Chapter 25

Valda tasted like nothing Maris had ever tasted before. The sweetness always overpowered the tanginess. Not like Maris didn't like it, she loved everything that was Valda. Her strength, her roughness, her scars, the softness of her skin, her mischievous smile. The way she kissed her when she was trying to express how much she loved her, and the passion when she grabbed her by the neck and forced her tongue down her throat.

Maris wouldn't have it any other way. She would never say no to waking up sore, with the larger woman clinging to her as if she was a beacon to her sanity. She would never say no to slipping out of Valda's iron grip to spread her thick thighs and delve into the paradise of her body.

The sounds the queen made always pricked Maris's skin. Valda's sleepy groans mixed with breathless gasps of pleasure always fueled Maris to bring her to that peak. What a glorious way to wake up. Yet, what she loved the most was when Valda came to her senses, when she looked down and locked those gorgeous eyes with Maris's and her lips curved into an irresistible smirk. And then there were her hands…

Maris groaned into her mound as Valda's large and callused hands tangled into her blue curls and held her in place. Not like she was going to deprive her queen of the pleasure she deserved.

And Valda deserved all the pleasure the universe could give her, but alas, the one Maris was giving her right there and then would have to do.

As Valda's breathing deepened and her cries amplified, Maris doubled her efforts. Even if she gripped her hair harshly, even if she began to feel that distinctive tension on her wrist as she slipped a second finger inside of Valda's opening, coaxing another strangled groan from the other woman, Maris would not stop.

Seconds later, Valda's loud, pleasurable whimpers erupted from her chest as her walls tightened around Maris's fingers. Her tongue languidly stroked the sensitive nub. She slipped her fingers out, sucked them clean, and kissed the planes of Valda's stomach.

"Morning." The greeting came out with a teasing grin as Maris settled next to Valda.

The queen didn't waste a second. She grabbed Maris's face and crushed her lips with hers, moaning as she tasted herself. Maris obliged, letting her take what she wanted before the queen released her and let out a satisfied sigh. Rubbing her nose against Valda's ear, Maris waited until Valda regained her composure before talking.

"We have to go."

Valda nodded, eyes closed, hands on the sweat-dampened sheets underneath her. "Right," the queen whispered as she opened her eyes and turned to look at her.

Her eyes shined with such unspoken affection it made Maris kiss her. If they didn't stop, she would probably make the queen hers again. Valda read her mind and pulled away from the kiss before sitting up.

Over the next hour, they bathed, mindful of keeping their hands to themselves. They dressed and put their belongings away. Valda brought all their bags down to the first floor. As Valda opened the door the Skylian guards stood.

"We are going back to the castle," Valda announced, handing them a bag with provisions. Their eyes widened, a small smile spreading across their lips at the mention of going back.

Next to the guards, Cai also stood. Maris quickly noticed his tired eyes and decided the child needed to rest. She wasn't sure if he was put there by Eyphah, but he was too young to be acting like an adult. There was no need for him to stand guard when Valda's guards were doing so.

When she dismissed him, Cai gave her a bright smile before heading down to the lakes.

"He is too young to keep watch all night long. He looks like he did not sleep a wink. I should talk to Eyphah about him."

Valda shrugged as she threw a thick blanket over one of their horse's croup and loin. "I was more or less his age when I started training," Valda said with her attention on securing the bags to the horse. "Also, he probably didn't sleep due to all your screaming."

Maris flushed, her cheeks burning like the sun. "Valda!" Her eyes shot at one of the guards, who cleared his throat and hid behind one of the horses.

"I speak only the truth," Valda said pridefully.

"I was following instructions," Maris quipped, earning a teasing smile from the tall woman.

"And I must say, you would've made a fine soldier."

Maris threw her head back and laughed. "I don't think I would've survived your training regimen. What was it? Running five miles as a warm-up?"

"Oh, please. That's nothing." Valda said, patting the horse's butt before going to the second one and repeating the process, this time with Maris's bags.

"I can give you one and a half miles."

"We can start there. I am sure you can make it to five. A little training would do you well." Valda chuckled.

"It would do you really well."

Both women snapped their heads to turn to the person who cut into their conversation.

Eyphah stood between House of Arago and House of Proteus, her hands hooked behind her back and a concerned expression on her face. "I was hoping we could start in the upcoming days."

Maris turned to Valda, expecting her to say something, but Valda kept her attention on her horse, her eyes fixed to the binds securing their belongings. Maris was grateful for that. She shouldn't have been the one to break the news of their departure. That was Maris's job. Taking a deep breath, Maris turned to Eyphah and made it down the steps.

"I won't be staying." Maris waited a couple of seconds for Eyphah's reaction.

"You are not?"

"Not now. I am heading back to Oberon Castle, and I will be discussing all the things we talked about with Dristan Sato. He oversees the infrastructure, and before I came here, he had some ideas planned for the reconstruction of roads and houses. I will bring him here if I must, and we can get started on all the help New Agenor needs."

Eyphah squeezed her jaw muscles and took a deep breath. As she did, her shoulders sagged. "Many of us want to go back."

"And we will."

Eyphah nodded, fidgeting with her hands before exhaling. "I am at your will and do only as you wish."

"I need you to keep doing what you have been doing. Yes, there are a lot of things to fix, but you have kept our people safe, and I am more than grateful to you, Eyphah Hurley."

"I will gladly die for them if it comes to that."

"I do not doubt it."

"I can go and get Poseidon's Trident. You might need it and—"

"No. Leave it here, as a warranty of my return. When I come back, I will allow you to show me the basics."

A quick twitch of Eyphah's upper lip let Maris know that the woman liked the idea of training her, and that gave her some peace of mind. She needed Eyphah's help in keeping the Sealian's morale high.

"How long will you be in Oberon Castle?"

"I am not sure, but I will be back."

Eyphah nodded and exhaled the breath she was holding. Her hands slacked at her side before she pursed her lips. "Safe travels, my Queen."

"Stay safe," Maris said, taking a step forward and wrapping her arms tightly around the other Sealian. Maris felt how Eyphah tensed under the sudden display of affection, but ultimately Eyphah had no other choice but to return the hug, squeezing Maris tightly to her chest.

It wasn't until Valda cleared her throat that Maris pulled away, chuckling and rolling her eyes at Valda's possessiveness.

"Goodbye, Eyphah Hurley, and don't be so rough on Cai," Maris said, squeezing Eyphah's shoulders one last time before turning to her horse.

Valda was already upon hers. Maris climbed onto the saddle, patted the beast's neck, and then waved at Eyphah as she and Valda galloped out of New Agenor and onto the road that would lead them back to Oberon Castle.

The first thing Valda needed to do when they returned to the castle was to call in an emergency meeting. She would announce that she had found the heiress of the Sea Kingdom, or in any case, that the heiress found her. She would let Maris lead, telling the directors to follow her every instruction. Hopefully, no one would dare to question the legitimacy of Maris's title, and if they did… Valda would have to step in. Valda would not intervene with Sealian affairs. The only possible thing she could do was to dissolve her mother's laws regarding Sealian's tax and give Maris the tools to manage and make the right decisions.

Valda would only speak her mind if needed and asked. This was Maris's moment to take the reins.

Yet, Valda knew that even if she did ask the directors to help, the only guarantee that the Sealians would get the help they needed was if they were married.

Valda swallowed hard, her hands twitching at the thought of marrying Maris. What would it be like to proclaim her love before all the Sky Kingdom? To hold her hand, present her as the new queen. Her dress would be a mixture of Sealian and Skylian royal apparel. A tiara with her symbol standing proudly at its peak would adorn her head. Seashells and diamonds would be woven into her dress. Her hand would carry a bouquet of dianthus and crinum lilies. Her nails would be painted the color of her eyes, hair adorned with the rarest pearls in all the Sea Kingdom. And her smile…

Maris's smile would be hers for the rest of their days. And she would stand by Valda as her mate, her queen, and everything would be right in the universe…

Valda turned to look back at Maris. The younger woman was wearing the usual Sealian get-up, a white tunic and cotton slacks to help with the heat, yet Valda had given her a cloth resembling a pashmina to cover her head and neck. Valda was wearing one as well. The cloth protected her neck and shoulders, which had already suffered enough when they first arrived at New Agenor. Casually, Valda opened a pocket of the bag next to her right thigh and pulled out an apple, wrapped in a piece of cloth.

"Here." Valda maneuvered her horse until she was galloping next to her mate. "You should eat something. We didn't have time to eat a proper breakfast, and I need you to conserve your strength."

Maris accepted the proffered fruit and took a hefty bite out of it while Valda reached for the waterskin next.

"Do you think there will be any trouble once I take over everything regarding New Agenor?"

"If there is, I will take care of it," Valda said, patting the Heaven Sword attached to her side.

"No, you see. That's what I don't want to happen. I don't want this to turn into a power battle between me and the directors or the soldiers… especially General Arwin. We both know he is not fond of me."

"It will not be a power battle because I have all the power," Valda chuckled, and Maris rolled her eyes at her. "I understand what you mean. You don't need to worry. After all, we still don't know if he made it back or not. Isen was keeping an eye on him. Maybe as you speak to the directors, I can have a word with the captain."

Maris nodded and took two more bites before discarding the rind on the sand. She then took a generous gulp from her waterskin as if delaying something. Valda reached and grabbed the waterskin from Maris's hands and strapped it back to the horse. Maris sighed and readjusted the cloth over her head, her body swaying with the horse's steps.

"What is it?" Valda asked. She could feel a tautness in their bond. "You are tense."

"Of course, I am," Maris sniped. "I left the castle as your assistant, and I am coming back as the ruler of the Sea Kingdom. I know I will face reluctance and opposition from your people. Why should they listen to someone like me?"

"Because you are my mate! I will not—"

"That's the problem, Valda. You think that they will not rebel against you, but gods, you have a rebellion unfolding right beneath your nose, and nothing has been done about it. You keep on trusting Arwin—"

"I don't—"

"But you do!" Maris sighed and let out a frustrated groan before touching the center of her chest. "You are angry."

"You are not letting me speak," Valda huffed.

"Speak then."

"Not if you will not listen." Valda watched Maris squeeze her jaw shut. Taking a deep breath, Valda closed her eyes and let out a soft prayer to Ouranos before speaking again. "What is it that you need from me? I will do it."

"I want Arwin out."

"Out?"

"I don't want him near us. I don't want him in the castle. I don't want him going back to New Agenor. I don't want him."

Valda chewed on the inside of her cheek. Getting rid of Arwin wouldn't be easy. Maris had her opinions and theories about him. He might be behind many things that have been going array in the kingdom. Knowing he worshipped Eris, her sudden blindness likely due to a curse, his ongoing dismissiveness regarding anything related to the Sealian did raise some eyebrows. But could Valda make the right decision? Could she follow through with what Maris was asking?

"You asked me what I want, that's what I want. I want Arwin out of the castle. Retire him, send him to rest, but I don't want him overlooking everything we do and every decision we make regarding my people or yours. You have the power to do it."

"That I do."

"Then what's stopping you? Are you afraid of him?"

"I'm not afraid of him! I almost choked that man to death because he insulted you. Did you forget already?" Maris shook her head at Valda's question. "He was my father figure after my father's death. My mentor."

Maris scoffed. "That man knew what the surviving Sealians were going through, he oversaw all those reports, and yet he did nothing. If we continue keeping him reporting everything nothing will get done."

Valda nodded apprehensively. "If that will make you feel more comfortable. I will do as you say, Seashell."

The tension between both women diluted, yet a small string was still tense, pulling at their hearts as they galloped next to each other. Valda cleared her throat, unable to shake the feeling and the question lingering in her throat.

"Do you think I don't have the power to stop a coup from happening?"

"I have no doubt you can stop anything from happening."

"But?"

"I am petrified to find out how much power does Arwin hold withing the kingdom."

Valda swallowed hard. "Not more than me."

"I hope so."

***

Silence fell on them again, and although Valda continuously offered Maris her waterskin and more food, the Sealian kept to herself for the rest of the ride back. The tension grew as the minutes went by.

The Skylian guards broke the silence when they announced that they were approaching the city of Ophelia. Not wanting to draw attention to Maris, Valda decided it was best to enter the castle from the back. As they approached, the air around them grew dense, as a chilling and nightmarish view revealed itself as they passed the sandy entryway.

Bodies.

Piles upon piles of decomposing carcasses welcomed them. The stench of decay and death filled Valda's nostrils. Her stomach turned, and she grabbed her cloth, wrapping it around her face to stop the offensive smell from taking over.

The guards behind them drew out their swords and before they could utter a word of warning, their bodies fell on the ground with an arrow sticking out of their throats. Maris gasped, pulling at her horse, and bumping against Valda's.

Valda jumped off her horse, pulled the beast away from the bodies, and grabbed Maris's horse by the noseband. She looked up at the tallest part of the castle. In plain sight, she saw guards, HER guards, pointing arrows at her. Yet, they didn't shoot. They stood there, staring as if awaiting orders.

"Get down now!" Valda ordered, and thankfully, regardless of their skirmish, Maris did as she was told.

"Valda!" Maris shuddered in another gasp as she turned to the pile of bodies. "What happened? What's going on!?" she asked, her question muffled by the cloth around her face.

"I don't know, but stay near me," Valda growled, pulling the Heaven Sword from its sheath. As she turned to the back entrance of the castle, Maris's trembling hand tugged at her blouse.

"Valda…" Maris whispered, her grip on the blouse becoming tighter. "Is… is that Dristan?" The dread in her voice stabbed Valda's heart like a burning spear.

Valda's gaze snapped as she turned to look at the bodies. She inspected from afar, her stomach turning the more she took the sight in. She had killed, she had held fellow soldiers in her arms as they died, she had never in her years as a warrior seen a literal mound of corpses. As she continued her scrutiny, she recognized the faces of soldiers, guards, and maids. Her heartbeat accelerated, and she fought the need to vomit. Adrenaline rushed to her veins until her eyes fell upon the empty, glassy gaze of the young man.

Dristan lay between the bodies of two young maids, his clothing stained with blood, not only his.

Valda closed her eyes, nodded, grabbing Maris and turning her away. "Yes, it is." Valda tried to keep her voice firm, unwavering, but the more she tried, the harder it became to hold her emotions at bay. "Don't look, Maris, please."

"What if… Melvian—" A shuddering breath escaped Maris, as her grip on Valda tightened. "Valda."

Valda's stomach dropped.

"Is she there?" Maris asked again, her fear passing over Valda's chest, eating her whole.

"I didn't see her," Valda barked and grabbed Maris by her elbow, dragging her away from the gruesome sight. "We must get inside the castle." She made her way to the back door, which, oddly, was unguarded.

Maris's breaths were hard as their footsteps echoed down the marble halls. The soldiers that usually patrolled the halls had been exchanged for faces Valda had never seen in her life.

"Stay close to me."

"It's the coup. They entered the castle and—"

"Maris," Valda mumbled, stopped walking, and clasped her large hands over Maris's arms. "I need you to do as I say until I figure out what is happening. I need you to focus and trust me."

Maris nodded, yet her entire body quivered.

"Do you trust me?" Valda asked again, wanting to ground her.

This time, Maris locked her eyes with the queen and gave her a firm, "Yes."

Valda walked down the aisle, eyeing the unknown soldiers who didn't even dare to acknowledge her presence, yet they did not attack her either. Walking up to one of them, she stood at his eye level. His gaze never left the unfocused spot he was staring at.

"Name and rank."

Maris flinched at Valda's tone.

The soldier did not waver.

"Name. and. Rank," Valda repeated.

When the soldier did not answer, she pulled his sword from its scabbard and pressed the sharp blade to the soldier's neck. "I will not repeat myself. If I do not get an answer, I will dispose of you for insubordination."

The soldier's eyes finally focused on Valda's unbendable stare. "How can it be insubordination, when I do not take orders from you."

Valda flared her nostrils and pressed the edge of the blade to the man's pulse. "Who do you take orders from?"

The guard answered firmly, "I answer to King Arwin."

Her hold on the weapon weakened. "Arwin? King?" Valda scoffed. "I must've missed his coronation." Her joking tone did not ease the tension.

"Valda," Maris warned, her hand moving to the dip of her back, over her belt. She silently pulled her away from the guard. "He is not alone."

As Valda turned, she could make out the rest of the soldiers guarding the main hall. Their swords were drawn, their stance ready to act on command.

Valda threw the sword away from the soldier's reach. "Tell General Arwin his queen is back. I must talk to him at once."

The soldier nodded. "I will relay your message to the king." Yet, the guard did not move as another one left the hall. The echo of the boots receded and bounced between the walls.

Several tense minutes passed when a young soldier came back from inside the castle. He stood next to Valda, dangerously close to Maris. The feral need to protect her mate kicked in as she stood between the young man and her lover.

"The king asked us to escort you back to your chamber. He will call for you once he is ready."

Valda closed her chamber door, grabbed a chair, and placed it under the handle, locking it in place. Valda was agitated. Maris could feel it in that distinctive tug, that dread coursing through her as well. In the background, Cerberus' hungry meows took her by surprise. The large cat ran out, her screams loud, calling for attention from both women. It seemed she hadn't eaten anything since they left.

"Cerberus!" Maris kneeled down and cradled the cat in her arms. "You poor thing."

"What in the actual fuck?" Valda snarled. Her features were tense as she laced her fingers behind her head in frustration, dropping her stoic facade. As she turned to Maris and saw her with Cerberus she grew even more worried. She grabbed the cat from Maris's arms, touching and inspecting her. Cerberus' loud purrs invaded the room, yet she meowed again, struggling to leave Valda's arms as if wanting to show her something.

"She must've been hiding," Valda said as she allowed Cerberus to escape her embrace and run to the empty bowl.

"Valda…" Maris began, reaching towards her mate.

"I must have some water somewhere—"

"Valda—"

"There should be something to eat—"

"Valda!" Maris screamed, stopping her before she went to look for food. "Arwin is the leader of the coup!"

Valda visibly swallowed and sat on the sofa, not defeated, but on the verge of collapsing. Maris knew she was thinking about the bodies.

Those bodies… There were dozens and dozens of them. Young maids, soldiers, Dristan… Maris pressed her fingers to her temple. All her plans, her ideas. They were trash now, disposed of like nothing. Arwin had been the one in charge all along.

Valda stood up, running her hands through her hair. Her hard stomps were the only sound other than their heavy breathing before Maris said, "It was always him all along! He left to gather his men, not to investigate."

Valda was quiet, her rage bubbling in her chest before she growled, "I am going to slash his throat and watch him bleed. Fucking traitor."

"No. You will hold your ground and take a breather. This is what he wants. To destabilize." She grabbed Valda by her forearms, Cerberus' loud meows diminishing in the background.

"He killed them!" Valda yelled, swinging her arms as she turned to her mate. "My men, my soldiers, Dristan. The maids!"

Valda clutched her hair again, a swirl of air forming around her. A small tornado erupted from within the queen's body. The furniture around them tumbled and thrashed about as papers erupted from drawers.

Maris quickly cupped Valda's face and held her steady. She wouldn't allow this. She couldn't. Valda losing control would just make things worse. There must be a diplomatic way of dealing with things. Right?

"Valda! You can't let the rage control you. It won't fix anything." Maris said, watching the darkness in Valda's eyes settle as she breathed in.

The raging wind around them shifted until it stopped completely. The flying sheets of paper floated around them like dry leaves until they scattered all over the chamber floor.

Valda closed her eyes and pressed her forehead to Maris. As she trembled, her hands twitched over the sword handle. It had been a while since she had seen Valda like this, with rage spewing out of her pores. She understood it. She even acknowledged the need to do unimaginable things to whoever was responsible for the hideous act outside the castle, but they needed to think, plan, and act accordingly. If every soldier inside the castle were against Valda, acting on their feelings without a plan would be absurd.

"If he touches a strand of your hair—"

"He won't," Maris assured her, squeezing Valda's cheeks.

"If he does…" Valda continued, her arms circling Maris, crushing their bodies together.

Maris could feel the drumming of Valda's heart against her chest. She wanted to calm her, to clear her mind. She needed her to think straight, with logic, not with her emotions. Truth be told, Maris wasn't exactly calm.

The doorknob turned harshly, and when it didn't open, the person on the other side slammed their fist against the thick wood.

Valda tensed under Maris's touch and turned towards the chamber entrance before releasing her. Before Valda could ask who it was, a masculine voice yelled from the other side, "Valda Aither, the king is available for an audience. Open so we may escort you. Your companion will stay here. Only you are allowed to be in his presence."

The lack of title towards Valda settled unlawfully in Maris's stomach. She squeezed Valda's thick forearm until those gorgeous eyes dropped back on her. "Valda…"

"I must go see him," Valda said. Her anxiousness melted and was replaced by the bitter cold facade Maris had seen her wear at the beginning of her reign.

Maris nodded, yet now it was her turn to be afraid. Uncertainty seeped into her. Valda needed to go, but why couldn't she let her leave? "Be careful," she whispered, her hands cold and clammy. "Please."

"I will come back, all right?" Valda sealed her promise with a heavy kiss. "Here." She untied her scarab and placed it in Maris's hands.

She hugged the blade to her chest, her attention back on Valda. "What do you want me to do with this?"

"I want you to lock the door behind me. If anyone tries to enter, I want you to use it."

"Valda, I can barely hold this—"

"Please…"

Valda was begging… The queen was begging her to protect herself.

Taking a deep breath, Maris nodded reluctantly.

"Valda Aither, if you do not open this door, we will break it and take you by force."

"I am coming!" Valda barked and turned back to Maris. "Stay here. Don't open the door." She kissed Maris one last time. "I love you. Stay safe."

"I love you too. Now go." Maris gently pushed her to the door.

Valda removed the chair, opened the door, and walked outside before slamming it shut. Maris quickly repositioned the chair. Turning to the room, she saw the mess Valda had created in her fit of rage. She placed the Heaven Sword on the ground and decided it would be wise to keep her mind busy by cleaning up, a habit she had picked from her mother years ago.

She circled the room, picking up the objects that had fallen to put them back in their place. Gathering broken vases and cups, she put a brush on top of a bureau, which was open and messy as well.

On the floor, near the furniture, Maris there was a clutter of folders and papers. She opened the folder and put the sheets inside one by one. She wasn't paying attention to the paper's content until she saw Dristan's signature. Maris's throat constricted as new emotions dared to come out. Dristan had a lot of ideas to help, and just like that, he was put to death…

Swallowing a sob, Maris watched Cerberus sit on one piece of paper and licked her paw, nonchalantly. Maris waved her hand at Cerberus until she moved away. She picked up the paper and frowned when she found her name written on it.

Name: Maris Era

School History: Unknown/ Homeschooled

Work History: Dune's Tavern.

Position: Tavern hand

This was the report Valda didn't want her to see. The one she asked to be submitted. Maris sighed and continued reading the rest of it.

Birth mother: Unknown/ Deceased

Birth father: Unknown/ Deceased

Adoptive mother: Saha Era- deceased

Cause: Suicide

Adoptive father: Raan Era - deceased

Cause: Capital Punishment

Reason: Treason to the Skylian Crown.

Maris's heart stopped beating… Treason to the Skylian Crown? Her father was a good father, and a husband who loved his family and kingdom more than anything. He was a faithful soldier, willing to give his life for the crown… Why was he killed for treason?

As the paper slipped from her fingers, Maris got on her hands and knees as she gathered as many sheets as she could. Most of them were about reconstruction, ideas to make New Agenor and the roads leading to the settlement better, and the school system.

Suddenly, she saw her father's name. She grabbed the report. It narrated what her father did to be found guilty and receive capital punishment. Supposedly he purposefully delayed helping King Brontes when the catastrophe happened, and years later was caught assisting the uprising rebels from Umbriel desert. Maris didn't believe it one bit, and she scoffed as she read the entirety of the write-up. At the end, the name of her father's executioner was written with fine red ink.

Valda Aither, Princess of the Sky Kingdom.

"Don't do anything, Valda Aither. We have strict orders to kill the woman in your chamber if you try anything," a guard said, reaching over to grab her by the arm.

Valda hissed as one of the soldiers dared touch her. She flinched away from his grasp and gave him a silent warning. As much as she wanted to take control back by force, she knew she wouldn't get far if she tried to do it herself. They could harm her, or worse, hurt Maris, and Valda would do anything to keep her mate safe.

She was walked past Arwin's living quarters, and she couldn't help but frown in confusion until she stood before the royal chamber. Suddenly, Valda felt a tug on her chest, harsh and devious, pulling at her from her very core.

Something was wrong with Maris…

Before she could turn and head back, one of the soldiers opened the door, walked in, and announced her presence to someone inside the room. This room was her mother's and father's; not even when she became queen did she take this room as hers.

Valda rubbed her chest, the tension easing momentarily as she stepped inside the chamber.

There, in the living quarters of the room, Arwin sat on the leathery sofa, swirling a glass of hard liquor, looking cozy in her mother's chambers. Valda lost her breath, her hands fists by her side.

Arwin took one short slip from his glass as his eyes landed on Valda. There, Valda could see the surprise and shock in his expression as he choked and hacked.

Arwin placed his drink on the small table and stood as he recovered.

"Valda! You got your sight back!"

Valda didn't answer, her mind running wild. She could choke him to death right where he stood. She could dash over and smash his head against the corner of the table until all that remained of his face was bloody pulp. She could take the small dagger always in his boot and stab him in the neck. Instead, Valda took a deep breath and exhaled after a couple of seconds.

"What have you done?"

"I was waiting for you to come back. I was told you were over at New Agenor. I guess you were taking your assistant out on a little trip. Understandable. You have been cooped up in the castle for so long, a little distraction would do you good."

"What have you done, Arwin?"

Arwin scoffed. "I took care of the rebels in Umbriel." When Valda didn't reply, he continued. "I dissolved everything. They are no longer rebels. They work for the crown now, I disposed of the traitors who disagreed with the new monarch. And here we are."

"You killed innocent people."

"I killed traitors to the crown."

"Have you lost your fucking mind, Arwin?!"

"No, I haven't." Arwin grabbed his glass and finished it in one long sip. His hazel eyes focused on Valda as he took a step forward. "Valda Aither," he began, his face eerily calm. "This would be a moment where I would ask you for a duel. Whoever wins keeps the crown, but your absence hurt this kingdom, and I had to step in, given that there are no heirs to the throne.

The Sky Kingdom is falling into a dark turmoil, Valda. You and your mother perpetuated this… unbalanced share of wealth. The crown was taking too much from the people and I knew that. I proposed something different, and a lot of Skylians were with me. Your leadership hasn't been doing what it's supposed to. I am taking charge. I am doing what must be done. Now, I do not want to kill you. Instead, I am asking you to abdicate and let me take over."

Valda scoffed and shook her head. "I will not. This is my kingdom! I am the rightful heir to the throne and if you think I will give it up, you're mistaken. Not now, not when I have found her."

Arwin's lips curved into a condescending smile. "Who?"

"I found the Sealian heiress, my mate. That's why I regained my sight. The sky and the ocean, the wind and the waves coming together." Valda nodded at her words. "I found her, and she healed me! She is my mate, and we love each other."

Arwin's laughter rumbled inside the chamber.

Valda's stomach turned as another pull to that bond made her cringe. She tried her best not to let Arwin see her wavering confidence.

"Who is it? That maid of yours? Maris?"

"Yes, Maris."

"And she loves you? Even after what you did?"

Valda's taut features softened in confusion. "What I did? What are you talking about?"

"You executed her father, Raan Era. You—" Arwin snarl widened, his arms akimbo. "Wait. You never read the report?"

Valda's chest constricted as her throat closed, and the fine hairs on the back of her neck stood. The report… Maris's report…

"Well, my dearest child. I suggest since you got your sight back, you go ahead and read it."