s they loaded Ravenna's boxes into the carriage. "Hurry u

what felt like forever and the reality of leaving her family and home was finally sinking in

ced Zariel's limp. "What's with the lim

hit my knee on some blasted chair in my cha

lies, proud of the real cause of his limp. Zariel shot

m tightly. "Oh, father! I shall miss you s

her forehead. "I shall miss yo

ly. She gave a small bow to Zariel before turning to Ravenna. Despite their compl

remained silent, but hugged Xanthea back, inhaling the familiar flowery scen

who

her bag. "I know you don't read

nk you," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

husband and be quick in getting pregnant. Giving him an heir w

y you refused to take Isla with you." Her moth

his voice firm. "It'

aughter." Ravenna wondered if she was truly precious. If she was,

"We shall come visit yo

u for your hospitality and tru

a his hand to help he

's hand, opting to ent

to her family and Isla. Tears pricked at the corn

ed, "Are yo

eeking escape from Zariel's gaze and her own troubled emotions.

enna's gaze remained fixed on the book in her hands, her escape from the uncomfortable atmosphere.

e way to Cestria?" Zariel asked, breaking the sile

eft?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Ravenna's cheeks flushed as she realized her mistake. She

low with reading

kle was skept

bout the kingdom you are to rule with me,

arp. "Maybe I just don'

dancing in his eyes. Ravenna's insides qu

h my legs!" she a

as Ravenna stepped out, he grasped her

lared as she freed h

sore feet, Zariel approached. His eyes bur

ss you," he said, his

was venomous. "I'd

hair back. Ravenna clutched Xanthea's

, Ravenna slammed the

na!" he yel

carriage, leaving Zariel

his side. "Sire? W

nder his breath. "Let'

bleeding," the

"Continue the jo

tuttered, "

avenna's fierce gaze met his. She

any closer!

l bleeding, and leaned back,

y reached the Cestrian borders. Zariel's silence was a cold, calculated wa

ls made of gleaming black stone, adorned with carefully melted metals stretched as far as the eye could see. The walls seemed to shi

ce still palpable from their earlier exchange. Despite nurs

th for your nose," Ravenn

ilent, his gaze s

towers reaching for the sky, dwarfed Valtoria's. Knights and servants awaited their arrival,

s expression serious. "Now,

, but she took his hand as th

King Zariel Blackthorne, King of Cestria, and his bride!" T

wd greeted them with bows and cur

t the crowd as Zariel announced, "I present to you, Princess Ravenna Valois, no

Zariel leaned in to whisper, "T

ltered for a momen

eft Ravenna breathless. The high ceiling, adorned with b

smile, approached them. "

ion relaxing. "Ah! Lord Ba

. "Quite well, your majesty. I m

ng a sense of ease wi

usted special advisor. I have to attend

ers, Lord Baldric whispered, "Is it me or

burst forth, and

r majesty," he

. "You are extr

estria, My lady. Pray, let me

ed her through the hallway, telling h

ws, and delicate lace curtains. The walls were adorned with beautiful pai

idered with Cestria's crest. A delicate, rose-petal-filled bath

she took in the opulence

ur majesty. Rest now, and I shall ensure every

e chamber. It was fit for

avenna fell on the bed, the softnes

n a few hours later to a g

er. Ravenna immediately sat up, eyes scanning the owner of the eyes. She had

you?" S

ina, your lady help and I've come to get you prep