Princess Willowyn's Arc

Chapter 39 of 70

The laughter faded, and the golden hall grew quiet again. Willowyn stood before Kai's parents, still in her travel-worn silver gown. She had crossed an ocean and flown for days. Now she waited in a stranger's court, unsure of her place. She was a princess, but not here. Here she was only a tired girl who had chased a minx through a hedge. She did not know if these rulers saw her as an equal or a guest to be tolerated. Queen Shuri rose from her seat. Her dark braid coiled beneath her crown, and her purple gown swept the stone floor. She studied Willowyn's face for a long moment. Willowyn braced herself for a question, a test, some proof she must give. "You must be very tired," the queen said. Willowyn nodded. A yawn broke loose before she could stop it. Her cheeks warmed, but Queen Shuri only smiled. "Then Kai will take you to your room," the queen said. "Our home is yours. I will send fresh clothes up in the morning and wash the gown you wear now." Relief loosened Willowyn's shoulders. She had expected suspicion. Instead this queen offered her a bed and a promise, as though she belonged. Willowyn bowed her head and gave a gentle curtsy. "Thank you, your grace," she said. Kai stood and crossed the hall. He held out his hand. The minx leapt from the table and darted after them, its pale fur bright against the dark floor. Willowyn placed her hand in Kai's, and he led her from the warm light of the hall into a corridor of the great stone castle. They climbed a winding stair past tall round towers. Warm light glowed from the windows. Kai stopped outside a carved door and turned to her. The minx wound between their feet. Willowyn looked at his face. The soldier from the coast. The prince she had crossed the sea to find. She lifted her hand and touched his cheek. Then she leaned close and pressed her lips to his. Kai went still. Color rose in his dark skin. He did not pull away. "Until tomorrow, my prince," Willowyn said. She stepped into the room and closed the door. A soft bed waited beneath the window. She sank onto it, and the minx curled beside her. For the first time since leaving her mother's keep, she had a place to rest. She was welcome here, in a kingdom across the ocean, as Kai's equal. She thought of her dream to bind all kingdoms in peace. Two crowns now shared one roof. Her own kingdom lay far behind, and Kai's stood around her. Between them ran the ocean she had learned to cross. Willowyn closed her eyes and let sleep take her.