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Chapter 40; The Fallen Knight
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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
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 42; A Bit Wild
ARWYN POVSir Sirius Black stood before me, his hopeful green eyes shimmering like dew-laden leaves in the morning sun. I found myself trapped between two impossible choices, each promising to crush me in its own way. Nearby, Thrystan was gently stroking the mane of his horse, his fingers moving with a deliberate calmness, yet his intense gaze was fixed on me, betraying his apparent nonchalance."Lady Balchor," Sir Black’s voice pulled me back to him, his words soft but insistent. I mustered a wry smile, trying to mask the turmoil inside me. "Will you do me the honor of being my hunting partner?" he asked again, his tone carrying a blend of anticipation and vulnerability that tugged at my heart.My gaze drifted to Thrystan, who was pretending not to listen but whose body language told a different story. His smirk, subtle yet infuriating, danced on his lips as if he found amusement in my predicament. It was as though he thrived on the tension radiating between us."I'm sorry, Lord Blac
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 43; The Hunt
ARWYN POV“You must love living in the countryside, my Lord,” Ahvi remarked to Lord Ezlyn Cromwell, her voice light and teasing.“Indeed, I do,” Cromwell replied, his tone steady, betraying nothing more than a simple truth.Ahvi chuckled, her fingers toying with the reins of her horse. “I can’t blame you. They say it’s quite charming out here. And your family owns countless ranches and grand estates, don’t they?”Lord Cromwell gave a curt nod. “You’ve heard correctly.”Their conversation drifted on, a melody of casual words, but I let my mind wander, refusing to be pulled into their banter. My attention remained fixed on the path ahead, every muscle taut, ready to react at the first sign of movement. Perhaps I would spot a deer, a mountain goat, or even a rabbit—some unsuspecting creature to claim as my prey.“Ease up on that bowstring, Balchor, or you’ll snap it in two,” Tristan’s voice cut through my focus. I glanced at him, catching the subtle curve of a smile at the edge of his li
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 44; Trophy
ARWYN POVThe flickering fire cast a warm, golden glow over the clearing, its flames crackling softly as they danced in the night air. Thrystan and I sat side by side on a fallen log, the cool evening breeze still carrying the faint scent of the sea. Our clothes clung to us, damp from our earlier tumble into the water, but the heat from the fire was doing its best to chase away the lingering chill.I tucked my knees up, hugging them close as I stared into the flames, the silence between us easy and comfortable. Thrystan shifted beside me, his wet hair tousled and drying in unruly waves. He poked at the fire with a stick, sending a small shower of sparks upward into the twilight.“We’ll have to answer for this, you know,” he said, a playful glint in his eyes as he broke the silence. “Running off, getting soaked, and now camping out by the sea. Not exactly the most dignified end to the day.”I smirked, nudging him with my elbow. “As if you care about dignity, Thrystan. You were the one
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 45; Sparks Of Gossip
ARWYN POVThe sun began to paint the sky in soft hues of pink and gold as we rode into the camp the next morning, the air still crisp with the lingering chill of night. The campfires from the previous evening had long since dwindled to embers, sending thin tendrils of smoke curling into the dawn air.Thrystan rode beside me, behind us, the deer hung from the back of my horse, its lifeless body swaying gently with each step.As we entered the camp, heads began to turn. Murmurs rose among the gathered hunters and soldiers even to the honourable guests, their eyes flicking from the deer to me, then to Thrystan. Some whispered behind cupped hands, others simply stared, but all wore expressions of curiosity—mixed with a touch of admiration.I felt the weight of their gazes, the hush that fell over the camp as we passed through, but I kept my head high, refusing to let it rattle me."Looks like we’ve caused a bit of a stir," Thrystan murmured under his breath, his lips curving into a sly sm
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 46; Third time's a charm
THRYSTAN POV"I hope you enjoyed your little night rendezvous," Elaria’s voice was smooth, yet carried an undercurrent of caution as she swept into my tent, her hands delicately clasped in front of her embroidered gown. Her eyes flicked over me, calculating."Come to give me another lecture on staying away from Arwyn, sister?" I tossed my gloves onto the wooden chest and sank onto the edge of the bed. The hunt had ended, and with it, the brief escape from palace life. Once again, I was back in my gilded cage, playing the part of the perfect Prince. And now, there was the ball to prepare for—a masquerade I wasn’t sure I was ready to face.Elaria’s lips twitched, barely forming a smile. "No. I believe I've said enough for you to understand that she’s dangerous."I raised an eyebrow, unlacing my hunting boots with deliberate slowness. "I seem to recall that you were the one who liked the idea of her being in the palace. Thanks to you, she’s here."Elaria’s expression tightened, her mout
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 47; Quite A Stir
ARWYN POVThe gown fit perfectly, its silken fabric clinging to my waist like it was woven for this very moment. Leigh's face flushed a soft pink as she clasped her hands together, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she took in my appearance from head to toe."I always knew you’d look breathtaking in a ball gown," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I only wish Lilith could see you now."The smile on my lips faltered, the weight of our dire circumstances pressing heavily on my chest. The responsibility laid upon me was a burden I could not shake. The King had to die. It was the only way to save Lilith. Pete wasn't the sort of man who could be reasoned with—he was a force that crushed anything in his path.Leigh, sensing the shift in my mood, murmured softly, "You know, he always listened to you. Maybe… maybe you could talk to him. Make him see reason. Convince him to demand something else."A bitter laugh escaped me. "Marlon came to the palace a few nights ago. He thre
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 48; Smoke— Thick and toxic
THRYSTAN POVI watched Arwyn sway in Jagger’s arms, my eyes narrowing as I tracked every movement. She looked uncertain at first, her steps faltering as if unsure of the rhythm. But soon enough, she found her footing—quick to adapt, just as I knew she would. She always had a way of catching on, sharp-witted and capable. Or perhaps I’m just a better teacher than I give myself credit for."How about we dance?" Sora’s voice broke through my thoughts as she clung to my arm, her nails digging into my coat, an uncomfortable reminder of her presence."Not quite," I muttered, barely paying attention as my gaze remained fixed on Arwyn. She was... captivating. The dress she wore was bold, a deep red that I would never have imagined on her. Yet, somehow, it suited her perfectly—hugging every curve, from the fitted bodice down to the flowing hem that swayed with each step.Then there was the slit—high enough to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of her thigh as she moved. When Jagger dipped her low tow
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Hearts and Ashes Chapter 69; Gone with the wind [ Last Chapter ]
THRYSTAN POVElaria’s words landed like a punch to the gut. For a moment, the world seemed to tilt, but I quickly shook my head, disbelief coursing through me."No," I said firmly, my voice low and dangerous. "That’s not possible.""Oh, it’s very possible," she sneered, enjoying the effect her words were having. "I got the information from the rebel in the dungeon. He told me everything. Two years ago, she led a heist at the Dragon Spire, and Nerys—our brother—was just collateral damage."I stared at her, my pulse pounding in my ears. This couldn’t be true. It wasn’t true."No," I repeated, more forcefully this time. "Arwyn couldn’t have done that. She would never—""Wouldn’t she?" Elaria interrupted, her voice dripping with venom. "Do you really know her, Thrystan? You think she’s this poor, innocent girl from the slums, but she’s been working with Pete Delitroy for years. She’s no stranger to blood. She killed Nerys, and now she’s wormed her way into your heart, making you blind to t
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 68; Secrets and Denial
THRYSTAN POVI stare at the letter of acceptance on the council room table, my eyes narrowing as my hands clench and unclench. He was really going to make me bury Arwyn. The words blurred before me, but the meaning was clear—Father had made his decision, and I was powerless to stop it."Don’t look so surprised," Father muttered, swirling his wine with one hand, his right resting lazily on the arm of the throne. He turned slightly to glance out of the window, a casual indifference lacing his tone. "I’m sure you must’ve seen this coming.""Sending her away to Reedridge? No," I replied, my voice sharp, my fists tightening at my sides."Oh, please, stop your whining." He rolled his eyes, sipping from his cup. "Reedridge is far better than living in the slums, working for a man like Pete Delitroy."I froze. How did he know about Pete? My mind raced, but I kept my face still, masking the rage boiling underneath the surface."Sora gave me a rather juicy bit of information," he continued, ste
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 67; The Ghost
ARWYN POVI stood frozen, the weight of her words hitting me like a blow to the chest. My throat tightened, and I could barely breathe. The walls seemed to close in on me, and for a moment, the entire corridor felt like it was spinning.Nerys. She knows."Cat got your tongue?" Elaria’s voice dripped with amusement, like she was savoring every second of my fear. Her smile only grew more sinister. "Ah, I see. You're too struck to talk. Don't worry, I don't expect you to explain. Not after what I learned."I swallowed hard, forcing my body to remain still, but inside, panic clawed at me. How much did she know? How did she find out?Elaria took a step back, her arms crossed in front of her as she tilted her head slightly, watching me with the eyes of a hunter who had cornered her prey. "The rebel in the dungeon," she said smoothly. "Raith, was it? He had plenty to say once I worked a bit of magic on him. Poor boy. He didn’t stand a chance against a Diremage."Her words sliced through me.
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 66; Treason
ARWYN POVThe warmth of my chambers wraps around me like a comforting embrace, shielding me from the blistering cold outside. I would’ve come in sooner, but Thrystan had the grand idea of starting a snowball fight. Despite my protests, I found myself laughing and joining in, thoroughly enjoying the moment.Letting out a deep sigh, I kick off my snow-covered boots, freeing my feet from the cold burden, and collapse onto my bed. Just as I begin to settle, a knock echoes at my door."Enter," I call, my voice muffled against the pillow.The door creaks open, and Ahvi’s head peeks in, a smug smile playing on her lips. Her cheeks are flushed, either from too much wine or from an evening spent making out with Jagger. Likely both. She giggles as she shuts the door behind her and practically skips to my bed, flopping down beside me with a contented sigh.I glance down at her, amused. "You seem happy.""I am happy," she says, grinning mischievously. "Just had a full kissing session in the garde
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 65; Winter Is Here
THRYSTAN POVArwyn’s eyes widen as she stares at something behind me, and I turn to see Jagger stumbling through the trees, cursing under his breath as he tries to pick rose thorns from his clothes. He’s swatting at them like an angry bear, completely oblivious to what he’s walking into. Then he looks up, eyes wide with shock as he takes in the sight of the two of us in the water.Of course.Without a second thought, I rise from the water, moving in front of Arwyn to shield her from Jagger’s wandering eyes. No way I’m letting him take a good look at her like this. The idiots always been a bit too casual with her for my taste, and right now, I’m not in the mood for his nonsense.Jagger, however, bursts into laughter, his voice echoing through the trees. “Well, well, well! I didn’t know this was the royal mating suite!”“Get lost, Jagger, right now,” I snap, trying to keep my voice steady, but the idiot’s too drunk to even notice the seriousness in my tone. He’s swaying on his feet, bar
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 64; The Spring
THRYSTAN POVArwyn looks uncertain as I help her through the trees, her eyes scanning the surroundings. I don't release her hand, holding it like letting go might cause her to slip away from me forever. There’s something fragile in this moment, something delicate between us that I’m not ready to lose.“These springs are beautiful, but… you don’t actually bathe out here, do you? It’s so close to the palace grounds,” she muses, walking toward one of the pools, her fingers grazing the rocky edge. There’s a hesitant curiosity in her voice, a kind of innocence that makes me smile.“Oh, I did,” I chuckle, following her. “Those were the good days.”She laughs softly, the sound warming the air, but then she releases my hand, and I reluctantly let her go. “But it’s not even warm,” she says, tilting her head back to gaze up at the star-strewn sky. Her brown hair cascades down her back like liquid gold, and the moonlight catches her features just right. “It’s hardly summer.”I grin, dipping my h
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 63; Wildbane
ELARIA'S POVBrax hauls the boy onto the chair after loosening the ropes that had bound his hands and legs, leaving him sprawled out like a broken marionette. His limbs dangle lifelessly, as if the weight of the world had been too much for him to bear. I stand before him, my hands still humming with the remnants of magic, the air thick with the scent of sweat and fear.Sweat pours down his forehead, glistening in the dim torchlight, trailing down his temples like rivulets. His eyes, bloodshot and wide, dart around the room as if seeking an escape that doesn’t exist. His lips tremble, the faintest whisper of a plea escaping them, though he knows better than to beg outright. Fear clings to him, wrapping around his soaked shirt that clings to his lean, trembling body.I take a step closer, my boots echoing ominously in the stone chamber, my gaze locked on him like a predator sizing up its prey. "You’re holding up well," I remark, my voice smooth and cold, an unsettling contrast to the pa
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 62; Feeble Denial
ELARIA POVThrystan has grown careless. He didn't cover his tracks well this time, nor did his little lover. After interrogating that rebel, he should have ended it swiftly. But now... now, I'm going to finish what he couldn’t because Thrystan is a threat to himself and this loose end can be his undoing with father.Brax enters the palace stables, his figure cloaked in shadow, hood drawn low over his eyes, and gloved hands concealed in thick leather. He moves with the grace of a predator, always a step too close, too familiar."Apologies for being late, love," he says with a sly smile, leaning in to brush a kiss against my cheek.I pull back sharply, irritation flaring. "How many times have I told you to stop calling me that? Especially out here—someone could hear."His face falls, disappointment flickering briefly in his eyes, but I don’t let it soften me. I refuse to coddle him, not when we stand on such dangerous ground. Still, I lean in, pressing a quick kiss to the tip of his nos
Hearts and Ashes Chaptee 61; Treason, even in Jest
ARWYN'S POVI sit in the dining hall, my hands gripping the edge of the table, knuckles pale. I can't keep still, shifting every few moments as I steal glances at the entrance. My stomach twists in knots, not from hunger, but from anxiety. Where is Daelan? My thoughts race as I wonder if the search for my sisters was successful last night. I don't think I can endure another day of waiting.The door creaks open, and I nearly jump out of my seat. My heart leaps into my throat when I see him. Daelan strides in, his posture calm and collected, but my heart quickens, searching for any sign of good news. As he approaches the breakfast table, my face lights up with a hopeful smile, unable to contain the emotion bubbling inside me. Without thinking, I spring to my feet and pull out a seat for him."Daelan," I say breathlessly, trying to hold back the flood of questions threatening to spill from my lips.He gives me a polite nod as he takes the seat, his eyes flickering with something I can't
