When she emerged, Mira was waiting with soft towels and a brush. She worked quietly but expertly, drying Lara's golden hair and braiding small sections into delicate twists, leaving the rest in loose waves.
"I'll be right back," Mira said once she was done. "Your gown is ready."
She left the room quickly, and Lara paced in front of the fire, wringing her fingers.
When Mira returned, she was carrying a long garment draped over her arms.
"Princess Iris sent this," she said with a smile. "She had it made especially for you this morning. She said I should tell you that you needed something to match your fire."
Lara blinked in surprise as Mira carefully unwrapped the gown. It was a deep midnight blue, shining like stars when the light touched it. The fabric was soft like silk, with silver thread along the top and bottom. The sleeves were made of thin lace that lightly touched the arms. At the neck, a small moonstone pendant hung.
Lara stared at it. "It's… beautiful."
"And it will fit perfectly," Mira added, eyes twinkling. "Princess Iris guessed your size exactly."
With Mira's help, Lara dressed, her nerves growing by the minute.
She didn't understand why she was here, why The King had prepared any of this. But the moment she caught her reflection, looking so unfamiliar, like someone from a dream, she realized how much her world was already beginning to change.
Lara emerged from her chamber slowly. The dress Iris had chosen fit like it was made for her, flowing and elegant, catching the flickering torchlight with every step. She felt both strange and radiant in it like someone she didn't quite recognize.
Dorian, fell into step behind her. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his dark attire blending into the dim halls. His presence was a bit reassuring.
The hallway stretched out in front of them, with tall windows and old tapestries hanging on the walls. They told stories of the kingdom's long history. But Lara wasn't thinking about any of that. Her mind was on the man she was about to meet, the one who had looked at her with eyes that were strong, intense, and hard to understand.
As they approached the door to the king's garden, Dorian broke the silence. "You have nothing to fear my lady."
Lara glanced at him, surprised by the quiet certainty in his tone. She gave a small nod. "I'm not sure what I'm walking into."
He simply smiled, and with that, he opened the door.
The soft creak of the doors pulled his attention, and he turned just in time to see her enter.
The moment Thornak saw her, everything else fell away for she was radiant. He stopped breathing for a moment and simply gazed at her beauty.
Her hair glowed like gold in the soft lantern light, falling in gentle waves down her back. The dress hugged her shape just right. Trust Iris to pick the perfect dress.
Every step she took stirred something primal in him, something that roared with the need to go to her, to touch her, claim her and make her his own. His wolf was already going crazy beneath his skin.
But he stayed still. He couldn't afford to frighten her. Not yet. Not when she didn't know what she was to him. Not when she believed this was only for a short time.
Thornak stood as Lara stepped into the garden. She couldn't help but admire him. The king was dressed in an ornate, dark armored outfit with gold-embellished designs. His black trousers were tailored to perfection, tucked neatly into knee-high leather boots that bore the crest of Vargorath. He looked like he had stepped out of an ancient tale, tall, powerful and breathtaking as always. His dark hair was brushed back from his face. His presence was magnetic and commanding, yet tonight there was something softer in the way he watched her.
She curtsied and said softly, "My king."
"Lara." He responded.
"You brought me here… for dinner?"
"I did," he said. "This is my private garden. No one else comes here."
She stepped closer, still taking it in. "It's beautiful."
His gaze never left her. "So are you."
She blushed so deeply it looked like her face might catch fire. Then, with a quiet gesture, he led her to the table, pulling out a chair for her with unexpected gentleness. She'd never dined with nobles before let alone a king.
"Thank you," she murmured, sitting and still wondering why he had gone to such lengths for her.
The table was set for two, simple but elegant. The silverware shone and the crystal cups sparkled in the starlight. Everything had been carefully chosen.
They ate grilled venison, with a sweet berry sauce. It came with roasted vegetables and warm bread with herbs.
A small plate of sweet pastries dusted with powdered sugar sat near a bowl containing fresh apples, grapes, and slices of pear. There was soft cheese with crackers and dried figs, and a small dish of honey-glazed nuts. There was also a silver pitcher filled with wine and another filled with water.
Lara glanced at the food, then at Thornak.
"You don't have to be afraid," he said, voice quiet, almost gentle. "This isn't a test."
She smiled and nodded once.
They ate in silence, except for a few small questions about whether she liked the food.
After they were done, Thornak rested his forearms on the table, watching her.
"You asked Kael about your family." He said breaking the silence
"Yes." She answered quickly.
"They're safe. My scouts found no signs of harm. But I'll have them brought here, if you wish."
She looked up sharply. Relief etched across her face. "You would do that?"
"I keep my word, Lara. And I don't take what isn't offered."
She didn't speak for a long moment. Then, softly, "Why me?"
Thornak looked at her for a moment longer, then turned to the wine and poured a glass for each of them.
"Some things don't need to be explained right away," he said, his voice low. "They reveal themselves in time."
The silence stretched between them. It felt both calm and full of tension. Around them, the garden was quiet too except for the gentle sound of leaves moving in the wind and the faint noise of the stream nearby.
"You didn't have to bring me here," she said, looking away. "You didn't have to prepare all this."
"I know. But I wanted to."
"Thank you for saving my life and inviting me into your home"
He nodded then leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on the table, his dark eyes unreadable in the flickering candlelight.
Her breath caught.
"I won't force you to stay," he added after a moment. "But I want you to understand that you're not here by accident, Lara. I want you here more than you know."
His voice was low, steady, but there was a weight behind it, a truth pressing just beneath the surface.
"You talk like we've known each other a long time."
His gaze didn't waver. "Perhaps we have."
Lara looked down, trying to make sense of the strange heat rising in her chest. Whatever this was, it was unlike anything she'd ever felt.
They spent the rest of the evening in quiet conversation beneath the stars. Thornak kept his promise to speak gently, never pressing, only offering glimpses of his world, his people, and the safety he vowed she would always have under his roof. Lara found herself listening more than she spoke, but not out of fear. There was something in his voice that settled the storm inside her.
Before she left, he rose with her. "Tomorrow," he said, "you'll see your family. I give you my word."
Lara's chest tightened with relief and gratitude all at once. She nodded. "Thank you your majesty."
Thornak dipped his head in return. "Goodnight, Lara."
"Goodnight, my king."
She turned and walked with her guard through the quiet halls of the eastern wing, her thoughts trailing far behind her. When she reached her chambers, Mira helped her out of the gown, her voice filled with excitement, but Lara barely heard her.
As she lay in bed that night, staring up at the carved ceiling, her mind drifted back to the king, his voice full of calm, and the promise of a home she didn't yet dare to believe.