Chapter 286 Chapter 286
“Thank you for loving our king, for believing in him when no one else did,” one of the women whispered in her ear as they hugged her.
“I believe I am the lucky one,” Rayena responded, blinking back the tears in her eyes.
Songs of jubilation broke out, and Rayena and Soraya joined in, singing and dancing with the people as they celebrated this victory.
However, it took a much longer time for them to get a response from the king a while later.
According to the informant who came with the weekly reports, the king was hard at work gathering and executing the offenders, as well as preparing a place where they would stay when they finally came back. That wasn’t an issue; they could all wait until the coast was clear.
Above ground, In the palace, Xenon was indeed swamped with bringing all who had erred to justice, but a much bigger issue constantly gnawed at him—and that was the famine and the future of the realm now that he had resumed his rule.
He’d already shared the reserves the realm previously had, which had been hoarded after pillaging neighboring kingdoms instead of being given to the starving people. That had increased their loyalty toward him, but it was only a matter of time before it ran out.
He was discussing this with Morvan as they walked through long marble hallway toward yet another council meeting, his boots echoed sharply against the floor.
“How the hell am I supposed to salvage this?” Xenon muttered, running a hand through his hair, voice tinged with frustration
Morvan inclined his head. “I don’t have an answer yet, Your Majesty. But I know you’ll find one.”
Xenon snorted. “Easy for you to say—you’re not the one wearing the crown.” He exhaled heavily. “Some days, I wonder why I didn’t just run away with Rayena. I’m already exhausted.”
Morvan chuckled despite himself, then quickly straightened.
“Don’t be too worried just yet. One crisis at a time. Let’s put things in order first,” Morvan said, moving forward to pull open the door.
“Thank you, my dear friend,” Xenon mumbled under his breath, stepping into the room, where the rest of the nobles and officials who had stayed loyal and honest remained.
They instantly rose to their feet, delivering deep bows.
"Your majesty." They said in a choruas.
Xenon responded with their greeting with a nod. “Thank you for coming. Now, let’s get to why we're here.”
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Ysolde sat in the corner of the cell Dorian had thrown her into since he killed her child, resting her head on her knees, her stomach churning with hunger. Her clothes were soiled, her hair scattered from the hours she’d spent pulling at it and ripping it from her scalp in devastation.
Every movement felt heavy. Even breathing hurt.
But there was a small gladness in her heart. The knowledge that Xenon had returned and Dorian had finally been unseated from the throne made her happy, if only a little bit. Finally, the scoundrel would pay for his crimes.
But the elation soon died when she realized the consequences of this act.
For one, it meant she would be abandoned here or worse, would come into contact with Rayena once more. She imagined Rayena’s eyes on her, calm and unwavering, and felt her throat tighten.
She might even have to plead for her life. Tears filled her eyes and she let them fall, her chest hurting from grief and regret. After everything she’d done to change her fate, it had all ended in this.
She regretted her actions. Badly.
She should have given up when she had the chance. She never should have let her jealousy get the best of her.
That didn’t matter anymore.
This was her karma.
All she wanted now was simplicity—to be out of here and lead a quiet life, if it was granted to her.
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More weeks fled by, and before anyone knew it, it had been over two months since the king had left with his army to take over the kingdom.
Rayena had grown restless, the urge to be near Xenon again burning through her veins. The nights were lonely and cold without him.
Finally, he sent a message that the people could all come out from their hiding spot. Soldiers arrived at the fortress, ready to guide them back to town.
So many people were overjoyed, including Rayena, who was just so excited at the thought of being near Xenon once more. Even Soraya was raring to go.
On the eve of their departure, the weretigers threw a party, dancing around in circles in the hall that was once used to train soldiers, barefoot on the cold stone, singing songs that hadn’t been heard in years—songs of home, of freedom, of survival.
Feet moved in time with the rhythm carved into their bones. For the first time in years, hope felt tangible.
Rayena watched the celebration, huge smiles on her face. Hardly anyone got any sleep that night.
The next morning, many people packed their things, gathered their families together, and trudged out of the underground fortress in their thousands.
Due to their slow and numerous march, the journey took longer than it normally would have, but they soon arrived at town.
Rayena looked around at the realm’s capital, seeing the impoverished state it was in, but also the subtle improvements.
Her chest swelled with pride for her mare.
Only weeks back, and Xenon had already begun to rebuild.
She could barely contain her anticipation.
They met Morvan along the road, and he quickly took command, issuing instructions as the weretigers were escorted to their temporary quarters. Then, quietly, he slipped away and approached Rayena and Soraya.
“The king is waiting for you in the palace,” he said. “A carriage has been prepared.” he added, pointing them in the direction.
Rayena’s breath stuttered, her fingers tightening instinctively at her side. “Thank you,” she murmured, already moving. Soraya was right beside her, pulling up her skirt so they could run faster.
The footman helped them inside, the carriage door shutting with a firm click. When the reins snapped and the wheels lurched forward, Rayena finally allowed herself to exhale.
She leaned toward the window, peering out at the unfamiliar grounds as the palace rose ahead of them—closer now.
Waiting.
When they arrived at the castle, they met Xenon standing at the entrance of the palace, numerous guards and servants standing in tow behind him, hands clasped behind them.
The carriage rolled to a stop, and Rayena was raring to step outside. The footman pulled open the door, and Rayena was the first to jump out, followed closely by Soraya.
She raced into Xenon’s arms, the latter lifting her up in a twirl as he tightened his hug.