"Luren looks…" Claren beamed with joy as he pushed the large snowball across the courtyard, his laughter echoing in the crisp winter air.
"He can say my name properly now," Luren said proudly, his eyes sparkling as he waved excitedly at Claren. He turned to Prince Karin with a bright smile.
"I'm glad he didn't get traumatized after the incident," Karin murmured, a sense of relief softening his features as he sipped his tea.
The warmth of the cup contrasted with the lingering ache of his healing wound, it
had been days since they arrived, and slowly, his body and spirit were beginning to mend.
"Yeah, I'm glad both of you are safe," Luren said softly, his voice tinged with relief.
"But… it's sad that his nanny and the rest of the soldiers didn't survive."
Karin's expression clouded with sorrow. His eyes lowered as the weight of the memory returned. "The bracelet Prince Claren wore… it saved him."
"You mean this one?" Luren raised his wrist, showing the simple yet beautiful bracelet gleaming faintly in the light.
"Yes," Karin nodded, his voice hushed. "A light burst from it, like a shield. It stopped the sword. If he didn't have it…" His voice
trailed off, a sick feeling rising in his chest. Just remembering that moment made him feel nauseous.
"Cleven gave this to me," Luren said, eyes wide with wonder as he looked at the bracelet again. "It really has magic in it."
Karin nodded slowly, eyes distant.
Clara and Velzra had just arrived, their cloaks heavy with snow. They had been out in the market searching for ingredients for one of
Velzra's concoctions.
"We heard something troubling at the market," Clara said as she approached and took a seat. Velzra sat beside her, her expression unreadable.
"What did you hear?" Luren asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
Clara and Velzra exchanged a hesitant glance, both weighing how to deliver the news.
"There's a rumor spreading fast," Clara said, her voice barely above a whisper. "They say a man in the North is carrying a child.
People are saying it's unnatural… against the scriptures."
Velzra added grimly, "The market was tense. The Temple's name kept coming up. If this continues to spread, it might not just be whispers for long, it could turn into condemnation… or worse."
"This is the reason why I revealed myself in Lunathia," Karin said softly, his eyes filled with quiet resolve. "To make them see that
omegas exist, and that we can bear children. I know it's difficult for Seravelle to accept."
"Seravelle has never known an omega," Velzra added, his brows furrowed with concern. "This has never happened in their history. We come from another kingdom, gathered here now... and it's only a matter of time before fear turns into something worse."
"We should tell Yael to stay inside and avoid the market," Clara said firmly, already moving toward the door. "It's no longer safe out there."
A heavy silence settled in the room as Clara left.
Everyone let out a deep sigh, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on them.
This is going to be a big problem for Craige, Luren thought, his hand instinctively resting on his flat stomach, as if to shield the life
growing within. The fear clung to him, cold and quiet. He wasn't ready to face what the kingdom might do when they learned the truth.
---
I should leave now and return to His Majesty's side," Miller said, rising to his feet as they gathered in the Duke's office.
"Are your wounds truly alright?" Craige asked with concern, his eyes scanning Miller's bandaged side.
"They're already healing. I can't keep the King waiting any longer,
I must report to him," Miller replied firmly, though a flicker of fatigue crossed his face.
Craige gave a slow nod, understanding the weight of duty that pressed upon his shoulders.
"Let me accompany you, brother," Borg offered with a warm smile, stepping forward. "You shouldn't make the journey alone."
The bond between the Duke and the King's shadow was forged in steel and loyalty, ever since their days training as knights in the harsh, unforgiving lands of Gravehollow Woods, a place that tested their courage and
strengthened their ties.
"I have business in the capital as well," Borg said, his voice firm and serious.
"Keep a low profile there, Borg," Venn warned, his tone laced with concern.
"Rumors are spreading fast, they've already reached the North," Keith said, eyes narrowing. "It seems someone's pulling the strings behind the scenes."
Craige furrowed his brows, his expression darkening with unease. "The temple might pay us a visit sooner than expected."
"We need to move Yael to Borg's tribe," Venn added quickly. "His stomach is already showing... he could be in danger if someone sees him."
Craige exhaled sharply, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "I'll speak to Axel and Yael," he said at last, rising from his
seat with quiet resolve.
The room fell silent as Craige stepped out, ending their tense discussion
"This is a tricky battle. I'd rather march to war than be dragged into this filthy game of politics," Craige said, irritation flaring in
his voice.
The others nodded in agreement. They would much rather face the enemy on the battlefield, blades drawn, than deal with these deceitful schemes.
"The Night Watchers have arrived. They'll report to you soon," Keith said as they all began to leave the room.
Craige let out a long, weary sigh, the weight of it pressing from his chest. "Did you find out anything about her?"
Keith shook his head slowly, his expression grim. "Nothing yet... I'm sorry."
When they stepped outside, they saw Luren and the others sitting seriously in the courtyard.
They all exchanged greetings. Miller and Borg were preparing to leave for the Capital.
"Is everything okay?" Luren asked Craige, concern evident in his voice.
Venn casually wrapped his arm around Velzra's waist, making Velzra blush deeply.
"We should leave as well," Venn said with a soft smile.
"See you all tomorrow!" Velzra called out, still blushing as they walked away together.
"The sun hasn't even set yet, Venn," Keith teased, raising a brow. But Venn only laughed, unbothered.
Prince Karin watched the pair disappear into the distance. A quiet jealousy twisted in his chest.
Everyone around him was finding love, finding someone to hold onto... but he had been rejected twice since arriving in Seravelle.
He smiled faintly to hide the sting, but the ache in his heart remained.
"I need to talk to Yael and Axel. Let's go to their cabin," Craige said to Luren, adjusting the scarf around his neck as the wind picked
up.
"Why don't you just call them?" Keith asked, brows slightly furrowed. "You're the Duke—you don't need to go to your people's cabins."
Craige gave a small smirk. "I also want to explore the manor a bit while we're at it. It's been a while since I've walked these halls."
Before Keith could reply, Claren came running across the snowy path, cheeks flushed red with excitement. "Uncle! I made a snowman!" he beamed, followed closely by the maid who watched over him.
"Wow! Let me see!" Craige's eyes lit up as he scooped the boy into his arms. He turned toward the yard and admired the lumpy but charming snowman. "Keith, tell Rolen to bring the wolves here tomorrow," he added with a warm smile. "Claren will love seeing them."
Keith nodded, his own smile softening, and left to fulfill the order.
"You made a really big snowman," Craige said in amazement as they stood beside it. He tightened his grip on Claren gently. "You did this all by yourself?"
Claren nodded proudly. "With just a little help!"
Craige laughed, the sound full of affection. "It's perfect, Just like you."
"Are you okay?" Luren asked gently, noticing the sadness in Karin's eyes as he stared off into the distance.
"Uhm… yeah!" Karin replied shyly, forcing a small smile. "The Duke… he seems like he's going to be a good father," he added, his voice tinged with something wistful.
Luren looked at them with a warm, tender smile.
"I haven't told you yet," Luren said softly, his cheeks turning pink. "But actually… I'm pregnant."
Karin's eyes widened in surprise, his mouth slightly agape. But almost instantly, his expression lit up with joy. He reached out and held Luren's hand tightly.
"That's… that's wonderful!" he said, his voice trembling with happiness. "Congratulations! I'm so happy for both of you."
"Lets go visit them" Craige said as they come back "Prince Karin ill leave Claren to you" He said as he put down the boy
"Come here Prince Claren" Karin hold the his hand.
Luren and Craige walked toward the servants cabin holding hands