Chapter 299 Chapter 299
Chapter 299 Chapter 299
Rayena woke slowly from sleep, feeling better rested than she had in a while. Blinking slowly, she rolled around on the bed, waiting for her blurry gaze to settle. Once it did, she glanced around and found Xenon next to her.
He sat on the couch he had dragged closer to the bed, a scroll unrolled in his hands, posture relaxed but alert—the way he always was, even at rest. The sight of him there, staying instead of leaving her alone with the weight of the palace, filled her chest with warmth.
When she cleared her throat softly, Xenon looked up at once. His expression shifted instantly, the tension melting from his features as relief lit his eyes.
“Hello there,” he said gently. “Did you rest well?”
She nodded, pushing herself upright and stifling a yawn. “I did. I feel… better.”
A quiet satisfaction crossed his face. “Good.” He studied her for a moment, then added, “You’re alright now?”
“Yes, I am. What about you?” he asked, showing her the scroll he was holding.
“Busy with work. It’s late now, almost dinner time, if I’m correct. Would you like to eat?” He asked, rolling up the scroll and putting it away.
At that moment, Rayena’s stomach growled, so she nodded. “Yes, please. I’m quite hungry.”
He gave a gentle nod, rising to his feet. Calling on the guards, he waited for one to enter the room and gave orders for food to be brought in.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the latter answered and exited the room, closing the door behind him.
Xenon strode towards the bed, settling next to her. He reached out a hand to tuck her hair behind her ears, and she leaned into his touch, a soft sigh spilling from her lips.
“You look even prettier now,” he murmured, his voice soft.
“Prettier? I just woke up,” she mumbled, but her cheeks heated up at his words. Xenon chuckled, pulling her closer until she was settled between his legs. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he rested his chin on her shoulder.
Rayena basked in the silence until the door burst open and maids walked in with trays filled with food. They arranged it neatly in front of them before delivering a quick bow and exiting the room.
Xenon took over then, taking a dish and bringing it to Rayena. “Here, eat,” he muttered, before picking another plate for himself.
“Thanks…” Rayena mumbled under her breath, licking her lips as the delicious scent of the dish wafted into her nose. Xenon followed shortly after her, and they ate in blissful silence, the soft clinking of metal spoons against marble dishes the only sound in the chambers.
Xenon couldn’t help stealing glances at Rayena as she ate, soft hums spilling from her lips—a clear indication that she was enjoying her meal.
Rayena caught him staring one time and gave a small pout, her eyes narrowing. “You should eat. You’ve been staring at me for a while now.”
“I’ll eat,” Xenon groaned, and resumed his food.
Rayena watched him to make sure he was eating before resuming her own. Before long, they were done, the plates mostly empty.
Xenon gathered all the plates together, and a maid returned a while later to take them away. Now alone, Xenon finally addressed what had been on his mind for a while.
“Rayena,” he said, voice low, “can I ask for your opinion on something?”
She turned fully toward him. “Of course.”
He drew a breath, his hold on her tightening. “I’ve been meaning to do something for Morvan. Something… meaningful. He’s been at my side through everything—war, famine, unrest. But I haven’t decided what would truly honor that loyalty.”
"Oh... " Rayena trailed off, the words taking her by surprise
She didn’t answer immediately. Her gaze drifted, brows furrowing as bee mind worked. Xenon saw when she made the decision and her gaze returned to him, steady now.
“There is one thing,” she said slowly. “Something I think would matter to him. And to the realm.”
Xenon straightened slightly. “What is it?”
“Remove the ban on unions between weretigers and werewolves.” she announced.
Xenon blinked, surprise flickering across his face. “You want me to remove the ban?” he repeated, the question settling between them.
Rayena flushed slightly, but when she spoke, her voice was steady.
“Well, by now you must be aware of his interest in my friend, Soraya. They just have one problem hindering them, and it’s that rule,” she explained. “Aside from that, I also think it would be beneficial for the people in the long run. If we want to foster peace in the realm, we need to start making certain compromises, don’t you think?”
Xenon pressed his lips into a thin line. “Well, I have considered that, but there needs to be more I can do, right?”
“Perhaps…” Rayena muttered, trailing off. “Why don’t you grant him a new title? A lord of some sort—grant him land. Something that makes it easier for him to go after the woman he wants and increases his chances of being accepted.”
When Xenon didn’t say anything, she added, “It could also be a way to protect her, should things go wrong.”
“That… makes sense,” Xenon answered slowly, rubbing his chin. A slow breath left him, and he scoffed as a thought occurred to him. “Knowing Morvan, I don’t think he would like that. He’s always made known his distaste for administrative affairs.”
Rayena gave a soft smile. “He’ll have to learn, or better yet, be with someone who helps him out. Either way, it’s a necessary sacrifice—and one of the ways you can reward him if you’re truly serious about this.”
Xenon stared at Rayena, pride stirring in his chest, quiet and profound. “Look at you, already thinking like a queen,” he said, not teasing now, but sincere.
Rayena felt her cheeks warm, but she didn’t look away.
“If we are to rule together,” she said gently, “then we should rule wisely.”
Xenon reached for her hand, squeezing it once.
“Then we will,” he said. “Thank you once again.”
“You’re welcome,” she muttered.