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Chapter 33; Furnace Of Fire
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Hearts And Ashes Chapter 34; A Lovely Wallflower
ARWYNThe best thing to do was to skip breakfast, knowing it would be just me and Thrystan at the First Ember table since everyone else was at practice.My hands had been clammy all morning, despite the weather cooling off for winter. Occasionally, I found myself glancing over my shoulder, unable to shake the feeling that I was being watched. The anxiety gnawed at me, making it hard to concentrate on anything else.For the next three days, I patrolled the lower grounds of the palace, exploring every corner and room, learning their uses and histories. Breakfast was always skipped, and I had Ingrid gather an array of sweets and pastries to keep me confined to my quarters until dinner. Dinner was safer; the dining hall was full, allowing me to blend into the crowd and avoid any unwanted attention from Thrystan.On the last day before the Sun Festival, I finally stepped out into the warmth of the day. The sunlight felt like a gentle embrace, momentarily easing my worries. I noticed a loos
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 35; Wild Creature
ARWYN"You have the privilege of choosing your dress for the ball, my lady," Ingrid announced on the first day of the Sun Festival.Back in Wyrm, the Sun Festival was a vibrant celebration, though its true origins were a mystery to most. Folks gathered in the streets, playing music and displaying an abundance of food. It had anonymously become one of my favorite times of the year. Now, I was to experience it away from Wyrm, within the confines of the palace. The mere mention of a Sun Ball made me dread how dull it might be."I'll have whatever you think is best, Ingrid," I said to the maiden. Her face lit up with a grin from ear to ear."You honor me. But I've been selecting your dresses since you arrived. Now you get to choose for yourself." She knelt before me, measuring the length of my current dress with a tape. "Is there really not a particular style you have in mind?"I folded my arms, thinking. A coy smile slowly spread across my lips. "Actually, I do have something in mind." I
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 36; Dragon Riders
ARWYNThe first Embers stood at the grand entrance of the palace. Massive oak doors, intricately carved with scenes of ancient battles and mythical creatures, stood open to welcome the guests. As they stepped inside, they were greeted by a sweeping staircase that led to the upper levels of the castle. The hallways were lined with towering columns, each adorned with gilded vines and blooming with enchanted flowers that glowed softly in the dim light. Rich red silk depicting the kingdom’s color, hung on the walls, and the air was filled with the subtle fragrance of exotic spices and fresh roses.At the top of the staircase, Thrystan stood, embodying the essence of princely grace and nobility. A deep blue velvet doublet, embroidered with silver thread that shimmered in the torchlight, and a cloak of the finest ermine draped elegantly over his shoulders. A circlet of gold, set with a single sapphire, rested on his brow, highlighting his regal bearing. His boots, polished to a mirror-lik
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 37; Facade
THRYSTANSora clung to my hand as I escorted the Walburgers to the banquet hall. Sora's wide smile contrasted sharply with the coldness of her touch. I glanced down at her, my unease growing."Can you just, for these three days, be content with me?" she asked, her grip firm as I tried to pull away. Her smile only deepened when she met my eyes."We're not together, Sora," I replied, my voice flat. "There's no reason for us to act like a couple."She sighed, her expression hardening. "My parents don't know that. And would it really be such a terrible thing to spend these few days with me?"Before I could respond, my mother turned back to us, her smile widening at our apparent closeness. "You two don't have to tag along with us old people. I'm sure you have something more fun to do.""I'm here to greet the guests, Mother," I said, keeping my voice steady. She nodded, surprised by my response.Lady Walburger smiled at the Queen. "The prince has grown into such a fine young man, Your Highn
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 38; Whispers of Pestilence
THRYSTAN"Shouldn't you be in something red or green to attract your future lord husband?"Elaria swiveled to glare at me, her expression mirroring the same mix of boredom and frustration I felt. This wasn't the first time we had to feign enjoyment in this life of constant attention. She glanced down at her black dress, edged with dark red lace."Oh, please. I'd sooner be eaten mercifully by dragons than feed Father's ego any more than it already is," she said, her gaze drifting to the King, who stood in the far corner with a guest, accompanied by Mother. "I won't give him that satisfaction.""And you do not worry about the consequences of this action?"She shook her head defiantly. "Not exactly."Ever since Elaria faced Pete at the Wreath, she'd grown increasingly confident, stretching her wings little by little. It was as if confronting that danger had assured her she could withstand even our father's wrath. She was a Diremage, after all."You still look pretty in your mourning dres
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 39; A Joust
ARWYNMy body was pressed against another, radiating warmth that made me reluctant to wake, hoping to prolong the blissful sorcery enveloping me.My lashes fluttered open, revealing the familiar sight of books and towering shelves—I was still in the library. Surprisingly, I remembered the conversation I was having with Jagger about the dragons and Thrystan's brother, Nerys, whom I accidentally killed two years ago in the Spire. That mission haunted me for months, rendering me unable to function properly. I could only imagine how Thrystan must have felt, losing his older brother to such a horrible death.The prince wasn't the first to meet his end at my hands, but his death left a trauma. Perhaps it was the near-death experience I had—falling off that cliff or nearly being burnt alive by one of those horrendous beasts.Strong, muscled arms tightened around me, and I finally stirred to show I was awake, only to be rebuked by a voice."Stay still." It was Thrystan, his breath smelling of
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 40; The Fallen Knight
ARWYNThe drumbeats thrummed through the air, the jeers and cheers of the crowd gradually fading into a reverent hush as the King rose to his feet. With a commanding presence, he raised his hand, a gesture that seemed to quiet the very winds. Slowly, he turned from side to side, his gaze sweeping across the assembled throng like a savior acknowledging his subjects."Welcome, noble lords and ladies, esteemed guests, and valiant knights," the King began, his voice resonating with authority. "Today, we gather to witness the prowess and bravery of our finest warriors in this grand joust. Let the spirit of chivalry and honor guide their lances and hearts."The crowd erupted into applause, the anticipation palpable. The King continued, "May this tournament be a testament to our kingdom's strength and unity. Let the games commence, and may the best knight prevail!"As he resumed his seat, the trumpets blared, signaling the start of the joust. Knights in gleaming armor rode out onto the field
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 41; Hunting Partner
ARWYNOne thing I knew for certain: the Prince did not like to lose. I had seen him throw tantrums and unleash his fiery temper when he didn't win a practice bout. To be fair, the only times he lost were when he faced two or more Embers at once.Never to just one opponent.Yet here we were, witnessing the impossible. Sir Sirius Black had beaten Prince Thrystan in a joust. The disbelief rippled through the crowd as the Prince flung his helmet to the ground, his frustration palpable. Gasps erupted from the audience, and I watched his curly hair, more disheveled than ever, fall around his face as he ran his hands through it in agitation. His dark brown locks tumbled wildly, mirroring the storm brewing within him.Sirius rode over, his horse trotting confidently. Without a moment's hesitation, Thrystan stretched out his hand, and a squire hurried to his side, presenting him with a sword. Its handle gleamed with gold, encrusted with purple stones that caught the sunlight. The crowd fell sil
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Hearts And Ashes Chapter 37; Facade
