Chapter 15 Rangi
RANGI
The celebration dinner in the Crimson Dining Room lives up to its name—rich red walls adorned with gilt-framed portraits, dark wood furniture polished to a mirror shine, and crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the intimate gathering.
Despite the formal setting, the atmosphere is relaxed as the royal family and close allies toast the successful signing of the Future of Astipia Act.
“To the ancestors,” Kit raises her glass, her crown replaced with a simple gold circlet for this private celebration. “May their stories endure for generations to come.”
“To the ancestors,” we echo, glasses lifting in unison.
I catch Leo’s eye across the table, a private smile passing between us. The journey to this moment has been arduous, filled with political manoeuvring and personal revelations, yet somehow, we’ve emerged victorious on both fronts.
“And to unlikely alliances,” Charlotte adds, her mischievous gaze moving deliberately between Leo and me. “May they continue to flourish.”
I suppress a smile as Leo’s cheeks colour slightly. Despite our carefully orchestrated public appearance earlier today, it’s clear his family considers our relationship far more established than we’ve officially acknowledged.
Leo’s still finding his way with us. Feeling it out in public, testing how much he can let himself show. And that’s okay, because I’m not waiting for grand declarations or certainty wrapped in ribbons. I don’t need a royal proclamation to know what’s real between us.
Every glance. Every quiet touch. Every time he softens just for me—that’s enough. I don’t know where this road ends, or how long it’ll take him to say the words I’ve already whispered in the dark. But I do know that I’m exactly where I need to be.
By his side. Loving him.
His hand finds my leg under the table, squeezing.
“I’m still surprised this worked,” my brother says, slicing into his steak. “I expected the mining companies to put up a greater fight.”
“People are predictable,” Kit says with the casual cynicism I’ve come to recognize as her particular brand of realism. “Combine babies, tradition, and patriotism, and suddenly everyone develops a conscience.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Leo counters, amusement evident in his tone.
“Not bad,” she corrects, “just convenient. I’m merely observing that the same legislators who were prepared to sell our heritage to the highest bidder a month ago are now falling over themselves to be associated with the protection act.”
“Politics,” Elder Kiri comments dryly from her place of honour beside Kit. “Some things never change, regardless of era.”
The elder’s presence at this intimate family dinner is yet another signal of how the boundaries are shifting. Not just between Leo and me, but between royal tradition and tribal culture. Her inclusion tonight reflects a deeper integration that goes beyond political alliance.
“Speaking of politics,” Roy says, “what’s the next step now that the Act is signed?”
Leo answers, his expertise evident as he outlines the implementation timeline and governance structure for the new heritage trust. I watch him as he speaks, admiring the easy confidence with which he navigates these complex issues.
This is the Leo few outside the palace walls get to see—brilliant, passionate, deeply committed to the welfare of his people.
“The tribal council will select their representatives next month,” he explains, “and the Crown appointees will be announced before the winter solstice. We should have the first protected sites formally designated by spring.”
“Including the Valley of Whispers?” Elder Kiri inquires, her keen eyes missing nothing.
“Especially the Valley,” Leo confirms. “It’s first on the list.”
The conversation continues through multiple courses—succulent roast lamb, seasonal vegetables prepared with herbs from the palace gardens, bread that Elder Kiri compliments with genuine enthusiasm.
Throughout, I’m struck by the natural inclusivity of this family gathering, how easily I’ve been welcomed into their inner circle.
“Captain Rangi,” Kit addresses me directly as servants clear the dessert plates, “I understand you’ll be representing the tribal council at the international heritage conference next month.”
“That’s right, Your Majesty.”
“Excellent. Leo will be attending as the Crown’s representative.” Her expression is all innocence, though her intent is as transparent as a window. “Perhaps you could coordinate your presentations? A unified approach would send a powerful message about Astipia’s commitment to cultural integration.”
Leo catches my eye, his lips twitching with poorly suppressed amusement. “What a surprising suggestion, Kit. I never would have thought of that.”
“I’m full of helpful ideas,” she replies serenely. “The conference is in Geneva, isn’t it? Lovely city. Excellent accommodations.”
“Subtle, sister,” Charlotte murmurs into her wine glass.
“I don’t know what you mean,” Kit responds, the picture of royal dignity betrayed only by the mischievous glint in her eyes. “I’m merely ensuring efficient diplomatic coordination.”
“Of course you are,” Jonathan says affectionately, patting her hand. “Just as I’m sure you accidentally scheduled them in adjoining suites.”
“Did I? How careless of me.” Kit’s innocent expression wouldn’t fool a child. “Well, I’m sure it will be convenient for their... meetings.”
Elder Kiri’s shoulders shake with silent laughter as Leo drops his head into his hands, his embarrassment evident despite his amusement.
And me?
I’m grinning. I can’t help it.
The laughter ripples around the table, and I let it sink into my bones—the warmth of it, the ease. This room, this family, this table full of royals and rebels and the fiercest women I’ve ever met… they’re letting me in.
Not just as Leo’s lover. But as someone who belongs here.
I look at him, at Leo, cheeks flushed and lips pressed tight to hold back a smile, and I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
And joy. I’m not just here as an observer. I’m here as a partner who can contribute and belong.
“You know,” Leo says, looking up at his sister, “for someone who’s supposedly the epitome of royal dignity, you take an alarming amount of interest in my personal life.”
“Family prerogative,” Kit responds promptly. “Besides, I’m sleep deprived and managing a newborn. I have to get my entertainment somewhere.”
The evening continues with easy conversation and gentle teasing, the kind of familial warmth I’d never expected to experience within the formal confines of the palace. By the time we rise to depart, the night has grown late, the palace settling into its quiet nocturnal rhythms.
“Walk me out?” I ask Leo as the gathering begins to disperse.
He nods, falling into step beside me as we leave the Crimson Dining Room.
The corridors are quiet at this hour, most of the staff having retired for the evening.
Only the occasional guard stands at attention, carefully not reacting to the sight of their prince walking close beside the tribal captain.
“Your family is...” I search for the right word as we stroll through the moonlit gallery connecting the formal wing to the family quarters.
“Meddlesome? Exhausting? Completely lacking in subtlety?” Leo suggests.
I laugh, the sound echoing slightly in the empty corridor. “I was going to say ‘wonderful,’ but those work too.”
He softens, his shoulder brushing mine as we walk. “They are, aren’t they? Even when they’re driving me insane.” He glances at me. “They like you. Not just Kit and Charlotte, but Jonathan and Roy too. Even my mother, though she’s more reserved about showing it.”
“I’m glad.” The simple words carry the weight of genuine emotion. “Their acceptance means a lot to me.”
“Did you doubt it?”
I consider the question seriously. “Not their personal acceptance, no. But I did wonder if there might be... institutional concerns. About the suitability of someone like me in their royal circle.”
Leo stops walking, turning to face me fully. “What do you mean someone like you?”
I shrug, naming the potential obstacles we both know exist, even if his family chooses to ignore them. “A commoner.”
His expression grows serious. “There is nothing common about you, Rangi. The institution has survived for centuries by adapting to changing times. And if it can’t adapt to this—to us—then it doesn’t deserve to continue.”
The quiet conviction in his voice strikes me deeply. This isn’t the diplomatic prince speaking, but simply Leo—the man who has chosen to stand beside me despite the complications.
“Besides,” he continues, a smile tugging at his lips, “if they survived Charlotte marrying her bodyguard and Kit choosing a former politician, I think they can handle the spare finding happiness with a distinguished tribal representative.”
My throat tightens—not at the joke, but at the word he so casually threads in.
Happiness.
“Is that what I am?” I ask, stepping closer. “Your happiness?”
His eyes, amber-flecked in the low light, meet mine without hesitation. “Yes. Among other things.”
“What other things?” I murmur, drawn closer still.
“My partner. My conscience. My greatest challenge and my greatest comfort.” His voice drops lower. “The man who makes me forget protocol and propriety at the most inconvenient moments.”
The heat in his gaze stirs something low in my belly, but more than that—it anchors me. This is Leo choosing me out loud.
We’ve maintained careful discretion since Fiona’s birth, our duties keeping us occupied and often separated during the day. Tonight is the first time in days we’ve had more than fleeting moments alone.
“Like now?” I ask, recognizing the desire building between us.
“Especially now.” His eyes flick to my mouth, then back up. “Stay tonight.”
It’s not a question, not quite a command—something in between that makes my pulse quicken.