تسجيل الدخولWhatever Alexander had been about to say died the moment Gianna's expression hardened further, her jaw tightening as fresh anger surged through her, sharper now, more focused."No," she said, before he could even finish laying out whatever alternative he'd prepared. "I'm still furious with you, Father. You kept the truth from me for weeks while I searched desperately for answers, while I nearly died more than once trying to save my husband, and all because you couldn't bring yourself to break a promise made to a woman who has been gone for years. I understand why. I do. It was Mother's wish, and I know you loved her enough to honor it even at great personal cost. But that doesn't give you the right to keep deciding my life for me now."Alexander opened his mouth to respond, but she pressed forward, unwilling to let him interrupt."What I want," she continued, her voice rising with conviction, "is freedom. For myself. For every Fae still hiding in fear across this kingdom. And for my c
Nolan stared at his father-in-law, confusion knitting his brow. "Revoke it?" he repeated slowly. "Alexander, this bill grants your own daughter freedom. It grants your late wife the justice she was denied. Why would you ask me to take that away?"Alexander's hands twisted together more tightly, his eyes carrying a weight of grief and fear that seemed far older than the moment itself."I don't want attention drawn to her," he said. "You don't understand, Nolan. The weight resting on the shoulders of a Fae, especially now, especially so publicly, is too much for her to carry. If this bill passes, if everyone learns what she truly is, her life will remain a target for the rest of her days. That is precisely why I hid her identity all these years. Why I kept it buried so deeply that even she didn't know the truth about herself until recently."He paused, drawing in a shaking breath before continuing."And there's something else," he said. "It was her mother's dying wish. She begged me to
Once they'd finally dried off and dressed for bed, Nolan carried her the last few steps toward the mattress, though this time she didn't bother protesting, too content and drowsy to muster any real complaint. He set her down gently among the pillows, and it was only as he leaned in to press a kiss against her forehead that she felt, unmistakably, the renewed evidence of his desire against her hip."Nolan," she murmured, a tired laugh escaping her. "I'm exhausted."He stilled immediately, understanding written across his face even through the obvious effort it took him. "I know," he said. "Sleep. That's all that matters right now."He slid into bed beside her, gathering her carefully against his chest, though she could feel the tension still coiled through his body, the discipline it clearly cost him to simply lie still and let the moment pass.She wasn't quite ready to let him suffer through it entirely on his own, not after everything they'd shared, not after everything he'd endured
Gianna's protests echoed down the corridor, half-hearted laughter tangled into every word of complaint."Put me down," she said, pounding a fist lightly against his shoulder. "Nolan, I mean it. I'm perfectly capable of walking."He didn't so much as slow his stride, his arms secure beneath her, an infuriating grin fixed on his face the entire way. Servants they passed averted their eyes respectfully, though Gianna caught more than one hiding a smile at the sight of their king carrying his very pregnant, very indignant wife through the halls like she weighed nothing at all."Nolan.""I heard you the first time," he said, unbothered."Then why haven't you put me down?""Because you'll only walk slower than I want you to," he said simply, "and I have plans for the rest of this evening that don't involve waiting."She gave up the fight somewhere around the third corridor, letting her head rest against his shoulder instead, secretly, though she'd never admit it aloud, rather enjoying the w
"You bagged a good one," Gianna teased, glancing between Elmund and Selene with an amused smile still lingering on her lips.Nolan clapped a hand against Elmund's shoulder, his expression carrying genuine warmth despite the teasing edge in his voice. "Go clean up," he said. "And take your woman home. This time, if I catch you sneaking back to duty within the week, there will be consequences."Elmund shifted uncomfortably, scratching at his temple in that particular way he did whenever he felt caught out. "Your Majesty, I only wanted to make sure the soldiers were properly—""I don't care," Nolan interrupted, though humor colored his tone rather than genuine irritation. "Why are you so obsessed with pack duties, Elmund? Even I take breaks. Even the king finds time to rest.""Old habits," Elmund muttered, though the faint blush creeping up his neck suggested embarrassment rather than genuine defensiveness."Go," Nolan said again, gesturing toward the corridor. "Clean yourself up properl
Gianna spun toward Nolan immediately, her earlier warmth cooling into something far more accusatory. “Did you invite a woman into our chambers?” she demanded. “Why would there be someone in our private space, Nolan?”Nolan’s expression shifted instantly into something defensive, his hands raised slightly as though to ward off whatever accusation was about to be leveled at him.“I have no idea who that woman is,” he said quickly. “I never invited anyone into our chambers, Gianna, I promise you that.”Without waiting for further discussion, he turned to the nearest guard stationed along the corridor.“Bring her back here,” he commanded. “I want an explanation.”The guard hurried off after the mysterious woman, and within minutes returned escorting her back toward them. Up close, her beauty was even more striking than Gianna had first noticed from a distance, delicate features framed by soft waves of dark hair, her expression carrying a calm, respectful demeanor despite the obvious tensi
Gianna turned around slowly.Nolan was still standing by the window, his expression unreadable in the firelight."You found him," she said."I did.""Who was it?""A council member named Broderick. He holds a seat in the lower chamber and oversees trade regulations for the outer markets."Gianna fr
Gianna stood perfectly still, studying his face.He was only agreeing because he needed her blood and he was desperate.The moment the transfer was done, he'd go back to making decisions without her but something in his eyes looked genuine.She decided to trust him one more time.Just once more.Sh
Cyrus followed Gianna to her room."I'm coming with you," he said.Gianna opened her wardrobe and started pulling out dresses. "No, you're not.""It's improper for a married woman to have dinner alone with the King. I'm your husband. I should be there."She held up a dark green gown, examining it.
Gianna dressed quickly, pulling on a dark cloak that would help her blend into the night.She was halfway down the stairs when Cyrus appeared.He stood at the bottom, watching her descend with narrowed eyes."You're in a hurry," he said.Gianna kept walking."I asked you a question." He stepped int







