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CHAPTER Five: A message of triumph
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2025-01-03 05:10:12Related chapters
The crowns bargain CHAPTER SIX: a letter from home
The morning sun bathed Emilia’s chambers in golden light, its warmth a small comfort as she sat at the edge of her writing desk. Betty had just handed her a sealed envelope, the familiar crest of her family pressed into the wax. Her breath hitched as she broke the seal, unfolding the parchment with care. Her mother’s elegant handwriting filled the page, each word carrying the weight of the distance between them. My Dearest Emilia, I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. The palace feels emptier without your presence, though your father would never admit it. I miss the sound of your laughter echoing through these halls, and more than anything, I miss you. Emilia’s fingers brushed over the words, her chest tightening. I wish I could say I’ve found answers about your sister’s disappearance, but the truth is, we remain in the dark. Every day, I pray for her safety and her return. I know you’ve taken on a great burden in her place. I cannot express how sorry I am tha
Last Updated : 2025-01-07The crowns bargain CHAPTER ONE
The heavy oak doors of the royal study loomed ahead, their intricate carvings of Avariel’s crest casting long shadows in the flickering light of the torches lining the hall. Emilia’s footsteps echoed, her slippers doing little to muffle the sound. She had been summoned—urgently and without explanation—by her father, King Alaric. Her chest tightened. Summons from her father rarely meant good news. As she entered the study, the air was heavy with the scent of aged parchment and candle wax. Her father stood by the tall windows, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the fading sunlight. He didn’t turn as she approached, his hands clasped behind his back. The quiet was oppressive. “Father?” Emilia’s voice wavered slightly. “Emilia,” he said at last, his voice low and firm. “Sit.” She obeyed, lowering herself into the chair opposite his grand mahogany desk. Her
Last Updated : 2024-12-25The crowns bargain CHAPTER TWO : the meeting of two strangers
The council chamber was cavernous, its stone walls adorned with banners bearing the crest of Arindale—a golden falcon soaring against a crimson backdrop. Emilia’s footsteps echoed as she entered, the heavy wooden doors closing behind her. The chamber was already alive with voices, nobles and advisors engaged in animated conversation. At the far end of the long table sat Kael, the man who was now her husband in all but ceremony. He exuded a quiet authority, his broad shoulders framed by a dark military coat. His raven-black hair was neatly combed, and his sharp gray eyes assessed everyone in the room with a penetrating gaze. Emilia swallowed hard, her nerves intensifying as she approached him. The room quieted as she entered, all eyes turning toward her. She felt the weight of their scrutiny and lifted her chin, forcing herself to meet their gazes with composure. Kael rose from his seat, his expression neutral as he inclined his head. “Your Highness,” he said, his voice deep and
Last Updated : 2024-12-25The crowns bargain CHAPTER THREE : the wedding of two shadows
————————————————————————————— The grand hall was a spectacle of light and luxury. Massive chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceilings, their crystals reflecting the golden glow of hundreds of candles. Every corner of the room exuded opulence, from the silk banners bearing the Avariel crest to the polished marble floors that gleamed underfoot. Yet, despite the grandeur, Emilia felt like an outsider at her own wedding. Her gown was breathtaking, a creation of ivory silk that flowed like water, adorned with intricate golden embroidery. It clung perfectly to her slender figure before cascading into a long train, the fabric shimmering with every step she took. Her brunette hair was styled in loose waves, small golden pins glinting like stars against her dark locks. She was every bit the vision of a royal bride. But as she stood before the towering double doors that led into the hall, her hazel eyes reflected only trepidation. “Are you ready, Your Highness?” one of the attendants
Last Updated : 2024-12-26The crowns bargain CHAPTER FOUR : secret’s in the morning
—————————————————————————————The pale light of dawn filtered through the heavy drapes, bathing the bedchamber in a muted glow. Emilia stirred, her hazel eyes fluttering open. For a brief moment, she forgot where she was. The grand canopy bed, the gilded furniture, the lingering scent of roses—it all felt foreign. Then, like a tidal wave, the events of the previous day came crashing back: the wedding, the council, the long and tense silence of the night. The space beside her was empty, the sheets cold. Kael had already left, though she couldn’t say she was surprised. She hadn’t expected him to linger—not after the strained distance they had maintained. Emilia sighed, sitting up and pulling the blankets around her shoulders. The room was silent except for the faint crackle of the dying fire in the hearth. She glanced toward the door, her nerves already prickling at the thought of what lay ahead. This was her life now—a series of unknowns in a foreign castle
Last Updated : 2024-12-26
Latest chapter
The crowns bargain CHAPTER SIX: a letter from home
The morning sun bathed Emilia’s chambers in golden light, its warmth a small comfort as she sat at the edge of her writing desk. Betty had just handed her a sealed envelope, the familiar crest of her family pressed into the wax. Her breath hitched as she broke the seal, unfolding the parchment with care. Her mother’s elegant handwriting filled the page, each word carrying the weight of the distance between them. My Dearest Emilia, I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. The palace feels emptier without your presence, though your father would never admit it. I miss the sound of your laughter echoing through these halls, and more than anything, I miss you. Emilia’s fingers brushed over the words, her chest tightening. I wish I could say I’ve found answers about your sister’s disappearance, but the truth is, we remain in the dark. Every day, I pray for her safety and her return. I know you’ve taken on a great burden in her place. I cannot express how sorry I am tha
The crowns bargain CHAPTER Five: A message of triumph
Emilia stirred awake to the soft light of dawn spilling through the curtains, her eyes fluttering open to the faint sound of footsteps outside her chamber. For a moment, she lingered in the warmth of the bed, the events of her wedding still etched in her mind. The space beside her was empty, though the faint impression of Kael’s presence remained. It was a curious feeling—equal parts solace and strangeness.The knock at her door was firm but respectful, pulling her from her thoughts. “Come in,” she called, sitting up as she wrapped a delicate shawl around her shoulders.Kael entered, his dark hair slightly tousled and his expression calm yet commanding. His presence filled the room, and Emilia straightened instinctively, her hazel eyes meeting his.“Good morning,” he said, his tone neutral but polite. “I trust you slept well.”“I did,” she replied, though her heart fluttered under his gaze. “And you?”His lips quirked in a faint smile. “As well as one can, given the circumstances.” He
The crowns bargain CHAPTER FOUR : secret’s in the morning
—————————————————————————————The pale light of dawn filtered through the heavy drapes, bathing the bedchamber in a muted glow. Emilia stirred, her hazel eyes fluttering open. For a brief moment, she forgot where she was. The grand canopy bed, the gilded furniture, the lingering scent of roses—it all felt foreign. Then, like a tidal wave, the events of the previous day came crashing back: the wedding, the council, the long and tense silence of the night. The space beside her was empty, the sheets cold. Kael had already left, though she couldn’t say she was surprised. She hadn’t expected him to linger—not after the strained distance they had maintained. Emilia sighed, sitting up and pulling the blankets around her shoulders. The room was silent except for the faint crackle of the dying fire in the hearth. She glanced toward the door, her nerves already prickling at the thought of what lay ahead. This was her life now—a series of unknowns in a foreign castle
The crowns bargain CHAPTER THREE : the wedding of two shadows
————————————————————————————— The grand hall was a spectacle of light and luxury. Massive chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceilings, their crystals reflecting the golden glow of hundreds of candles. Every corner of the room exuded opulence, from the silk banners bearing the Avariel crest to the polished marble floors that gleamed underfoot. Yet, despite the grandeur, Emilia felt like an outsider at her own wedding. Her gown was breathtaking, a creation of ivory silk that flowed like water, adorned with intricate golden embroidery. It clung perfectly to her slender figure before cascading into a long train, the fabric shimmering with every step she took. Her brunette hair was styled in loose waves, small golden pins glinting like stars against her dark locks. She was every bit the vision of a royal bride. But as she stood before the towering double doors that led into the hall, her hazel eyes reflected only trepidation. “Are you ready, Your Highness?” one of the attendants
The crowns bargain CHAPTER TWO : the meeting of two strangers
The council chamber was cavernous, its stone walls adorned with banners bearing the crest of Arindale—a golden falcon soaring against a crimson backdrop. Emilia’s footsteps echoed as she entered, the heavy wooden doors closing behind her. The chamber was already alive with voices, nobles and advisors engaged in animated conversation. At the far end of the long table sat Kael, the man who was now her husband in all but ceremony. He exuded a quiet authority, his broad shoulders framed by a dark military coat. His raven-black hair was neatly combed, and his sharp gray eyes assessed everyone in the room with a penetrating gaze. Emilia swallowed hard, her nerves intensifying as she approached him. The room quieted as she entered, all eyes turning toward her. She felt the weight of their scrutiny and lifted her chin, forcing herself to meet their gazes with composure. Kael rose from his seat, his expression neutral as he inclined his head. “Your Highness,” he said, his voice deep and
The crowns bargain CHAPTER ONE
The heavy oak doors of the royal study loomed ahead, their intricate carvings of Avariel’s crest casting long shadows in the flickering light of the torches lining the hall. Emilia’s footsteps echoed, her slippers doing little to muffle the sound. She had been summoned—urgently and without explanation—by her father, King Alaric. Her chest tightened. Summons from her father rarely meant good news. As she entered the study, the air was heavy with the scent of aged parchment and candle wax. Her father stood by the tall windows, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the fading sunlight. He didn’t turn as she approached, his hands clasped behind his back. The quiet was oppressive. “Father?” Emilia’s voice wavered slightly. “Emilia,” he said at last, his voice low and firm. “Sit.” She obeyed, lowering herself into the chair opposite his grand mahogany desk. Her
