Chapter 42 #2
Her fingers drifted to the edge of her shawl, as if the fabric itself could offer an answer. Was she a curiosity? A trespasser? An Omega princess far from home, caught between expectation and uncertainty?
But the memory of the Xians anchored her—bright and warm against doubt’s creeping edge.
Xian Jun’s grumbling over her cooking, yet never leaving a bite uneaten.
Su Lian’s patient hands guiding hers through delicate embroidery.
Ru Rong slipping steamed buns into her satchel to take to the stall.
Mei Mei’s bright chattering by the fire.
Small moments, but ones that had woven into her, stitch by stitch, until they became part of her.
Trust could be earned, not demanded. And if the Xians had taught her anything, it was that sincerity, given freely, could unravel suspicion into something softer.
Reiya straightened, letting that thought carry her. Her hands, which had clenched uncertainly around the reins, began to loosen. She lifted one in greeting, a slow smile blooming on her lips .
At first, the response was hesitant—then it surged. Children waved colourful flags and tossed petals into the air. Adults bowed and curtsied warmly, showering their path with fragrant blooms.
A young girl darted forward, an orange clutched in her small hands. Wide-eyed, hesitant, she offered it up. Reiya bent to accept the fruit, its skin warm from the sun. The sharp tang of citrus clung to her fingertips.
“Thank you,” she murmured, smiling at the girl.
Kaelen rode up beside her, grinning. “It’s almost as if they were expecting us. Remarkable timing, wouldn’t you say?”
Before she could respond, Captain Marzius cleared his throat. His expression remained unreadable, but a gleam of satisfaction flickered in his eyes.
“One of the men I sent ahead to secure the Mezerin Gates might’ve . . . let slip that a certain Omega princess was on her way.”
Kaelen raised a brow. “Might have, Captain?”
Marzius straightened, unapologetic. “The people deserve to celebrate, and the princess deserves a proper welcome.”
Reiya glanced back at the crowd, overwhelmed by their warmth. Her chest swelled, her voice soft. “You’re right, Captain. This welcome is more than I could’ve imagined.”
Kaelen leaned in, smirking. “Careful, Reiya, or Marzius will write this into the history books and take credit for organizing the whole event.”
Alarik, dry as ever, added, “He’d inscribe it on the palace walls if given the chance.”
Laughter rippled between them, light and easy, loosening the tension of the ride. But as the people crowded the sidewalks—faces bright with curiosity and hope—something shifted in her chest.
“This isn’t a moment to greet from horseback,” she murmured.
Then, without waiting, she swung down from the saddle. Her boots met the earth with a soft thud. “I’ll meet them properly.”
Alarik and Kaelen exchanged a glance but didn’t stop her. They followed suit, moving instinctively—silent shields at her back, a presence she didn’t need to look for to know was there.
The moment shattered what hesitation remained.
The crowd pressed in—women and children placing flowers and fruits in her arms. Desert marigolds and bougainvillea spilled from her grasp, their colours loud against sun-worn stone.
The scent of citrus rose thickly in the heat—sweet oranges, sharp lemons, and the dusky tang of grapefruit.
She knew Asadia was the largest citrus producer in the nine kingdoms. But here, it felt like more than trade. It felt like tradition. Like home.
Baskets brimmed with colour, but it was the pomegranates that made her blush—pressed into her hands by older women whose smiles were knowing, eyes bright with mischief.
She didn’t need them to explain.
Fertility. Prosperity. Quiet prayers tucked inside each seed.
And whether she was ready or not, they’d already begun to believe in her.
Kaelen and Alarik, along with the soldiers, kept a respectful distance, letting her move freely while staying close enough to intervene if needed.
The unspoken trust between the princes and their people struck deep.
It was rare, precious—a thread binding ruler and subject together.
It reminded her of Nymaris’s marketplaces, where she’d wandered without fear, secure in the strength of her father’s reign.
To be part of this kingdom so different, yet built on the same values, eased the last of her unease.
Their procession moved on, the townspeople waving farewell and calling out blessings. She waved back and mounted Ember once more, moving toward Turasid Palace. Its gates stood open, waiting.
Reiya exhaled slowly. The people had welcomed her, but what about the nobility? Courts were a stark contrast—places of cunning and exclusivity, where judgment was swift and whispered words carried power.
She could only hope the warmth of the city hadn’t been left behind at its gates.
Ruhasul trotted over, Alarik leaning in. “Still anxious?”
She swallowed. “I just want to make a good impression.”
“You already did. I’ve never seen a warmer welcome. ”
“I meant in front of your family.”
“You’ve already met our father. The worst is behind us.”
“Still, there’s the Lady Consort, your sister . . .”
He reached for her hand. “Lady Neda is warm and kind, and as for Thalina—she’s been desperate for an older sister. She’s made no secret how utterly tedious Kaelen and I are.”
A laugh slipped from her lips before she could stop it, the warmth of it easing the tightness in her chest.
The palace loomed ahead, its domes gilded in gold, catching the late sunlight like coins laid against the sky.
As they passed through the gates, the bustle of the city faded into a quiet stillness.
Roads opened before them, paved in wide mosaics of lapis, jade, and burnt amber.
Towering date palms lined the outer courtyard, their fronds casting soft shadows over the pale stone paths.
Everything here—from the latticework carved into the walls to the careful arrangement of shade and space—spoke of wealth, but also of intention.
Their procession slowed as they reached the palace’s grand courtyard, where the smooth stone road fanned outward into an open expanse before the main steps. The palace rose above them in sweeping arches and gilded domes.
As Reiya dismounted, two figures descended the wide stone staircase to greet them.
The first—a woman with a long dark braid and a calm, measured presence marking her as a Beta—moved with unhurried grace.
Beside her, a young girl no older than ten shifted restlessly on her toes, wide eyes fixed on them with barely contained curiosity.
“There they are!” The girl’s excitement was palpable. Before the woman could calm her, she darted forward, curls bouncing.
Kaelen’s face lit up.
“Thalina!” He slid from his horse just as she flung herself into his arms. Chuckling, he spun her before setting her down.
“I’ve missed you, my little star,” he teased, brushing a hand over her dark curls. “Have you been keeping everyone on their toes?”
“Maybe,” Thalina giggled, already turning to Alarik. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his waist.
Alarik caught her effortlessly, his smile quieter but no less warm. “ You’ve grown,” he murmured, voice softer than usual. “Soon, you’ll be taller than me.”
“Not possible!” she declared with a grin.
Reiya smiled, warmth spreading in her chest at the obvious adoration between them.
Before she could dwell on it, Kaelen strode toward the waiting woman.
“Lady Neda,” he greeted, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
Reiya studied the Beta woman, dressed in deep green edged with gold that beautifully complemented her bronzed skin. Though the king’s favoured consort, there was no arrogance in her presence, only steady warmth.
She laughed lightly. “We’ve been waiting since the rider announced your arrival. I feared the city might keep you longer.”
Alarik bent to kiss her hand with quiet familiarity. “It’s good to be home.”
Her dark gaze flicked to the overflowing baskets tied to their saddlebags. “I see the people did keep you busy.”
Kaelen chuckled, gesturing toward Reiya. “It wasn’t us they were excited about.”
Lady Neda’s attention shifted, assessing, interested, but without scrutiny.
“Lady Neda, Thalina,” Kaelen said, his voice lighter than it had been, “may I present Princess Reiyana Elidris of Aethonia.” He turned to Reiya with a smile. “Sáel, meet Lady Neda, the Royal Consort, and our spirited little sister, Princess Thalina.”
Reiya dipped into a graceful curtsy. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady. Princess.”
The lady consort inclined her head. “The pleasure is ours, my dear. Welcome to Turasid Palace.” Her voice softened. “Ever since His Majesty spoke of you, we’ve been eager to meet you.”
“Are you truly from Aethonia?” Thalina gasped, her eyes wide with wonder. “That’s Issoirea’s only island kingdom, isn’t it? I’ve always longed to see the ocean—I’ve never seen one before!”
Reiya suppressed a soft laugh. Lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, she said, “When I met your brothers, I’ve never seen a desert.”
Thalina gasped, feigning scandal, then broke into peals of laughter. The sound rang clear through their small gathering, drawing smiles—even from the usually stoic Captain Marzius.
At that moment, Reiya felt something shift. This wasn’t just an introduction. It felt like an invitation to something more—to join a family .
Lady Neda stepped closer, resting a gentle hand on her arm. “Forgive Thalina’s curiosity. She’s been asking about you since she heard you’d be joining us. She wanted to wait at the gates, but I convinced her to stay here.” Her gaze held quiet sincerity. “We’re glad you’re here, Princess. Truly.”
Her chest warmed at the words. “Thank you. And please, call me Reiya.”
The woman nodded, then turned toward the palace. “Shall we? The king cannot join us, but he’s made a few adjustments to your accommodations I think you’ll appreciate.”
Kaelen raised a brow. “Adjustments?”
Her smile turned knowing. “Reiya will be housed in the family wing, next to you and Alarik. The king made the decision himself last night after visiting your camp.”
Kaelen exchanged a glance with Alarik before grinning. “That’s certainly better than the guest wing.”
“Reiya is your bride. The family wing is where she belongs,” she said simply before turning to her again. “Let’s get you settled. Thalina insisted on giving you a tour.”
Thalina grabbed Reiya’s hand eagerly. “Come! I’ll show you everything!”
She let herself be pulled forward, laughter bubbling from her lips.
The warmth of their welcome—from Lady Neda’s quiet grace to Thalina’s boundless enthusiasm—filled her with something dangerously close to hope.
Perhaps, just perhaps, she wasn’t only stepping into a role here.
She was stepping into a home .