— There is no room for doubt or hesitation. We are a strong nation and must prove it before our enemy. Akasia has long been a friendly state: we traded, we mingled, many of our people have Akasian roots. Yet they sent an assassin after me—after the king—struck at Neopolita's crown twice, and tried to harm its pregnant ruler. We can no longer conceal this from the people. But fear not, citizens: we will not strike at those born of this soil, those who share our roots and wish to stay. However, those who pledge allegiance to the other nation may leave—my lips have remained silent about the wounds inflicted on our land for too long. War was inevitable, but now we have every reason to march together toward Brizida.
— The crowd before me was made up of Rohians, Neopolitanos, established Akasians, and soldiers—the army stood by our side. Whispers fluttered through the plaza, outrage ignited at the audacity of attempting to kill me. — The first strike came on my wedding day—they tried to poison me to frame King Yurick. The second, more recent attack targeted not just me, but my unborn child—the future monarch.
— This revelation fueled even more outcry and indignation. I did speak truthfully, but I chose my words to provoke just this response. I needed them ready to embrace the war ahead. There was no turning back—they must stand with us.
— This commotion took place in the central square. I chose the location with the highest chance of gathering the crowd. Arien stood by my side, calmly awaiting events. Fortunately, no one intervened. After that day, the chill wasn't just cold—it was tense, piercing every corner of our capital. Talk of war filled the air; betrayal by Akasia was the talk of every tavern. This worked in our favor. The troops would march tomorrow to search for the king. Admittedly, I was anxious—I needed Yurick at my side; I couldn't falter again.
— Those still loyal to Akasia were granted safe passage in a small convoy toward the border—they were families, not warriors, and I couldn't see cruelty in forcing them into exile before any conflict. The real problem lay in our lack of news about Yurick.
— The longer he remained absent, the more instability would threaten us. My battalion would keep me updated on every aspect of the campaign. Yet nothing felt safe—besides Laila, there was Hedrich, a Rohian omega soldier who had won multiple tournaments. His skills in swordsmanship and tactics were unmatched, and his loyalty to the crown unwavering. This presence was a precaution after Yurick's brother had infiltrated our halls so easily. Still, I dreaded walking the corridors, turning corners with caution. I forced myself to appear strong, but true peace would come only when Yurick returned to the palace. I could not fully rule from bed—I was still pregnant and needed rest.
— Quelling civil unrest wasn't difficult; the crown had the people's full support. My popularity among the citizens was strong, and Roham's backing made things even easier. I held councils with nobles and city leaders from my bed—my condition wasn't stable, and a miscarriage would be devastating. But I couldn't calm my mind—I worried ceaselessly about Yurick: Was he safe? Was he alive? If he had died... No. I couldn't bear the thought. Our bond, symbolized by the mark on my neck, was real. I needed a sign. That dream had tortured me—it was vivid: Yurick's corpse in marble halls, accusing me silently.
"You are to blame." he whispered, gripping my wrist. My neck burned as I tried to pull away in real agony, my body numb as I woke. I vomited my supper as soon as I opened my eyes, touching my neck to confirm the mark was still there. Tears came unbidden—why must this be about politics? I felt fully alone, lost. Could I move pieces on the board without the King? Emotionally, I feared not. I needed him back. Was he wounded? Injured? I needed news. That dream was unbearable—someone watching me from the shadows, judging, saying I was incapable as Yurick suffered before me. This was war.
— I will wait patiently for news.
— "How are you, Your Majesty?" The healer asked, offering a cup of tea. She'd been administering medicines and relaxing herbs. The days dragged on.
— "Relatively well—no pains in the womb." I replied. It was true; the familiar twinges had ceased.
— "That's wonderful. One more week of rest, and the baby will be out of danger." She seemed confident, and I smiled. — "Just try not to strain yourself—strong emotions could..."
— Your Majesty. — The door opened with the soldier's presence. It was unusual to enter without knocking, so it could only mean... — A letter has arrived from the Captain. — He approached after I gave permission. The healer was irritated, but I took the paper with my heart pounding. Several days had passed since the battalion moved toward Brizida. I stared at the message — it was brief, bearing the captain's seal. They found Yurick wounded on the road, unconscious, with someone at his side, but he was alive and breathing. I lowered my face toward the paper, trying to keep my composure in front of those present, yet relief flooded me.
— You may go. Leave me alone. — I asked everyone, clutching that precious piece of paper close to me. He would finally return — I could no longer bear the wait.
How would he react when he learned of the pregnancy? The captain would tell him; everyone already knew. He would say I was well, that I had calmed the uprisings, that the people stood with him against Akasia, that everything was unfolding as I wished. Would he be happy? Oh, by the gods — I was overwhelmed with emotion. I only wanted to see him; nothing else mattered.
I carefully placed the message inside my cherished jewelry box. Rising, I walked to the balcony, gazing over the garden. A soft smile escaped me as I recalled Yurick fighting there, training soldiers during the coldest mornings, looking at me and giving that charming, roguish smile. He would not recognize me now, caught in nostalgia and release, but I had to admit I nurtured rebellious feelings for that man — I could not simply ignore the sensation.
I waited several more days for any sign from the captain of the guard, though we could not fully trust that the messages would not be intercepted. Finally, I was allowed to walk through the palace, escorted — I could no longer remain confined to the bedchamber. It was necessary to show my face so people knew I still participated in public life, even if I performed my duties with utmost efficacy. It was still necessary that they see me, know of the baby, perceive that the king was present in that moment. I had said clearly that we remained at war; the brief period of political restructuring that Neopolita was still undergoing had not lasted long. I did not wish to wage war against the neighboring country in winter, but we had no choice — we were constantly threatened, so plans and provisions were necessary that would not harm any citizen on our lands.
— Send this letter to the King of Akasia. — I pressed my family's crest against the wax seal of the envelope.
— The messenger will probably not return. — Arien said with calculated coldness.
— The one who will deliver it knows that. — I let out a heavy sigh, not wishing for unnecessary deaths, but a declaration of war was like a piece moved on the board. — Any sign from the troop?
— They are returning. Brizida has been contained. The last letter had few details, but the King is on his way. — The general held the letter. Her tone softened when she spoke of Yurick. We had worked a lot during those weeks. Without her support, there might have been no way to contain the uprisings, the attempted attacks, or the rumors seeking to undermine the alpha's influence over the city.
— I understand. How long until they return? — I asked, trying to be dry, not show my anxiety.
— In a few days, Your Majesty. — Though she did not smile, there was a playful tone in that brief phrase, as if soothing a child.
— Good, then it is time to prepare the castle and the city to celebrate his arrival. To celebrate the reclaiming of an important battle and the King's return to the capital will lift the citizens' spirits. Knowing that we have won will be paramount. — I coughed lightly before the alpha's smile. Of course, it was not only that; I wished Yurick to feel welcome in the capital. To perceive that his efforts were accepted by the people, so he could feel confident again after those dark days we had since he left. I will never forget how his brother toyed with my mind; when would that sense of vulnerability leave me? I thought I would have to live with it until death. My hope was to have him by my side again — my alpha, my King.
I could easily imagine his smile when he looked at my face. He would embrace me and say he was alive, because he knew me a little after that wedding — there was a bond between us that was real, not merely political. I had endured everything, stayed strong for that. The war against Akasia was not Yurick's alone, but mine as well.
I held the last letter we had received in my hands; finally, they would pass through the main gate. My heart beat so fiercely against my chest that breathing became difficult. The city was celebrating; blue and red flags adorned the streets, some soldiers standing watch, but the colors of festivity were everywhere. The alpha would be warmly received by his people — and by his husband. It had been more than a month since I last saw the King of Roham. My belly was slightly larger, nothing significant — though no longer at risk of losing the child, I still took every precaution the healer advised. I didn't want any incidents, so I remained cautious. Despite the chaotic scenario that had stretched on for so long, I managed to be ready to welcome him on his triumphant return, with the people in the streets greeting their ruler.
It was the first time since announcing the war that the mood in the streets was gentler. Living constantly under threat and danger was palpable — curfews, constant vigilance — but now that the king had returned, everyone could at least enjoy a day of joy that we hadn't had in a long time.
I was sitting on the throne waiting for the troops to arrive; the soldiers and the general were present, and some nobles remained in the hall conversing amongst themselves. Yurick's crown weighed heavily on my head — I was nervous. I admit that for a long time I was anxious, eager to see him as soon as possible, to know if he was truly well. Days of agony and despair I had hidden well beneath the rationality I needed to display in times of crisis.
And just as the first time he stormed the palace, the doors opened with the greatest one leading the way — yet there was something different; it wasn't the same scene I remembered. There was the majesty of a king, not the enemy I expected to face in the grand halls. And the figure beside him drew all attention — completely albino, dressed in white garments that made their appearance even more pale. What stood out most on that body, which seemed carved from snow, with red eyes, was the ruby red jewel they wore on their chest. I had the impression of a beating heart. My gaze lasted only a few seconds because all attention turned to the king.
I rose from the throne, walking toward the elder, feeling my heart pound fiercely. I took his hand. His eyes were on me, yet there was something strange in the way he looked — distant and impassive, despite the smirk on his face, one I knew well.
— I thought you might have died. I was worried — your venture left our defenses open. But luckily, someone skilled was waiting for you. — I smiled as I said this, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere amid the silence of the grand hall. I naively thought Yurick would embrace me, hold me close, breathe me in — after all, we were bound by life itself.
— I knew I could trust your political skills, always so astute. You did well while I was away. Besides the praise I heard from the soldiers and the captain as I made my way to my kingdom. — The elder did not say this merely as a compliment; I could feel the intent to forge a polished relationship before the court watching us. The alpha extended his hand toward me, and for a few moments I didn't understand what he intended with the gesture. — The crown, Seyrim. — His voice was firm.
Something tightened in my chest. I took the crown from my head, bowing forward in reverence to the elder, raising my arms with the crown in my hands. I hadn't expected to follow the passage protocol — it was humiliating to humble myself before the King. Yurick took the golden piece from my hands, walking to the throne without looking at me. The albino followed behind, paying no mind to me as the lesser king of Neopolita's reign. The other soldiers were courteous, bowing and showing respect to my presence.
— Come here, Seyrim, stand by my side. — That was not a request; it was a direct order. I hadn't expected that to happen. Yurick was normally gentle and careful with his words. When he offered me his neck, I thought our relationship was beyond the surface politics we would display before the others. Even General Arien looked surprised; her gaze revealed it.
I walked toward the throne, sitting by his side while the others awaited the King's speech. I clenched my fists. What was happening? Why was he treating me this way? I felt terrible for having been so anxious for his arrival, for naively imagining we would embrace and I would feel his lips upon mine. I was one of those disillusioned souls from springtime tales. I was numb with the deep sting of disappointment in certain gestures. I could say nothing, barely hearing Yurick's speech before all. I stared ahead with an utterly impassive face, merely serving as decoration in the King's presence.