Elena’s POVMy chest was still feeling heavy, and anger was accumulating in my heart. Then, I felt another squeeze of comfort in my hand.Looking up, I met Prince Deacon’s eyes filled with determination and promise. “We’ll expose her, Elena. And when the truth comes out, your grandfather’s name will be cleared.”Taking a deep breath, I let the weight that filled me lose a bit.I nodded my head and was finally able to let out a small smile.After a few minutes of comfort, we finally ease up.Looking outside, we realized that it was already late.“Do you want to dine here?” he asked, motioning toward the table.Standing up, I shook my head. “No, it’s alright. I want to have a rest as well.”“Then, I’ll walk you back,” he added as he pushed the tent’s fabric door out of my way.Giving him a smile, I assured him, “I’ll be okay, Prince Deacon. Thank you, but I really want to have some alone time for a while.”For a moment, he stared at me as if reading my eyes to see if I was really fine.
Elena’s POVGlenda’s eyes blazed with fire as she sent me a glare. Her chest rose and fell heavily, in sync with her ragged breath of fury.After hearing my words, she became even more mad. Losing control, she raised her hand and pointed a finger at me, accusing me almost desperately, “Don’t you dare deny it! I saw the way he looked at you during the fight. And now, here you are, alone together. What else am I supposed to think?”An involuntary sneer escaped my lips. Oh, so now, how her husband has acted has become my responsibility?I wanted to shake my head at how ridiculous she was being.Raising my brows, I tilted my head and smirked. “Think whatever helps you sleep at night. But don’t drag me into your insecurities.”“Glenda, it’s not what it looks like. I was just…” Bryson rushed between us and held Glenda by her shoulders, but Glenda’s fierce eyes only focused on me.Without butting an eye, she angrily pushed Bryson away and stepped forward to approach me.“You’re nothing but a
Elena’s POV“A one-on-one combat?”“Did I see it right?”“Are they seriously doing it?”“Wow!”“I never saw anyone lasting more than full minutes with Prince Deacon. Can a girl like her handle the god of war?”“General Glenda is one thing, but the Prince…”Murmurs filled the training area when the warriors surrounding us noticed Prince Deacon entering the combat platform.We felt everyone halting from their training and approached the ring one after another until a crowd formed around us.All of them had their opinions voiced out, filled with surprise. But none of them seemed to think that I could win against Prince Deacon, much less last for three minutes.“They have so much belief in you,” I pointed out as I glanced at the crowd and positioned myself in a combat stance like he did.Smirking, he responded, “You think you can break that?”I replied to his remark with a smirk before I started sending a strike in his direction that he easily avoided.My eyes narrowed when he smirked at
Elena’s POV”What is it?” Prince Deacon asked face turned serious.“It looked like the Rogues were making more movements. They were furious by our last attacks. They are preparing,” Tyson replied and handed him a note with hand-drawn maps of tactics on it.Prince Deacon accepted and observed it before questionably looking at Tyson.Clearing his throat, Tyson replied, “It’s from the perimeter warriors. They keenly observed the movements on the borders and the surroundings.“Excellent.”After his praise, Tyson left.“Get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.”Standing up, I let out a sigh. “I’m sure it will be.”After that, we parted ways.When I woke up, it was still dark outside. Today would be the last war we would wage in this region—the North. If everything goes as planned, this will be the end.Since it's a crucial battle, I intentionally woke up early to stretch out and train a little before we made our strike. Surprisingly, when I stepped out of my tent, I wasn’t the only one
Bryson’s POVStanding behind the main troops, all my focus was fixated on Elena, who was staring admiringly at Prince Deacon as he gave his starting speech in front.My hands clenched beside me. Those deep, admiring eyes she was wearing right now and giving another man used to sparkle only when I was in the room.Realizing how things had changed, I felt pain and bitterness creeping into my heart.Pain, bitterness, regret, guilt… Whatever was that unknown feeling that kept bothering me since she left my life, I’d sort that out at a later time. Right now, all I worried about was her safety.Since I knew her, she had been my Luna. She didn’t have proper training, and she wasn’t used to the battlefield. Though I saw firsthand that she had skills, being in an actual battle was way different.‘I’d protect you, Elena…’ I silently vowed as I followed, running after them.However, all my determination to help and protect her popped like a bubble as I stood frozen a few steps away from her and
Elena’s POVMy chest rose and fell in a heavy breath as I watched a ridiculous scene before me.For someone being arrogant and proud as the first female general, Glenda surprisingly could get even lower than I see her to be.She’s acting like a toddler throwing a tantrum after not receiving a candy she was crying about, causing chaos and calling out unnecessary attention.My eyes wandered around as I heard the restrained grasps from our surroundings and saw the other generals, who were busy fighting earlier, were not half-distracted. Their furious eyes were now following Glenda’s reckless movements.I pursed my lips and menacingly glared at Bryson, who was shocked to meet my eyes. “Can’t you even put a leash on your shrewd Luna?”His jaw dropped. He blinked in shock and opened his lips. I didn’t know if it was to explain or protest, but I couldn’t care less.Walking past him, I pushed my way through Rogues and other warriors, moving swiftly until I was close enough to where Glenda was
Elena’s POVSaige looked at me like I had just grown another head on my neck. “Is that even a question?”She angrily tied her wound with her ripped sleeve. By the black mark on the surroundings of the wound, I’d guess that she was struck by a silver weapon as well.“That annoying mistress of your ex is getting on our nerves! She’s making us all clean up the mess she created!” Maige shouted madness as she grabbed the closest Rogue in front of her and kicked him in the stomach, sending him flying a few feet away.“I need to relieve some stress.”“Me too! I need to vent it out: I have never had a woman since I got out of Custodes! She’s a menace. If this war doesn’t kill her, I just might.”They both uttered one after another.I let out a small laugh as I knew it was a small thing for them. They were stronger than that to be bent down by a wound. They were more annoyed than actually in pain.“Focus on the rogues. We can’t afford to let her distract us,” I replied seriously, nodding to th
Elena’s POV"How much longer are we going to sit here, Elena? Glenda’s out there, captured, and you’re just—""Strategizing, Bryson. You should try it sometime,” I sarcastically interrupted Bryson as I slammed my hands on the table, slightly moving everything on it.One of the warriors immediately and attentively reorganized it while I stood up properly and took a step back, calming myself from the anger building up in me.We would have won this fight so easily and ended it once and for all as planned, but no, Glenda just had to be a pain in the ass and ruin everything we had prepared for. So now, instead of celebrating, we were here in a makeshift camp near the battlefield, tending to the wounded soldiers and coming up with a plan on how to rescue Glenda who had been taken by the Rogues due to her arrogance and foolishness.I was already furious at Glenda’s actions, and here Bryson was acting like a sick puppy for losing his useless bone, approaching me with reckless anger and ridic
Elena’s POVQueen Liz and I laughed at Zara’s sudden outburst.“Seemed like I wasn’t the only one triggered by the Duchess’ words,” Queen Liz said, making all of us laugh.Suddenly, despite the scorching heat outside and the torment the Duchess tried to throw at my way, being in here made things feel a bit lighter.“This juice is a lifesaver. I thought my skin would melt on that walk back,” I exaggeratedly said as I gulped another glass in one go.Leaning back to her seat with her head back and arms spread, Zara complained, “Oh, tell me about it, Princess. I can barely feel my legs!”“But seriously, the same woman now dreads your next visit. Elena, you’ve just made life here in this dull palace a whole level more exciting,” Queen Liz uttered before taking a sip of her drink.She didn’t even look fazed by all that was happening to it. It seemed like drama was a normal thing in the palace, and it had now become more like an entertainment than an actual problem, from how often it happene
Elena’s POVMy smile got even brighter as I stared at her innocent eyes and lovely smile. She has that bright sunshine around her like I used to have before. Looking at her was like seeing a walking beam of joy.“What do you mean by fate? It’s not sure yet?” she asked so innocently, making me laugh a little. Shrugging, I smiled gently and teased a little. “It means I’ll definitely be your sister if your cousin doesn’t change his mind.”She giggled at my words before letting out a joking scoff. “He’d be a fool if he did that. Everyone talks about how amazing you are! You’re the most admired general now.”I patted her head and shook my head. She’s so adorable. “What a sweet tongue you have.”Tapping her nose, I added, “I only did what must be done. And don’t tell that to your cousin, he’d be jealous. He’s the best of all.”She pursed her lips and touched her chin while thinking for a bit before shrugging as she gave in. “Well, you’re right, but still, you’re the best female general.”H
Elena’s POVMy eyes shifted to the door just as the Duchess’ eyes did. And there, a girl peeked from the door with a huge smile on her face.Her eyes wandered around first before she stepped fully inside, showcasing her beautiful cocktail dress, styled with glitter on the hem.“Mom, I hear Princess Elena is here!” She came in and jumped in joy as she confronted her mother.She’s about 5 feet tall, and I’d say around fifteen years old from her appearance and demeanour. Her eyes were glistening with curiosity, and she was all giddy, making little jumps in place.Duchess Diana wasn’t even given enough time to reply with all her energy as she turned around and looked until her eyes met mine.She froze for a little while, staring at me like she was starstruck.“Princess Katherine.” I bowed a little and greeted her with respect. Despite our same title and age difference, she’s still a full-fledged princess and deserves respect. Besides, she’s also Deacon’s cousin, so… Might as well.“You ar
Elena’s POVI wanted to laugh at the Duchess’ remark. I didn’t ask her for forgiveness, and yet she felt like I had committed a grave sin that needed forgiveness, and wanted to act like the better person.Going with the flow, she sat, I played with it and bowed my head a little out of respect while keeping my dignity. “Thank you, Duchess Diana.” Looking back up at her, I smile and kindly add, “But about my marriage with Deacon… It’s something the two of us will decide. I am willing to marry him, and should he continue with it… I guess no one else has the right to determine my worth.”“Ha!” Hearing my words, Duchess Diana’s patience snapped. She slammed her hand on her chair as she stood up, looking at me with narrowed eyes.Dripping with disdain, she smirked devilishly and commented sarcastically, “What a humble servant at best, playing a goody-two-shoes act. Mark my words, you insolent woman, once whatever potion you gave my son wears off, he’ll abandon you like he did to others befo
Elena’s POV“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Duchess Diana,” I formally greeted and lowered my head in traditional respect.I heard her scoff as her nails made sounds as she tapped them on the gold armrest of her chair. “Raise your head. I want to see the face that bewitched my son.”I forced a smile and internally stopped myself from showing the annoyance that was slowly building up within me from the real meanings under her words that I vividly understood.She leaned her back to the chair and raised her chin with her thumb and index finger while she narrowed her eyes and looked at me from head to toe like she was examining an object she wanted to buy from an auction.“Hmph. Seductive, yes…” Standing up, she slowly approached me and walked around me. With a sharp tongue, she leaned forward and hissed beside my ear, “But seductive doesn’t mean worthy.”I kept my composure and met her eyes without fear. “That wasn’t my intention, Duchess. I didn’t seduce your son, nor do I have any plans
Elena’s POV“I’m so glad to see you again, Elena. I heard about you and Deacon…” Queen Liz greeted me with a huge smile on her face as she led me to the balcony of her room.“Yes, it just… It happened.” I smiled brightly as I walked gracefully to the balcony and leaned my arms on the fence while looking out at the magnificent view outside.Since Deagon and I started this, we might as well make it as real as possible.Shrugging my shoulders, I added, “Deacon and I went to war together… We fought side by side and faced obstacles far beyond what one could imagine… It’s almost like a sweet-blooded fairytale if that makes sense.”The queen and I both laugh at our statement. “And that’s the weirdest yet loveliest description of love I ever heard.”I laughed even harder at the Queen’s statement. “Well, that’s it. Our camaraderie developed into something deeper, so when we came back and he proposed… I had nothing more to say but yes.”We chit-chat a little and shared a few laughs before she w
Deacon’s POVI couldn’t believe that my mom would be moving so fast that she had already summoned Elena. Now, I couldn’t be more thankful to myself that I had warned her early about my mom, but I’m pretty sure that she was still surprised by it, especially with how early she had to face her.Shaking my head, I stood up.“Where are you going, Prince Deacon?” Tyson asked, looking clueless as he stepped aside from the door and followed me with questions in his eyes.“You… You’re not planning to go to the Duchess and stop her, aren’t you? Because I think that will only make her even more irritated and have her hate Princess Elena even more,” he cautiously said as he tried to give me some advice.Halting, I looked at him and gave him a smirk. “She’s my mother. I know her much more than you do.”Tapping his shoulder, I added, “Don’t worry, it’s not her I’m going to.”Furrowing his brows, he followed me, asking, “Who then? The king, I don’t think he’d help, though.”Smirking wider, I answere
Elena’s POVI was relaxing in the comfort of my bed after having a long conversation with Jayden and Zara, feeling completely exhausted.They were very worried about me, which was why I had to make them understand that this decision of mine was for the best.Hence, after everything was settled, including the manners concerning the marriage, I couldn’t help but feel relieved.But all that relief vanished when Jayden knocked on my door a few hours later to say that a messenger from the palace came and handed over a letter“What is it about?” I asked, following him downstairs to receive the letter.The messenger said he didn’t know what it was about either and simply handed the letter to me.Sitting down, I unsealed the envelope to get the letter and unfolded it, but the content of it brought me to utter shock.Countless questions ran through my mind.“What is it?” Jayden asked in worry upon seeing my reaction, but I felt so speechless that I only handed the letter over to him instead of
Deacon’s POVI stared at my mom, waiting for what more she had to say because her laugh was the last thing I expected from her.But when that laugh turned into sarcasm and into mockery, that’s when I shook my head.What else did I expect from her?She continued, “That’s what it is, isn’t it? You admire her swordsmanship, her rough ways? But can’t you see? A woman like that is exactly the opposite of what should fit as your wife! How can you bring disgrace to our name?”By now, she was beyond hysterical. She waved her hand and called for a servant, who served her another cup. Just that this time, instead of tea, she was served with a glass of wine in which she finished in one gulp, making the servant turn back around to refill her glass before she could even go further.Heaving a sigh, I tried to reason with her. “Mom, if you think I care about such things you and so many people label as disgraceful, then you’ve truly forgotten who I am.”With my legs open, I leaned my elbows on my kne