Lara stood near the window, watching the golden light spill across the stone floor. Everything about the king's chambers felt foreign and grand. She wrapped her arms around herself, still unsure why she had been brought here, let alone in the Lycan King's chambers.
There was a knock, and the door opened. A tall man walked in, wearing fine black clothes. He had the same sharp jaw and piercing eyes as Thornak, but there was a gentleness in him that made her instinctively relax.
He smiled slightly. "Lady Lara, I'm Prince Kael, Thornak's brother."
She bowed politely. "Your Highness," she said softly. "It's an honor to meet you. I didn't know he had a brother."
"Not many do," Kael said with a smirk. "But I'm the better-looking one, so they usually remember me eventually."
Despite herself, she gave a small laugh. He gestured toward the hall. "Come. My brother asked me to show you around the eastern wing."
"I… alright," she said hesitantly. "But I don't understand. I thought I was only meant to be here a few days."
Kael paused, studying her. "Is that what he told you?"
"No. He hasn't told me anything, really." She glanced down. "I don't know why I'm here."
Kael's smile faded slightly. "He'll explain when he returns. He should be back this evening."
Lara nodded with a smile. The walk through the eastern wing was quiet but breathtaking. Unlike the grander parts of the castle, this area was private with dimly lit corridors and thick carpets. Kael spoke casually as they walked, pointing out chambers and courtyards.
They stopped before a set of tall, ivy-covered doors.
"This is the king's garden," Kael said. "His personal sanctuary. No one enters without his permission."
Then he opened the door and gestured for her to go in.
The air smelled sweet as soon as she walked in. The trees curved above her, like the roof of a green church. A small stream ran quietly through the center. Wildflowers grew in the corners, and birds fluttered from branch to branch. It was secluded, serene...
Lara's breath caught. "It's beautiful."
"He doesn't let anyone else in here except the gardener." Kael said quietly.
She turned to him, a puzzled expression on her face. "Then… why are you bringing me here?"
Kael hesitated for a beat, as though weighing how much to say. Then he offered a small smile. "Because he asked me to. And because… you're not just anyone, Lara. Whether you realize it or not."
"I still don't understand," she said softly, eyes scanning the tranquil garden again. "All this feels like a mistake."
Kael didn't argue. Instead, he gently gestured for her to follow him again. "Come. There's something else I need to show you."
They passed through another hallway, quieter and older than the rest, the stone walls lined with silver sconces that flickered with soft flame. Kael stopped at a heavy oak door carved with the crest of Vargorath, the twin wolves.
"This," he said, pushing the door open, "is your room."
Lara stepped in slowly, eyes widening.
The room was warm and full of light. It was decorated in deep green and gold. A small fire burned in the fireplace on the left. Big windows opened to a quiet balcony with a view of the mountain. In the middle of the room stood a bed with a velvet canopy. Everything looked beautiful but not too fancy. It felt like someone really lived there.
"This is too much," she said quietly. "I'm not staying here. I'm just here until... until my family is safe."
Kael didn't answer directly. Instead, he motioned toward two figures standing just outside the door.
A soft-spoken young woman with chestnut braids stepped forward and curtsied. "My lady. I'm Mira. I'll be assisting you with anything you need."
And beside her, a tall man with a hardened expression nodded once. "I am Dorian my lady," he said. "Your assigned protection."
"My what?" Lara asked, blinking.
"Bodyguard," Kael explained. "Thornak's orders. Mira and Dorian will remain close. Always."
Lara looked between them, her throat tight with confusion. "But I don't need a guard. I'm not..."
"I know," Kael interrupted gently. "Believe me, I asked the same question. But my brother was very clear. You're to be safe. Always."
She wrapped her arms around herself again, feeling small in the grandeur of it all. "I still don't understand why."
Kael gave her a kind look. "You will. When he returns tonight, he'll explain everything."
She gave a small nod, though her heart was thudding with a mixture of anxiety and unease.
As he stepped back toward the door, Kael added quietly, "Lara… you will be dining with the king tonight."
He offered a parting smile, then turned and left, his footsteps fading into the silence.
Lara stood frozen in the center of the room, the weight of his words pressing on her chest. Dining with the king? Alone? Why?
Before she could spiral deeper into uncertainty, Mira stepped forward, her voice warm and soothing. "Don't worry, my lady. Everything is already arranged."
"I'm not a lady," Lara mumbled.
Mira smiled gently. "You are now, my lady."
With practiced ease, Mira moved through the room, opening wardrobes and drawers, adjusting the light, and pulling out small fragrant oils. "I'll help you prepare. There's a bath ready, and I'll do your hair once you're relaxed. You'll want to look your best."
Lara let herself be led, though her mind was spinning. Mira helped her out of her clothes and into a long robe, then guided her to the bath that had been drawn in an adjoining chamber. The water was hot and scented with lavender and something faintly citrus. For the first time since being brought to the castle, Lara allowed herself to sink into the water and breathe.
The warmth wrapped around her like a second skin, melting the tension from her limbs. Her eyes drifted shut. For a moment, she felt almost like herself again.