Chapter 297 Chapter 297
Chapter 297 Chapter 297
The carriage rolled to a stop at the entrance of the palace, and Xenon helped Rayena out, holding her hands. Morvan came to join them, delivering a deep bow as they walked toward him, his soldiers and several maids behind him.
“Welcome back, your majesties,” he greeted, his voice low.
“Thank you, Morvan,” Xenon responded, pulling Rayena closer to himself.
“How were things while I was gone?” he asked as they walked into the building.
“A bit rowdy, but it was nothing I couldn’t contain,” Morvan answered, his tone respectful as he fell into step with Xenon.
“Always know I can count on you. Thanks, Morvan,” Xenon said.
To that, Morvan gave a subtle shrug, a corner of his lip quirking up but not quite forming a smile. Rayena saw Soraya approach and instantly went to meet her, pulling her into a hug.
“Soraya!” she cried, patting her friend’s back while Soraya chuckled, reciprocating the act.
“Welcome back. I see you had a splendid time,” Soraya said, pulling back, her gaze landing knowingly on the visible mark just below Rayena’s shoulder. She sniffed the air, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “You reek of the king.”
Rayena’s cheeks flamed. She swatted Soraya’s arm, half mortified, half laughing.
“I’m serious,” Soraya continued, eyes sparkling. “I’m so happy you went through with the ritual. Can you believe the rain returned days after you left?”
“Oh, I believe it,” Rayena said quietly.
Her mind flashed back—heat, thunder, the moment the sky had broken open. A shiver traced her spine, and she hoped Soraya didn’t notice.
“The people are calling it a miracle,” Soraya continued, not noticing how red Rayena had become.
“Well, it is…” Rayena answered, her skin still tingling as the remnants of the memory washed through her.
She heard footsteps approaching, and when she turned back around, she saw Xenon making his way toward her.
Soraya immediately did a deep bow, greeting him with respect. “Welcome back, Your Majesty,” she muttered, delivering a low curtsy.
“Hello there, Soraya,” Xenon greeted, before turning his attention back to Rayena, who was gazing expectantly at him. “Unfortunately, this might be where we part. There are urgent matters I need to address. Why don’t you go to my chambers? I’ll be with you shortly.”
“Oh, no problem. Take all the time you need,” she answered, an easy smile on her face.
He returned it with a wry one, leaning down to press a soft kiss on her forehead before walking away with Morvan, who turned back to bid Soraya goodbye with a nod of his head. Rayena raised a brow at that.
“What’s going on?” she asked as they started down the hallways that led to the king’s chambers. “Between you and Morvan, that is.”
Soraya gave a tiny smile, but her cheeks bloomed red. “Well, I’ve decided not to live in the fear of what-ifs anymore. So yes, Morvan and I are together for the meantime.”
“Wow… I’m so happy for you! I wish you success and good luck being with the man of your dreams,” Rayena said, genuinely excited.
“Thank you. It’s a scary decision to take, I’ll have to admit. But I’m glad I’m doing it with him.”
They approached the doors to the king’s chambers, and Soraya’s steps slowed. “I should let you rest. The journey back must have been exhausting for you two. We’ll talk later.”
“Thank you,” Rayena said sincerely.
Soraya bowed once more and turned away. Rayena watched her until she disappeared down the hall, then approached the doors herself. The guards opened them at once, greeting her respectfully as she passed.
Inside, Rayena crossed straight to the bed and sank into it with a long sigh, the softness swallowing her whole. Xenon’s scent lingered everywhere—warm, grounding, home.
For a moment, she let herself simply lie there, hand resting over her chest where the bond pulsed faintly. Queen. Mate. Ruler. The words felt heavier now—not frightening, but real. She wondered how many quiet moments like this she would still have once duty fully claimed her.
.
.
.
“So, how is the state of things?” Xenon asked as they made their way to his study room, their footfalls heavy on the pristine marble floor.
Morvan cleared his throat, starting to speak. “Well, with the rain back, things are starting to look up. The farmers have all gone to plough their fields and sow seeds, and as for the weretigers’ new settlement, apart from the occasional delays caused by the rain, things are proceeding well.” Morvan paused, his expression turning grim. “But there’s still the issue of feeding the people, as we’re about to run out of reserves once more.”
“We may have to ask neighboring kingdoms who were not affected by the famine. I’ll write the letters you’ll send out.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Morvan said as Xenon pushed open the door to his study, freezing at the entrance, eyes wide with disbelief. Scrolls littered the floor, stacked across tables, spilling from shelves.
“What in the seven hells…?” he muttered. “Why are there so many?”
Morvan cleared his throat. “Petitions. Requests. Complaints. From both clans. Food disputes, land claims, trade grievances, accusations of favoritism…” He gestured vaguely. “It’s accumulated.”
Xenon stepped inside, carefully navigating the mess. He picked up one scroll, scanned it, then dropped it with a groan. “How am I meant to handle all of this alone?
Morvan shrugged, still standing at the threshold. “If you start now, you could catch up,” he suggested.
Xenon scoffed, rolling his eyes. “And when have I ever caught up?” He picked up another scroll from the table, unfurled it, and glanced through before dropping it back down. “I need someone who can address some of the issues written here so I don’t get overwhelmed constantly. I have my own family to worry about now. I can’t be sitting behind a desk all day and all night.”
“Perhaps…” Morvan said, looking at the pile. “You should elect someone.” He walked into the room.
Xenon stared at Morvan when he wasn’t looking.
“Perhaps I will.”