we’ll dissolve the marriage. You won’t have to stay. I know it’s a lot to ask, but it’ll be easier this way.”

Sorcha took her time, gazing out at the lake. “I need a moment.” Her voice cracked slightly as she stood among the blossoms.