Princess Willowyn's Arc

Chapter 70 of 70

The feud ended in the throne room, but Willowyn's work did not. Cora's heart now rode on a message to Graystone. Before Willowyn could think of her own ring, or the man who gave it, she had a new mission to mend a princesses loneliness She left the hall quickly. Her feet carried her up the spires and along the warm halls to the room they had given her. Inside, her tiger cub paced by the window. Her white minx curled on the bed, its soft fur catching the candlelight. Both lifted their heads when she entered. Willowyn knelt and scratched the cub behind its ears. "We do not rest," she told them. "Not yet." She pulled a bag from the chest and packed with practiced hands. A cloak. Bread. The cub's small blanket. Food for the animals, She moved fast, before doubt could catch her. Before she could reach the door, Kai stepped into the doorway. His dark cloak hung from his shoulders. His curly hair was wild from the throne room. He crossed his arms and looked at her bag, then at her face. "I will be going with you," he said. Willowyn set the bag down. She crossed the room and kissed his lips. "I would not leave without you." Kai laughed, low and warm. "Not this time, anyway. Right?" Willowyn rolled her eyes. She punched his shoulder, a soft jab, and he grinned. The old ache of running from him was gone. He knew where she was going. He was already dressed for the road. The minx uncurled and hopped to her shoulder. The cub trotted to Kai's boots and pressed against them. Willowyn lifted her bag again and slung it across her back. She had chosen both, the mission and the man, and this time neither would break the other. "Then we ride tonight, it is a day trip by dragon, 3 by boat” Kai took her hand. The silver ring pressed cool between their palms. Together they walked from the room, the cub bounding ahead, the minx riding high. Willowyn did not look back at the celebration she was leaving. A new quarrel waited across the sea, and she was already moving toward it.