Fated

Chapter 28

I didn’t remember the walk to the entrance of the grand balcony overlooking the castle grounds, but suddenly, we were there, standing just out of sight of the crowd gathered below.

The air buzzed with anticipation, and I could hear the murmurs of the people outside.

Nadia stood off to the side, regal and composed while Xanth took his place in the center, ready to address the kingdom. Ash kept his hand firmly in mine, yet I was sure he would let go before we stepped in front of everyone. I forced a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of anxiety brewing inside me. Any moment now, it would be revealed— I would be revealed—the princess of the kingdom that had been part of so much pain, of so many broken lives.

Xanth’s voice suddenly echoed from outside the doors.

I began to tremble lightly as the reality of the moment sank in. The broadcast had started.

“Don’t be afraid , Areya. I promise everything will be ok.”

Ash’s voice soothed me in my mind, and I squeezed his hand in return, leaning one last time into the magic that pulled me toward him.

“Good people of Ambrosia, we gather this evening to address a matter weighing on all of us—the cursed kingdom. We remember that dark day sixteen years ago, when King Sebastian ordered the wards raised around our kingdom, shielding us from an unimaginable threat. For all these years, we have lived without knowledge of what transpired in the world beyond our borders. Today, we bring news of a recent, extraordinary development.”

A wave of gasps rippled through the crowd below, spreading like wildfire as Xanth continued. “King Sebastian had always made it a priority to keep his people informed with the truth, and tonight, that is no different as the palace shares this recent news.” Xanth stepped back to stand beside his mother, a murmur of confusion rising from the crowd.

“Are you ready?” Ash’s voice echoed in my mind.

I felt anything but ready, but smiled weakly and squeezed his hand one last time.

Except—Ash didn’t let go. Instead, he squeezed my hand back, and we walked out onto the balcony together, still hand in hand.

The crowd’s reaction was immediate, sounds of shock and disbelief filling the air.

Thousands of eyes were upon us, but then one by one, heads began to bow in reverence. Silence slowly spread over the crowd as the people of Ambrosia lowered their gazes, paying their respects to their king. My chest swelled with a mix of astonishment and awe.

Thousands of people were bowing to Ash— my Ash.

“My people,” Ash’s voice boomed, full of authority and strength.

It thundered across the grounds and ricocheted around the courtyards, as if being carried by the air. I glanced at him, yet I didn’t see a microphone.

“I am so sorry it took me so long to return to you.”

A very real sadness was laced in his words, the weight of all the years he had been lost. My heart ached for him, and I gave his hand a soft reassuring squeeze, letting him know I was here.

“I know many of you have suffered greatly these past sixteen years, being separated from your loved ones with no knowledge of what has become of them. If there had been any other way to keep you safe, other than sealing you inside, I would have done it.”

Ash sucked in a deep breath before continuing, “I am heartbroken tonight to inform you there are no human survivors in Astern.”

Shocked, broken cries rose from below, splintering my heart.

Ash waited, letting the sorrow settle before speaking again. “The palace will be working on organizing an event to honor the wonderful humans our world has lost, and we will provide funding to offer emotional support to those who seek it.” He paused, gathering himself.

“The truth is that I was cursed like the rest of the Kingdom of Astern. It is with great regret that I share news of King Edwin. He was murdered by his own son.”

The crowd erupted again, cries of disbelief, gasps of horror.

Ash held firm, waiting patiently for the noise to die down. “His name is Agidius, and he and his mother, who we know as Cynthia, Queen of the Dark Kingdom, are after power.”

Gasps swept through the crowd once more, but Ash’s voice rose above it, commanding their attention. “They murdered every healer, every descendant of the royal line of Astern except one. When I awoke from the curse, I had no memory of my identity. Agidius used me to track down the last remaining healer … a healer with the power to break the curse.”

More gasps of disbelief filled the air.

“This brave and powerful healer reached in and pulled me from the darkness before I could bring her to Agidius. She broke the curse on me, and it is my hope, with her help, that we can break the curse on every divine in Astern.”

The crowd stilled, absorbing Ash’s words, and I could feel the shift in the atmosphere. Where there had been sorrow and fear, now there was hope, fragile but growing.

“I want to introduce you to my savior and best friend, the person to whom I owe my life—Areya, Princess of Astern.” Ash turned to me and, to my shock, bowed his head. In a ripple of movement, thousands of people, following their king’s action, also bowed their heads to me.

The weight of the moment crashed into me, shock tumbling through my mind and body.

Barely processing what I was seeing, my heart set off pounding as I glanced to Ash looking up at me from under those long lashes, giving me a wink and a subtle smile.

My stomach flipped, and my nerves gave way to something warmer.

Then Ash rose and faced the crowd once more.

“As soon as we can gather the right people, Areya will begin working with some of our brightest minds on a cure for the cursed—one we can distribute on a large scale.”

Cheers, applause, andscreamsofjoyburstfrom the crowd below, theirenthusiasm building. A shy smile spread across my face as the reality of their acceptance overwhelmed me.

I caught Ash’s gaze, and the gleam in his eyes only magnified the flutter in my chest. These people weren’t just tolerating me; they were embracing me.

Goosebumps prickled across my skin, and in that instant, a powerful sense of purpose ignited within me. These people—Ambrosia’s people—weren’t just Ash’s anymore. They were my people now, too, and I vowed to do everything in my power to help them.

“In addition to research toward a cure,” Ash continued, “the palace will begin military operations, starting with acquiring High Commander Calyx, who will be crucial to our next steps. I promise to keep the public updated on every development during this war … Because that is what this is. A war against evil. And we will prevail.”

After his final words, Ash took our clasped hands, raised them high, and the crowd below erupted into wild cheers.

With one speech, Ash had united his people, giving them hope. The excitement in the air left me buzzing with adrenaline, leaving me utterly in awe at the man by my side.

Suddenly, a tiny ball with wings, like a hummingbird, buzzed before me, causing me to take a startled step back. Ash’s shoulders shook with laughter beside me.

“They’re cameras,” he explained in my mind, his amusement clear. “That’s how we’re being broadcast right now.”

I smiled, watching the tiny flying ball zip away.

Together, Ash and I turned and made our way back into the castle, the energy of the crowd still thrumming in my veins. Once inside, Ash led me a few paces from the nearby people and, with a quick glance around, pulled me against a wall, his body close to mine.

I gripped his shoulders, my hands shaking with excitement, my eyes wide.

“That—that was incredible, Ash! I mean, you’re a freaking king!”

I couldn’t stop the beaming smile from spreading across my face.

Ash chuckled, his bright eyes locking onto mine with a smile that made me weightless. I felt on top of the world, as though I could conquer anything with Ash by my side.

“I told you they would love you.” He smiled at me affectionately. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Nadia. She stood a little way off, watching us with a tender, gentle smile. The moment she realized I’d seen her, she quickly averted her gaze, her expression soft but tinged with a deeper understanding that I couldn’t quite place.

Ash and I walked openly through the grand halls of the castle, hand in hand, many people stopping to bow in our direction. When we entered the royal dining hall, the atmosphere was one of pure joy and celebration. The enormous room buzzed with laughter and conversation. The long tables were packed with people who seemed to carry a newfound hope. Servants moved swiftly, bringing out lavish servings of food, filling the tables with a feast fit for a kingdom.

Ash guided me toward the royal table, standing slightly elevated above the rest.

At the center of it, two thrones stood side by side.

Ash took his seat in one, then gestured for me to sit in the other.

“I can’t sit there!” I whispered, my cheeks warming, glancing around at the crowd.

“Ok,” Ash said.

“Ok?” I smiled at his lack of resistance.

“You can sit on my lap if you prefer,” he added.

My cheeks burned as my eyes widened, and I hesitantly took a seat on the throne, feeling as though it were swallowing me whole. To my surprise, no one who looked my way batted an eye.

The dining hall was filled with cheerful music from a live band, the sound blending beautifully with the joyous chatter around us. The meal was incredible, a blend of familiar dishes and others I had never seen before. Between bites, people would approach our table, eager to express their happiness at Ash’s return, and many even stopped to thank me . I smiled and spoke with each of them, many of them Ash’s family; he seemed to have an endless supply of cousins.

Ash was captivating to watch, moving through conversations with ease, knowing every person by name and treating them with genuine care.

My heart swelled with pride as I watched him, and for the first time in a long while, I felt truly at peace. The nerves that had gripped me earlier were gone.

The people of Ambrosia had welcomed me with open arms, and while I’d thought Cresinthia had felt like home, being here with Ash was on a different level.

As the evening wore on and Ash became engrossed in conversation, I needed to use the ladies’ room. Ash insisted he walk me there himself, but I waved him off.

Instead, I let Nadia—who sat nearby—point me in the right direction.

Coming out of the bathroom stall, I nearly froze. Shae was standing by the sink, arms crossed as if she had been waiting for me. I offered her a forced smile before moving to wash my hands.

“Sebastian loves his kingdom, and the people of this kingdom love him,” Shae said, her words sharp and deliberate, cold.

I shot her a confused glance, agreeing, “Yes, I know.”

“I grew up a princess in Titan and was traded to this kingdom many years ago. Sebastian’s father meant for us to marry, so I’ve spent my entire life preparing for the role.

“Sebastian deserves someone who can confidently stand at his side, someone who knows the ins and outs of royalty. Someone with whom the kingdom is already familiar. If you care about him, you will walk away and let him be with someone worthy of him, somebody of his caliber.”

Her words hit me like a slap to the face. My breath caught, and for a moment, I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. Tears immediately stung at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill over, but I fought them back. She was voicing the very insecurities I had been battling within myself, the doubt that I was good enough for Ash, that I didn’t belong in his world.

And Shae, she was gorgeous, looking the part of someone who should stand by Ash’s side.

For some reason, my mind flashed to my mother, her voice echoing in my thoughts.

She always reminded me, day after day, that my worth wasn’t defined by anyone else’s opinions. I may not have grown up knowing I was a princess, but I was just as much royalty as Shae. And even if I hadn’t been a princess, that wouldn’t have mattered either.

Ash loved me for who I was. Who was she to decide I wasn’t good enough?

“I’m sorry you feel the way you do, Shae, but my relationship with Ash is deeper than titles. He rules with his heart, and if you truly knew him, you’d understand he doesn’t care about status. Ash loves for who someone is, not what status they hold.”

As I spoke, I could almost feel Mom smiling down at me, proud of me for standing up for myself. But Shae’s lip curled in disgust, looking me up and down as though I was some inferior creature. Rage began bubbling under my skin, a hot, simmering anger and I let it fuel my words.

“It seems you had—what—nearly three hundred years to win over Ash’s heart? As far as I’m concerned, you’re the one who is unworthy. He deserves a life filled with love, and I can offer him that.” I picked up a towel from the sink and dried my hands, putting all my effort into hiding the trembling of my fingers.

Shae’s face twisted in frustration and with an almost childish huff, she stormed out.

The moment she was gone, I steadied myself against the sink, so proud of standing up for myself, but my God, did I hate confrontation. Taking a few deep breaths, I decided that if Shae were the only person in this kingdom who hated me, I’d call it quite a win.

I walked back to my table and took a seat beside Ash, giving him a soft smile, not letting any hint of my bathroom encounter show on my face.

My eyes shifted around the room, taking in the lively atmosphere until they landed on Shae, standing in a corner with a drink in her hand, glaring daggers in my direction.

***

After dinner, Ash invited me to walk the palace grounds with him. I eagerly agreed, but with one condition—I got to take off my heels. As soon as the words left my mouth, Ash dropped to his knees, unfastening both shoes.

In one hand, he carried them, while his other hand held mine.

We strolled along a quiet path until we came across a secluded garden. There was a small pond nestled in the corner, full of rainbow-colored fish.

In front of the pond stood a cozy bench, and without a word, Ash sat down and pulled me onto his lap. I leaned into him, resting my head against his chest.

Together, we sat silently, watching the fish glide around the pond.

“What are you thinking about?” Ash finally asked.

I gave him a thoughtful smile before answering. “Hmm. I’m thinking I’m currently sitting on the lap of the most charming, powerful … oh, and very sexy … king, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be able to say that.”

His chuckle rumbled through his chest, the deep sound drawing a smile to my lips.

“And you? What are you thinking about?” I peeked up at him.

“I’m thinking how I was so proud to have you by my side tonight, and how nobody could keep their eyes off you.”

I laughed and gave him a playful nudge. “That’s not true.”

“Oh, trust me, it’s true,” he said, his tone serious.

My dress had bunched up, leaving the skin on my legs exposed where Ash was idly trailing his finger around my skin.

“So, about that deal,” I reminded him.

Ash just looked at me.

“I have my answer, Ash.”

His gaze dropped to my lips, lingering there for a moment before returning to my eyes. “Tell me when we get back to the room,” he said.

“And if my answer is yes?”

He leaned in, nibbling my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

I let out a small yelp. “I’m serious, Ash!”

His voice dropped to a low whisper. “Then I hope you’re sure because once I have you, Areya, I will never let you go.”

My stomach fluttered, a rush of warmth spreading through me as I let out a shy smile and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

The sun had completely set, leaving the garden bathed in soft darkness. I looked up at the sky, marveling at the brightness of the stars. Ash’s gaze followed mine.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the night sky here. The stars are so much brighter.”

As if on cue, a shooting star streaked across the sky, its brilliance catching me off guard.

I tapped Ash’s chest excitedly.“Hurry, make a wish, Ash!”

He chuckled. “What are you talking about, Areya?”

“When you see a shooting star, you make a wish. But you can’t tell it to anyone, or it won’t come true.” I smiled up at him.

“I’ve never heard of such a thing,” he said, his laughter warm and light.

I closed my eyes for a moment, silently making my wish. There was only one thing, one person I wanted.

Opening my eyes, I saw Ash watching me as if he knew exactly the essence of my wish.

“I love that about you,” he murmured.

I tilted my head, giving him a curious look.

“The way your eyes sparkle when you see something beautiful,” he said.

Ash opened his hand and a flower blossom from the tree across the pond floated over, landing right on his palm. He took the flower and tucked it behind my ear, his eyes never leaving mine.

“That’s so cool,” I exclaimed, giddy at the small display of magic.

Ash returned my smile.

A breeze swept through the garden, and a chill ran through me, making me shiver. Without missing a beat, Ash slipped off his jacket and laid it over me. I nestled in closer to him, resting my head against his chest, breathing in his scent. His fingers still trailed lightly over my leg, his other hand stroking the side of my face.

Feeling a sudden sense of boldness, I leaned in and gently nipped his bottom lip.

“You bit me!” he growled playfully.

I giggled before he leaned in and planted a soft kiss on my neck.

His lips trailed sensually toward my ear, where he nipped my earlobe in return. The touch sent a shockwave through me, my body arching in response. His hand slowly crept higher, slipping under my dress, his fingers grazing my lower thigh’s sensitive skin.

My pulse quickened, each shallow breath betraying the sweet ache stirring between my legs. When our gazes locked, the intensity of his emerald eyes left me breathless. They burned with a mix of love and raw desire, and my heart threatened to burst from the sheer weight of it.

“I choose you, Ash,” I whispered, trembling with emotion. “I will always choose you.”

He kissed me—a sweet, steady kiss, telling me he also chose me. It was slow at first, filled with the kind of tenderness that spoke more than words ever could.

But as I pressed my body closer to his, his hardness pushing beneath me, something in the kiss shifted. I pushed myself into him more and his hand gripped my thigh, pulling me even closer. The kiss deepened, growing more urgent, desperate, as if all the longing he had been holding back finally spilled over.

Then, he pulled away, running a hand through his hair.

“I can’t fight it anymore, Areya. I want you—all of you. I want you in a way I’ve never wanted anything. It’s as if my very soul craves you.”

“Then take me,” I whispered.

He sighed and I could see the internal struggle flickering across his face.

He was still at war with something inside. I sat up. “What is it, Ash?”

I placed my palm on his cheek. “Please. Tell me what you’ve been keeping from me.”

Without a word, he lifted me to my feet, then stood up in front of me, taking a few steps back. His head hung low, and his eyes fixed on the ground as if he couldn’t bear to meet my gaze. And then, with a sudden burst, black wings erupted from his back, spreading wide and casting a dark shadow over us, blocking out the starlit sky. He stood there, still, as though waiting my reaction.

I stepped forward, the sight of his wings filling me with awe. I reached out, tracing a finger along the leathery texture of one wing. “This is what you have been keeping from me?”

He looked up at me, his voice low and filled with torment.

“The curse is gone, but it left its physical effects on my body.”

As he spoke, Fangs slid down from his gums, lengthening over his canines. I reached out and tentatively touched one, the terrible sharpness pricking my fingertip.

“I’m still a monster, Areya,” he whispered.

I studied the exceptional man in front of me. “No, Ash, you’re not, You’re beautiful.”

My voice was steady as I reached up and touched his face. “These wings and teeth may have come from a dark past, but like scars, they are a reminder of what you’ve survived and how hard you have fought to come back.”

A shudder ripped through him.

“Wear them proudly, Ash,” I continued, stepping closer. “They were part of a curse meant to control you, but you won. You beat it and now these,” I gestured to the wings around us, “belong to you and you get to decide what they mean now, how they are used.”

Before I could finish, his arms were around me, scooping me up against his chest.

My breath caught as we left the ground, soaring high into the night sky.

A small shriek escaped me, quickly turning into a laugh as we rose higher and higher, soaring up through the clouds until the stars seemed close enough to touch.

His wings flapped steadily, holding us in place as we hovered above the world. “You could find beauty in anything, couldn’t you?” he murmured, his voice full of admiration.

I smiled, gazing at the stars around us. “It’s not hard when I’m surrounded by so much of it.”

Ash smiled back, his expression softening, then we dove for the ground, the wind whipping around us. I held onto him tightly, my heart racing with exhilaration.

We landed smoothly on the balcony outside his room, and Ash carried me inside, setting me down and tossing my shoes into the corner.