CHAPTER 36
The moon hung high, casting silver light upon the quiet city as Alissa made her way to Adam's dwelling. Cloaked in a deep-blue mantle, she moved with measured steps, her heart quickening in anticipation. Tonight was their last night together before her journey, and though she had spent countless evenings in his presence, this one felt different.
As she reached his home, the heavy wooden door creaked open before she could knock, revealing Adam standing there, his gaze warm and expectant. A flicker of candlelight danced behind him, illuminating his strong features. Without a word, he took her hand and guided her inside.
What awaited her within stole the breath from her lips. The chamber, usually simple, had been transformed. A low table sat adorned with an array of fruits, sweetmeats, and freshly baked bread. Deep red petals were scattered across the surface, their fragrance mingling with the scent of burning amber. Candles, placed with careful thought, cast a golden glow, their flickering light creating shadows that swayed upon the stone walls like silent dancers.
Alissa turned to Adam, wonder filling her hazel eyes. "You did all this?" she whispered.
He smiled, his fingers brushing a loose strand of her dark silk hair behind her ear. "I wished for our last night to be one you would remember," he murmured. "To give you a memory to hold when distance lies between us."
Emotion tightened in her chest. She reached up, cupping his face with gentle hands. "I shall remember every moment," she promised.
He led her to the table, pulling out a chair for her before seating himself across from her. They spoke in hushed voices, sharing laughter and whispered confessions as they savored the food before them. Now and then, his fingers found hers across the table, holding them as though unwilling to let go.
When their meal had passed, Adam stood and took her hand once more, drawing her to him. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a slow dance, though no music played but for the rhythm of their hearts. He held her close, his lips brushing the crown of her head as they swayed.
"I shall miss you," he murmured against her hair.
Alissa tightened her hold on him. "And I you."
For a long while, they simply stood there, wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence, the candlelight flickering like the stars above. Tonight, there was no kingdom, no duty-only them.
The air between them grew heavy, charged with unspoken words and the weight of impending separation. Adam's hands traced the curve of her waist as he pulled her closer, his breath warm against her temple. Alissa closed her eyes, letting herself be lost in the feel of him, in the way his touch sent fire through her veins.
He tilted her chin upward, his gaze searching hers as if committing every detail to memory. "Stay with me," he whispered, his voice low, laced with longing.
Alissa did not answer with words, only rose on her toes and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was slow, deep, filled with all the emotions neither could fully express. Adam held her tighter, his fingers curling into the fabric of her gown as if he feared she might slip away.
He lifted her with ease, carrying her towards the bed. The sheets were freshly changed, smelling of lavender and something distinctly him. As he laid her down, he hovered above her, his lips tracing a path down her neck, over her collarbone. Alissa's breath hitched when his hands slid over the laces of her gown, undoing them with practiced ease.
She reached for him in turn, pushing his tunic over his head, her fingers mapping every scar, every muscle, knowing this may be the last time in years she would have the chance to do so. Adam groaned softly as her hands roamed over him, his control slipping under the weight of his desire.
They moved with an urgency born of farewell, of the knowledge that time was not on their side. Their bodies met in a slow, unhurried rhythm, as if they could stretch the night into eternity. Alissa clung to him, burying her face against his neck as pleasure consumed her.
Again and again, they came together, unwilling to let go, unwilling to waste a single moment. When exhaustion finally claimed them, Adam kept her close, his arms wrapped around her as if he could shield her from the world outside.
Alissa traced idle patterns against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. She wanted to stay like this forever, wrapped in his warmth, safe from the demands of duty and expectation.
But dawn would come. And with it, their parting.
She swallowed the lump in her throat and whispered, "Will you wait for me?"
Adam pressed a kiss to her forehead, his hold tightening. "For as long as it takes."
Sleep came slowly, but when it did, it was deep and dreamless, filled with nothing but the presence of the one they loved.
---
Alissa's fingers traced idle patterns over Adam's bare chest as they lay in the dimly lit chamber. The warmth of their shared embrace still lingered, yet a weight settled upon them, heavy with the knowledge that this was their last night together for a long time.
"I shall miss you," Adam murmured, his voice low, almost pained.
Alissa lifted her head, her dark silk hair spilling over his shoulder as she met his gaze. "And I, you." Her voice was steady, but the ache in her eyes betrayed the sorrow she refused to voice.
His arms tightened around her, as if by holding her close, he could delay the inevitable. "Stay," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Just a while longer."
She smiled wistfully, lifting a hand to cup his cheek. "I wish I could, but the palace stirs early. If I am missed, questions will arise."
Adam exhaled sharply, frustration flickering in his eyes, but he nodded. "Then at least let me escort you back."
She shook her head, slipping from his arms. "No, I must go alone."
Reluctantly, he watched as she rose from the bed, the candlelight casting golden hues upon her bare skin before she reached for her robe. He sat up, running a hand through his disheveled hair as he observed her dress in quiet reverence, memorizing every detail-the way her fingers fastened the ties of her gown, the way her long hair cascaded down her back as she straightened.
When she turned back to him, his expression had softened, though longing still clouded his gaze. "Will you write to me?"
Alissa stepped forward, pressing a lingering kiss to his lips. "Always."
With that, she slipped away, her form vanishing into the night, leaving Adam alone in the dim chamber, the echoes of her presence still clinging to the air.
The house was empty save for the servants. Lord Grendy had remained at the palace, while Lady Elena had departed for her hometown days ago. With no watchful eyes upon them, she and Adam had stolen these nights together, drowning in the bittersweet knowledge that this time would soon come to an end.
Alissa moved swiftly through the quiet streets, her cloak drawn tightly around her to shield against the cool night air. The city was still, save for the distant flickering of lanterns and the occasional sound of a watchman's footsteps echoing in the silence. She kept her hood low, careful not to draw attention, though the roads were near empty at this hour.
The palace loomed ahead, its high walls dark against the sky. By now, the guards at the gate had changed shifts, their alertness dulled by the late hour. She approached with measured steps, giving a small nod as she passed. The guards recognized her, yet they did not question her movements-after all, she was the beloved daughter of King Mathias, free to come and go as she pleased within reason.
Once inside, she made her way through the dim corridors, her heart still racing, though not from fear of being caught. It was the remnants of Adam's touch, the memory of his lips and the warmth of his embrace that lingered upon her skin. How many nights had they stolen like this, desperate to hold onto each other before she was to leave? And now, the end had come.
She reached her chamber unnoticed, slipping inside and closing the door behind her with a soft click. The room was as she had left it, undisturbed, yet she could not shake the feeling that the air within had shifted in her absence.
Sighing, she leaned against the door, her fingers lightly touching her lips as she recalled Adam's parting words. I shall miss you.
A pang of sorrow settled in her chest, but she pushed it aside. There was no room for weakness. Today, her journey to the Citadel would begin, and there could be no looking back.
-----
As dawn broke, the palace stirred with quiet activity, the weight of the day's departure settling over its halls. The servants moved with careful precision, ensuring all was in place for Alissa's journey. Her belongings had been packed, the carriage prepared, and her attendants stood ready.
In her chamber, Alissa stood before the mirror, fastening the clasps of her traveling cloak. The rich fabric draped over her shoulders, a stark contrast to the emotions warring within her. Sleep had barely found her the night before, her mind filled with whispers of Adam's touch, his voice, and the sorrow in his eyes when they had parted.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
"Enter," she called, steadying herself.
The door opened, revealing her father, King Mathias. His expression was unreadable at first, but as he stepped inside, his gaze softened.
"It is time," he said, his voice measured, yet there was something unspoken beneath his words.
Alissa nodded, stepping toward him. "I know."
For a brief moment, silence stretched between them. Then, to her surprise, Mathias reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You will do well, my daughter."
A lump formed in her throat, but she swallowed it down, offering a small smile. "I shall not disappoint you."
A faint smile touched his lips. "I never doubted you would."
With that, he turned, leading her from the chamber.
The halls felt heavier with each step, the weight of farewell settling upon her shoulders. As they descended to the courtyard, Alistair awaited, standing near the carriage. His arms were crossed, his gaze sharp, but when he looked at her, there was something gentler in his eyes.
"You will write," he said, not a question, but a demand.
She smirked. "I will consider it."
Alistair scoffed, shaking his head before stepping forward. Without a word, he pulled her into a firm embrace. Alissa stiffened at first, then sighed, resting her forehead against his shoulder.
"Take care of them," she murmured.
"You take care of yourself," he countered, pulling back.
Jasmine stood beside him, watching with a quiet smile. When Alissa met her gaze, she reached out, squeezing her hand.
"May the gods guide your steps," Jasmine said softly.
Alissa nodded, squeezing back before stepping away.
As Alissa stepped into the carriage, her heart felt heavier than she had expected. The voices of her family lingered in the air, but her gaze drifted beyond them, past the guards and servants who had gathered in the courtyard.
And then she saw him.
Adam stood at a distance, half-hidden behind one of the stone pillars, his dark eyes fixed on her. He was clad in simple attire, no armor, no finery-just himself, standing in the shadows, watching.
Her breath hitched.
The morning sun cast a soft glow over him, highlighting the tension in his jaw, the way his fists clenched at his sides. He had promised not to interfere, not to cause suspicion-but gods, the longing in his eyes nearly shattered her resolve.
For a moment, neither moved.
Then, ever so slightly, Adam inclined his head, a silent farewell, a vow unspoken.
Alissa pressed her lips together, her fingers tightening in her lap. She could not allow herself to waver.
The carriage lurched forward.
Adam did not follow. He did not step forward, did not call her name. He only stood there, watching, until she was nothing but a fading figure in the distance.
------
The chamber was dimly lit, heavy with the scent of incense and wine. King Tommen reclined in his great chair, his fingers lazily tracing the rim of his goblet. The women who had entertained him through the night lay draped across the bed, their soft breaths the only sound in the room.
A guard entered, bowing low. "Your Grace, a letter from Valla."
Tommen did not move at once, merely flicking his gaze toward the man. "Read it."
The guard broke the seal, unrolling the parchment. His voice was steady as he began:
"To His Majesty, King Tommen of Aethelgar,
It is with the deepest respect that I acknowledge your summons regarding my daughter, Lady Alissa. However, as duty demands, she is set to depart for the Citadel at dawn, and the path before her allows no delay.
It is my hope that when her time among the scholars has come to an end, she may present herself before you with the wisdom and grace befitting her station. Until then, I trust in your understanding, as one king to another, that the demands of one's realm often weigh heavier than the desires of the heart.
May the gods watch over you and your house.
Mathias, King of Valla"
Silence followed.
Tommen's jaw tensed, his fingers tightening around the goblet. A refusal, veiled in courtesy, but a refusal all the same.
Tommen exhaled slowly, setting his goblet down with a soft clink against the wooden table. His eyes lingered on the flickering candlelight, shadows dancing across the chamber walls.
Mathias had been careful with his words, but the meaning was clear-Alissa would not be presented before him. Not now.
A slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips, though there was no warmth in it. He leaned back, drumming his fingers against the armrest.
"Summon Lord Roderic," he said at last, his voice smooth yet firm.
The guard bowed and departed.
Tommen swirled the last of his wine in his cup, watching it like an omen. If Mathias thought to evade him, he was mistaken.
Sooner or later, the girl would come to Aethelgar. And when she did, she would be under his watchful eye.
The chamber doors opened, and Tommen's most trusted advisor, Lord Roderic, stepped inside. A man of advancing years yet sharp mind, he moved with purpose, his piercing gaze settling upon the king. He bowed deeply.
"You summoned me, Your Grace."
Tommen tapped the crumpled parchment against his palm, irritation clouding his features. "Mathias refuses to send the girl." His voice was laced with restrained fury.
Roderic straightened, his expression impassive. "He is cautious."
Tommen scoffed. "Cautious? The wretch dares deny me what is rightfully mine? He thinks to keep her from me as if I were some lesser lord pleading for favor."
Roderic took a measured step forward. "Valla is weak, but Mathias is not reckless. He understands the implications of your summons. He also knows that to send the girl now, when she is soon to depart for the Citadel, would draw too much notice. He is buying time."
Tommen's grip tightened around the letter. He could demand her presence outright, press upon Mathias the weight of his rule, but the man had played his hand well. Aethelgar's might was unquestioned, yet even a lion did not strike without care.
Silence stretched between them before Tommen exhaled sharply, tossing the letter aside. "If he thinks to delay me, he will learn that I do not forget what is owed."
Roderic bowed his head slightly. "Shall I make inquiries, Your Grace? See if there is more to this refusal than mere caution?"
Tommen studied him, his mind turning. A slow nod followed. "Do it."
Roderic inclined his head and withdrew, his steps steady as he disappeared beyond the chamber doors.
Left alone, Tommen's gaze flickered to the discarded letter. A grim smile ghosted his lips.
Mathias believed he had played wisely.
Let him think so.