The rhythmic, thunderous thud of hooves striking the dirt vibrated through the expansive private grounds of the imperial palace.
Iryna moved like a streak of silver lightning across the field. She leaned low over the neck of her white Solaric mare, her posture flawless, adjusting her weight with the effortless grace of soone born to rule the saddle. With a sharp flick of the reins, she guided the massive beast over a high wooden barrier, clearing it beautifully before settling into a smooth, controlled canter. Riding a few paces behind her on a jet-black stallion was Gillian.
Slowly, the siblings guided their horses down to a leisurely walking pace, steering them toward the deep shade of a cluster of ancient trees near the edge of the training grounds. The imperial guards and servants remained at a respectful distance, ensuring their conversation would remain entirely private.
Gillian adjusted the leather reins in his gloved hands, his voice dropping into a smooth, quiet tone. "Our shadow seems to have vanished today. Where exactly did our dear escort run off to?"
Iryna let out a short, dry chuckle, a mocking smirk playing on her lips as she patted her mare neck. "He elegantly excused himself just before noon. He bowed quite beautifully, too, claiming he absolutely had to attend an exclusive afternoon Oga gathering hosted by this Marchioness Avery."
Gillian’s brows lifted slightly. "An Oga gathering? Then Cherion will undoubtedly be there, too."
"Supposedly," Iryna replied. "And don’t forget, Lady Marielle probably went with him too."
Gillian turned his head, watching the effortless way his sister held herself even after a grueling ride. "You handled that mare flawlessly today, Iryna. I must admit, though I completely hate the very thought of it... your tactical riding skills would have been a massive asset on a real battlefield. Your command over the cavalry lines would have rivaled our best generals."
Iryna’s lips curved into a sharp, bitter line. She stared straight ahead between her horse’s ears, her voice dropping into a dangerous, flippant tone. "Right? But Father would never allow it. Oh, who are we kidding anyway? If I actually went to war and died on a bloody battlefield, he wouldn’t have any royal daughters left to sell off for his precious political alliances."
The comnt left a brief silence in its wake.
Gillian fell into a heavy, suffocating silence. His jaw clenched so tightly the muscles in his cheek twitched. They dismounted smoothly, handing the reins over to the stable hands who hurried forward before retreating. Walking over to the thick grass beneath the shade of the grand oak tree, Gillian looked at his sister, the guilt he had been harboring for months finally breaking through his rigid royal facade.
"I am sorry, Iryna," Gillian murmured softly, his voice heavy with a profound, uncharacteristic vulnerability. He looked away, staring out over the sprawling capital skyline in the distance. "I am your older brother. I am supposed to be the one who protects you, yet I am entirely powerless to shield you from this forced political marriage. I couldn’t save you from being used as a pawn."
Iryna stopped walking. She looked at Gillian’s tense, frustrated shoulders, and the sharp, defensive walls around her heart instantly softened. She let out a soft sigh, stepping closer to pat his arm, her expression turning warm and comforting.
"Calm down, Brother. Don’t look like you’re about to march into the Emperor’s study with a sword," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "It is for our people, and for the future of Solaric. You know that as well as I do." She offered a small, reassuring smile, trying to clear the heavy tension. "Don’t mind what I said earlier. I was just jesting to pass the ti. Though, I suppose it hits the ear wrong when the sun is this hot."
Iryna stepped closer to Gillian, gently hugging his side for a brief mont to anchor him before pulling away with her usual composed grace. Gillian let out a slow breath, though the tight knot in his chest didn’t fully loosen.
"Besides," Iryna continued, turning her back to the tree trunk and looking out over the lawns with a thoughtful expression. "I guess I’ll be perfectly fine living here in the long run. If my future ho gets too incredibly boring and stuffy, I can always just run over to Cherion’s place to hang out. He seems like the type who wouldn’t mind a random visitor."
Gillian blinked, a deadpan, thoroughly unimpressed look taking over his face. "He lives in the frozen, brutal North, Iryna. Rember? He’s just visiting the capital for the party."
Iryna froze, her eyes widening before she dramatically hit her forehead with the palm of her hand. "Ah, right! Heavens. I completely forgot. My brain is still adjusting to the geography of this place."
Gillian followed her movents thoughtfully. For so reason, the ntion of Cherion always seed to brighten her mood. "You have barely know him, yet you seem remarkably attached to him already."
"Well, because he’s genuinely interesting," Iryna corrected smoothly, her eyes shining with a rare, authentic spark. "The sa goes for Marielle. They don’t look or act like anyone else in this capital."
She rested her head against the bark and stared ahead for a mont before speaking. "To be honest, seeing Cherion the way he is gives hope. He’s in the sa situation as I am, isn’t he? His marriage wasn’t exactly his choice either, and yet he still looks happy. He still laughs, still says whatever cos to mind, and doesn’t seem weighed down by it all." She smiled faintly. "When I look at him, I can’t help thinking that maybe it’s possible. Maybe a political marriage doesn’t have to be miserable. Maybe I can be happy too."
Gillian remained silent, but his mind raced. He found himself rembering Cherion’s sharp gaze and the way he never seed intimidated by anyone. The thought of that bright, untouchable spirit leaving the capital for the distant North left an incredibly strange, lingering weight in his chest. He pushed the thought aside, unwilling to examine why it bothered him in the first place.
Unaware of her brother’s thoughts, Iryna smiled and reached into the small pouch hanging from her belt. A miniature ice wolf soon appeared in her hand.
"Well, I guess I should’ve saved myself the trouble."
User Comments
0 comments from readers