Princess Willowyn's Arc

Chapter 69 of 70

Cora's words freed Kai, but her parents did not smile. King Douglas and Queen Catherine sat side by side at the head of the hall, both older, both in red robes and gold crowns. Willowyn had heard their names in whispers since arriving at Rose-Watch. They had crossed the sea to enforce a promise. Now the promise was broken, and their faces told Willowyn the danger was not over. Willowyn raised her hand. The silver ring caught the light. "I do not ask you to lose," she said. "I ask you to hear me." The king waved her forward. So she sat with them, and she talked. She talked for what felt like hours. She spoke of the wars she had ended, of rivers held back and sons drawn back from drowning. She did not boast. She wanted them to see she was not a thief who had stolen their daughter's match, but a peace-bringer who owed them a true answer. The queen's shoulders eased. The king's did not. "You speak well," King Douglas said at last. "But we sailed for a wedding. We return with nothing. A daughter without a match is a daughter shamed." His voice was tired, not cruel. Beside him, Queen Catherine touched Cora's hand. "We do not want gold," she said softly. "We fear our girl will go home alone." The room went quiet. Willowyn saw it clearly now. Their hurt was not pride. It was a parent's fear. Cora looked at the floor, her cheeks red, her hands folded in her red sleeves. She had given up the betrothal freely. She had asked for nothing. And that was the wound. Then Willowyn remembered. Days ago, sheltered from a storm, a prince had walked the halls with her and spoken plainly. He had said he was tired of an empty castle. He had wanted someone to fill it. Prince Atticus, at Graystone. Kind, patient, quick to call off drawn bows. Willowyn knew where the answer sat. "There is a prince across the sea," Willowyn said. "His name is Atticus. He rules at Graystone with his family. He told me himself he does not wish to be alone." She turned to Cora. "I will not send you. I will only carry a message, if you wish it. You would meet as equals. No treaty. No claim. A choice." Cora lifted her head. For the first time her eyes were not sad. "A choice," she repeated. She looked at her parents. King Douglas studied Willowyn a long moment, then let out a slow breath. "Carry the message," he said. "That is all I ask." Queen Catherine smiled and pressed Cora's hand. The feud died where it stood. Willowyn felt Kai's hand find hers. She had bound the crowns, not broken them. But now she carried a promise to Graystone, and a princess's whole heart rode on it.