Vann stood by the window of the temporary palace they had been placed in,
his eyes fixed on the sky above the Golden City.
Everything glittered—
except his heart.
He was lost in thought,
trying to unravel what Seth had just told him.
> "We're free… but now you're engaged."
Vann spun around sharply, his eyes tense, his voice low but sharp:
> "What did you say?"
Seth sat on a wooden chair, lighting his pipe—
a habit of his when choices became too heavy.
> "Princess Leila—
or Leil, as you first knew her—
offered three conditions for our release and your support."
Vann crossed his arms.
> "I know the first two—military aid, and political backing.
But marriage?"
He said it with disbelief still lingering in his tone.
Seth replied with calm realism:
> "In courts like hers, marriage is a shield.
Maybe she likes you.
Maybe she sees an opportunity.
Maybe both.
But she didn't hide her intentions.
And that's rare."
Vann fell silent for a moment.
Then he said quietly:
> "Can I trust her?
Or did she just tie a silken noose around my neck?"
Kaiden, who had been silent all along, finally spoke:
> "If the princess is sincere,
she's a force worth having.
If not…
we'll know soon enough."
But Vann wasn't fully listening.
Images flashed in his mind—
Leila as he saved her from wolves,
her hesitant smile,
the quiet glances,
her unguarded tone,
and a sharp mind not easily forgotten.
At last, he asked:
> "Where is she now?"
> "In her private wing," Seth replied.
"She said she'd wait for your answer until sunset."
Vann stood,
his heart heavy—
but his steps were steady as he moved toward the door.
---
He entered the princess's chamber.
Leila sat before a mirror,
removing her golden crown.
She looked… human.
Not a ruler.
Not a strategist.
Just… her.
She looked at him without smiling.
> "I knew you'd come," she said softly.
Vann walked closer, until he stood before her.
> "Is this a political offer…
or something real?"
She paused, then replied:
> "Both.
Is that wrong?
I wanted to support you because I believe you'll be king.
And I wanted to marry you… because you never treated me like a bargain."
He stared at her for a long moment.
Then said:
> "I'll marry you, Leila…
but on my terms."
Her eyebrow rose.
> "And those are?"
He stepped closer,
looking her straight in the eyes:
> "You're not my subordinate—
and I'm not yours.
We'll be allies.
We'll be partners.
But when war comes…
I decide."
She was silent for a heartbeat.
Then gave a small, genuine smile:
> "A controversial king…
I like that."