The Heart That Waits
Nightfall — A Moment Just for Them
The palace quieted as dusk fell.
The torches flickered along the corridors, and the gardens outside swayed under the gentle breeze. In his chamber, Alex lay propped against soft pillows, bandaged but stronger. Slowly recovering.
The others had left to give him rest, but Maria remained. She always did.
She sat beside him again — a book in her lap, though her eyes hadn't moved from his face for a while now.
Alex turned his head, his voice hoarse but gentle.
"How long are you planning to stay?"
Maria looked at him — and didn't smile, not right away. Instead, she reached out and brushed his hair back from his forehead.
"Until you stop pretending to be strong."
Alex chuckled — weakly, but sincerely.
"I'm always strong."
"And I'm always here."
There was a pause… a silence filled with every word they hadn't said.
"I remember everything now," Maria whispered. "The truth, the pain, the child we lost… all of it."
Alex closed his eyes for a moment. His hand tightened slightly around hers.
"I'm sorry, Maria. I couldn't protect you back then."
"But you did." Her voice cracked. "You always tried. You suffered more than I ever knew. And I… I left."
"We both did," he murmured.
Another silence.
This time, he reached out, and she didn't pull away.
He gently pulled her closer, and she rested her forehead against his.
"Do you still love me?" she asked, voice barely a whisper.
"With everything that's left of me," he replied.
Their lips brushed — a gentle, familiar kiss, the kind that didn't rush or burn, but simply held everything they had lost… and everything they still held on to.
Outside the door, a maid who had come to check on them quietly turned away, wiping her tears.
"They've found their way back," she whispered, smiling.
At Midnight
Above the capital, a black falcon soared, its wings gliding silently under the moonlight. It circled the palace once… then vanished toward the west tower.
There, a lone figure waited on the roof — cloaked, masked, but with sharp, venomous eyes.
"It's almost time."
From beneath their cloak, they revealed a map — of the palace, the sewer tunnels… and something else. A vault.
The falcon dropped a second scroll — this one containing names. Targets. Weak points.
"James Luxembourg failed because he made it personal," the masked voice hissed. "But I… I will make it absolute."
Below, a palace guard strolled past — but didn't notice.
Because he was one of them.
The next morning dawned beautifully — too beautifully.
Children laughed in the gardens. The Empress walked with Maria at her side. Elisha, newly embarrassed by Raymond's attentions, trained in the courtyard with Oliver.
Alex sat on the balcony, finally upright, watching the world breathe again.
But across the rooftops, a shadow leapt.
And in the underbelly of the kingdom, something moved.
Because peace… is the last lull before war.
And the next blow wouldn't aim at just one duchy — but the entire kingdom.
In the Palace Gardens
The golden hues of the afternoon sun cast a soft glow across the palace gardens. Maria gently adjusted the shawl over Alex's shoulders as they walked slowly through the stone path, surrounded by blooming roses and delicate butterflies.
He chuckled. "I'm not that fragile, Maria."
She glared at him playfully. "You nearly died, Alex. I think I've earned the right to hover."
His hand found hers. "I didn't want to… leave without saying goodbye."
Maria's heart tightened.
They stopped beneath the old cherry blossom tree. The petals danced in the wind, brushing their cheeks like soft memories. Maria looked at him, and with tears threatening to fall, whispered, "Why didn't you ever say anything? About us. About how you felt."
Alex took a shaky breath, lifting her hand to his lips. "Because I was afraid… that after all the pain, you wouldn't want to stay. That I didn't deserve you."
"You idiot," she whispered, voice cracking. "I was always yours."
He stepped closer. His forehead rested against hers. "Then let me be yours again. Will you… come back to me?"
Maria's lips trembled. "Only if you ask properly."
Alex dropped to one knee, ignoring the pain that surged through his healing body.
"Elira Maria Morgan, will you give this foolish Duke one more chance to spend the rest of his life proving he never stopped loving you?"
Tears spilled from her eyes as she knelt down to him, holding his face in her hands.
"Yes."
In the Shadows – The Whisper of War
But even as joy returned to the hearts of the northern pair, darkness festered.
Beneath the capital, in a secret chamber beneath the Grand Library, cloaked figures stood before a large parchment map of the entire kingdom.
A voice spoke, cold and poised.
"Phase two begins tonight."
It was the veiled woman.
"They will celebrate. They will laugh. Let them. Because when the bells ring on the next full moon… we strike."
A nobleman stepped forward. His face, once masked behind courtly charm, was now revealed with contempt.
"I will open the gates from inside. No one will suspect me. By the time they realize… it will be too late."
A dagger slammed into the table, pinning a torn banner — the Royal Crest — to the wood.
"This kingdom thinks it's invincible. That their 'heroes' can protect them."
The veiled woman turned her gaze northward.
"But they have yet to meet true chaos."
The Palace — A Moment of Joy
The grand dining hall of the royal palace shimmered with laughter, candlelight, and the warm scent of roasted meats and sweet wines. Everyone gathered around the long oak table, filled with joy that had not graced the palace in many years.
At the heart of it all sat Alex and Maria, side by side — their hands gently entwined beneath the table, stealing quiet glances that spoke volumes.
The Emperor raised his cup with a wide smile. "Now that the Duke and Lady Maria have found their way back to each other, I believe we have waited long enough."
He turned toward them, eyes gleaming. "Why don't you both… finally get married?"
The room fell into joyful silence — the kind that holds a thousand hopeful heartbeats.
Alex blinked, then slowly turned to Maria.
Her eyes sparkled. The warmth of everything they had lost… and regained… glowed in her gaze.
The Empress clapped her hands. "It's about time! Alex, do the honors, won't you?"
Even Marquise Morgan, seated nearby, couldn't hold back his tears. He saw his daughter glowing with happiness, which he thought was lost forever. He wiped his eyes and smiled.
Alex stood, turned to face Maria, and dropped to one knee.
With one hand over hers, he said gently, "Maria… Will you marry me again — not as a duty, not as a title — but as the man who has never stopped loving you?"
Maria's lips trembled.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely holding back tears. "Yes, a thousand times."
The room erupted in applause.
A New Beginning Had Begun.
The announcement of the royal wedding swept through the kingdom like a wildfire of joy.
Bells rang in every village.
Markets decorated their stalls with silk banners bearing the crest of the Northern Duke and the Morgan family.
Servants bustled throughout the palace with laughter and delight, and even the nobles — usually cautious and reserved — celebrated openly. It was not just a wedding, but a symbol: a healing of old wounds, and the promise of a future not dictated by shadows.
Elisha personally oversaw the security of the ceremony.
The Empress began guiding Maria through ceremonial duties — advising her on royal customs, dresses, and traditions that made her heart flutter like a girl in love.
Even Raymond, recovering from his injuries, secretly practiced his swordsmanship again — determined to stand as a knight of honor during the ceremony.
The entire kingdom felt like a dream wrapped in light.
But deep beneath that light… darkness moved.
In a forgotten underground hall beneath the southern border of the capital, the cloaked figures gathered again. The veiled woman stood at the center, her gloved hand tightening over a map.
"They've announced the wedding," she said with quiet venom. "Their hearts are full. Their guard is low."
A court noble — face shadowed — leaned forward. "We have men inside. Servants, guests. When the bells ring for the wedding, they'll ring for death."
Another voice: "And the Empress?"
The woman's eyes flickered.
"She's still too protected. But her time will come. First… we take their joy."
She turned to the noble. "Proceed with Phase Three."
He bowed and slipped away.
Back in the Palace
In the bridal chamber, Maria stood before the mirror in a flowing silken gown embroidered with starlight. Elisha stood behind her, securing the final brooch.
"You look like a queen," Elisha said softly.
"I feel like one," Maria replied, then looked into the mirror. "Because I'm marrying someone who treats me like one."
Elisha smirked. "You better not cry. Your makeup is too expensive."
In another room, Alex stood with Raymond and Oliver, adjusting his ceremonial coat.
"Never thought I'd wear this again," Alex said.
Raymond grinned. "You're lucky she said yes."
Oliver simply placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You earned this."
Alex nodded. But even in joy… his instincts tingled.
He placed a hidden dagger inside his sleeve.
Just in case.
As the night of the wedding approached, the palace lit up like a lantern in the dark. Carriages rolled in. Laughter echoed through the halls. Everything was perfect.
But beneath the silver stars… cloaked riders approached the capital's outer gates, disguised as guests.
Inside one of the kitchens… a servant sprinkled a fine powder into a wine barrel.
And in the bride's chamber… a letter had been slipped under the door.
"Don't trust the one standing beside the crown."
Maria looked at it… her smile slowly fading.
The palace was bathed in a golden glow.
Silk banners fluttered in the wind, bearing the combined crests of the Duke of the North and House Morgan. Bells chimed sweet and slow. Everywhere — from the streets to the halls — the people cheered:
"Long live the Duke and Duchess!"
In the Bridal Chamber
Maria stood silent, holding the letter in her trembling hands. Her eyes scanned the ominous words again:
"Don't trust the one standing beside the crown."
Who?
Her mind swirled — suspicion, confusion, unease.
But just then, the door opened gently.
Alex stepped in.
He wore a pristine white suit, the golden crest of the North proudly embroidered over his heart. His hair was brushed neatly, and a gentle, calm glow in his eyes.
But when he saw Maria — radiant in her silver-white gown with sheer sleeves, delicate pearls, and a flowing veil — he stopped for a second. Breathless.
Then he walked forward and silently took her hand.
She tried to smile… but he noticed the worry in her eyes.
With one strong hand, he squeezed hers — a silent vow:
"I'm here. With you. No matter what."
Maria looked down at the letter once more… then slowly crushed it in her hand and threw it into the fireplace.
As the paper turned to ash, so did her doubts.
"Let's go," she whispered.
The cathedral-like ballroom glittered with thousands of crystal lights.
The Emperor and Empress stood at the front, radiant with pride. Elisha, Oliver, and Raymond were present in ceremonial attire. Nobles filled the pews, dressed in their finest.
Suddenly — the gates opened.
A hush swept over the crowd.
There, Alex and Maria stood — hand in hand, stepping forward as if from a fairytale.
Gasps echoed.
Maria, in her gown that shimmered like frost-kissed moonlight, looked otherworldly. A veil of pearls flowed behind her like mist. She walked gracefully, her eyes locked on the man by her side.
Alex — tall, composed, every bit the protector and lover — matched her in his regal white, a sword symbol etched subtly into his belt, just in case.
Together, they walked the aisle.
Every noble bowed.
Every commoner watching from the balconies wept.
They reached the altar. The royal priest, draped in violet and gold, opened the scroll.
"Do you, Alexander Von Luxembourg, swear to protect her in times of storm, stand with her in peace, and walk beside her not as a Duke, but as a man who gives his heart wholly and forever?"
Alex turned to Maria. His voice didn't tremble.
"I vow to keep you safe. To hold your hand through every sorrow. I will never let you fall again. You are my light, Maria — and I will follow you to the ends of the world."
Tears sparkled in Maria's eyes.
The priest looked at her.
"And do you, Lady Maria Morgan, vow to stand beside him — not behind, not beneath — but beside him, as equal in love and life?"
Maria's lips parted.
"I vow to never walk away — even when fear comes knocking. You are my shelter and my fire, Alex. You gave me strength when I lost everything. I promise… to give you all of me."
The priest raised his hand, and with a smile:
"By the heavens and the laws of the Empire, I declare you husband and wife."
Thunderous applause filled the palace.
They moved to greet the Emperor and Empress.
The Emperor took Alex's arm, beaming with pride. "You were born for this moment, my boy. The North couldn't have a stronger heart."
The Empress embraced Maria, her voice warm. "You're my daughter now, truly. I couldn't be prouder."
The music rose.
Couples began to dance.
Laughter echoed in the halls, wine flowed like rivers, and golden lights cast a glow of peace… as if the world had finally righted itself.
Far above, on one of the balconies, a servant watched quietly. She clutched a small vial, filled with swirling black liquid.
A whisper echoed in her mind:
"When the bells chime midnight… you will pour it."
She nodded once… and disappeared.
In another corner, beneath the palace, someone placed a finger to the bricks of an old tunnel.
A hidden gate shifted open.
Steel boots clicked.
Hands adjusted crossbows.
A plan was set.
Back in the hall, Maria leaned on Alex's shoulder, her smile brighter than the chandeliers above.
"I still can't believe it," she whispered.
Alex kissed her temple. "Believe it, wife."
And as the clock slowly ticked toward midnight…
The world waited to see whether love could weather the next storm.
The Night of Bells and Ashes
The ballroom shimmered with light and love.
Maria and Alex, hand in hand, moved through the sea of congratulations. The orchestra played a soft waltz. Goblets clinked, laughter filled the air, and petals floated down like blessings from the heavens.
The Empress was radiant, watching the couple like a proud mother.
The Emperor sipped his wine, a rare smile on his face.
Everything was perfect.
Until—
DONG.
The bell chimed. Midnight.
DONG.
Suddenly—
BOOOOOOM!
The entire palace shook.
The floor beneath them trembled.
Cries of terror erupted.
A second explosion—louder, closer—rattled the chandeliers.
BOOOOM!
BOOOOM!
BOOOOOOM!
BOOM!
Six explosions. One after another.
The final one shattered the eastern tower.
Debris rained from the ceiling. Cracks split across the marble. The scent of smoke and ash filled the grand ballroom.
Screams. Blood. Panic.
Nobles collapsed on the ground. Servants scrambled to protect the royals.
Guards rushed into formation. Mothers shielded their children.
Wine goblets dropped, shattering like the illusion of peace they once held.
"Get down!"
"Protect the Emperor!"
"Where is the Empress?!"
Alex immediately pulled Maria behind him, shielding her with his body.
Elisha and Oliver both drew their swords.
The Commander barked orders to seal the exits.
Raymond grabbed a fallen noblewoman and dragged her out of the hall.
The room was filled with dust, firelight, and chaos.
Maria clung to Alex, her chest heaving. "What… what is happening?!"
Alex's eyes narrowed as he scanned the room. "This was planned. This is an attack."
The Whisper of Treachery
Far above, in the royal clock tower, a cloaked figure watched the destruction below.
"Right on time," he muttered, twisting a ring with the serpent insignia.
From the corridors, two masked figures slipped into the servant's quarters.
They handed small bottles of liquid to the disguised saboteurs.
"Poison their hope. Drown their joy."
In the Ballroom — The Fear Takes Hold
The Emperor stood and shouted, "Guard the Empress! Find the source of the explosions!"
But even his voice couldn't erase the terror that gripped the nobles.
People whispered—
"They're here…"
"Who's behind this?"
"Is it the North again?"
"No—this is something worse."
Suspicion turned inward.
Eyes darted across the room.
Who among them was the traitor?
One noble noticed a servant standing too still, too calm.
Another pointed out a wine jug—untouched—set near the dais.
Paranoia bloomed like wildfire.
Elisha gritted her teeth. "This wasn't meant to kill everyone… this was a warning."
"A message," Oliver growled. "They're trying to tear us apart from within."
Raymond stepped forward, his shirt streaked with dust. "Then let's not let them."
He turned to the nobles.
"Stand with your Empire. Stand with the Duke and Duchess. Stand with the truth."
His voice, firm and proud, echoed through the chaos.
But Then—
A noble staggered forward, eyes wild.
"She did this!" he screamed, pointing at Maria.
"She's from the North! The Duchess—this is her revenge! She brought this curse!"
A silence fell.
Even the dust paused in the air.
Maria stepped back, eyes wide with horror.
Alex's jaw tightened, but before he could move—
SLAP.
The Empress slapped the noble across the face.
"How dare you?" she said, her voice icy. "This woman saved me. She bled for me."
Then she looked at the crowd. "If anyone dares point a finger at her again, they will answer to me."
The nobles, shaken, retreated in silence.
Alex and Maria were escorted to safety.
The Emperor declared a state of emergency.
The palace was locked down.
And as Maria sat with her head against Alex's shoulder in a quiet room, she whispered,
"They're not done, are they?"
Alex didn't answer.
He pulled her closer.
The veiled leader stepped forward in a chamber of flickering light beneath the palace.
The man with the serpent ring bowed.
"Our distraction worked. The royal guard is in chaos. They'll turn against one another soon."
The veiled woman smiled. "Let the royals dance in fear. We'll strike again—where it hurts the most."
She held up a dagger—stained red.
"Now… we aim for the throne."