"I stopped cutting my hair. There is no need to use sweet words to convince me otherwise."
"And that was the best decision you ever made; no one should make you hate a part of yourself."
My gaze sharpened. "I'll always hate my hair; not cutting it did not change that."
A faint smile touched his lips. "Then allow me to alter that perspective."
At this point, I think he might; there was something admirable about him I couldn't explain as well as annoyingly irresistible.
I froze, panicking at my thoughts of endearment. I clutched some berries and shoved them into his mouth as a distraction. "These berries are very juicy, try them."
I made sure I used my palm to press his mouth so that he would chew on them. His eyes narrowed, and it seemed as though he was delighted.
I was thankful he leaned away to swallow the entire thing, tongue swiping briefly to taste his lips. "You're right, it is sweet."
My attention was entirely focused on his lips, but I quickly averted my gaze. "C-Care to tell me about you, my liege?"
"Ask away."
That was far simpler than I thought. I was hoping he would avoid it, this was an opportunity I was willing to take.
"How long have you been away from Valkanor?"
A wistful glint found his eyes. "A very long time."
So that part of the rumors was true, then? The books and stories alike mention that Drevon Balthar was sent to war at the age of ten, and years later, he ended the war under his rule.
With great responsibility given at such a young age, I couldn't imagine how it felt to be sent off to a war that would decide the fate of the world.
The origin of the war was vague, but I knew enough that vampires and Lycans were sworn enemies.
"How long?"
"It's been twenty-five or more. Lost count."
"All this time in the heat of battle?"
He smiled. "And a place I prefer to call home. You spend a long time amidst the elements of warfare, and it becomes one."
"How do you feel now, going back to your place of birth after so many years?"
He rested the back of his head on the chair, lost in thought. "Truthfully, I don't know."
My future is bleak.
That one thought echoed in my head. I was hoping to get a picture of what awaited me, but Drevon had spent years of his life in war and had no idea what to expect.
In a way, we were the same, oddly so.
"I'm sure your people will be joyous when you get back," I said, hoping to ease the mood.
Drevon didn't reply to that matter and said. "Eat, little wife."
He didn't need to tell me that, I was already filling my plate with another round of pastries.
As I chewed through the delightful meal, my eyes found a bunch of tulips in a vase.
I keep seeing those everywhere.
~•~
After days of travel, we arrived at the Lycan's domain. And all through that period, it was raining cats and dogs. It became harder to camp because of the wild wind, hence we were on horseback for a long time.
I've lost count of the number of times I fell asleep and woke cradled in Drevon's arms. I didn't even have the liberty of an embarrassment because I was too busy shivering like a rat.
I took Talia's brew from the flask, and it was the only thing keeping my body from breaking down. I was soaked to the bone despite being covered in both my cloak and Drevon's.
We rode at speed, blurring through the woods. I could barely see anything and kept my eyes closed all through, praying we got there in time before my body gave up on me.
Suddenly, we came to a halt.
"Eloise," Drevon said softly. "Look, we're here."
I fluttered my eyes open. Everything was hazy at first, but when it cleared out, the lightning streaked the skies, and I gasped.
This was certainly not Beloria, not even compared to it. It was a vast empire nestled between the rivers and grasslands, stretching as far as my eyes could see, fading away into the mist.
There were towering walls of black stones, marble towers, iron gates, and bridges that flowed through the land like pathways.
But it wasn't the Capital that seized my wonder, but at the heart of it, at a high, misty cliff, was what I believed to be Drevon's castle—a colossal fortress with towers piercing the clouds, crowned with banners. The forest grew wild around the base like a closure towards nature, making it seem more magical than terrifying, like I hoped it to be.
"It's beautiful," I muttered under my breath, taking in the spectacle. I wasn't able to detail everything because of the heavy downpour, but just a glimpse got me awestruck.
"You think so?" Drevon amused. "You should see it from this cliff when it's not raining. I remember how the sun will shine on everything."
He sounded wistful as he recalled the moment, almost like he could see it before his eyes.
"I'll bring you then."
He would?
"Hold on just a while, we will be closer in an hour."
I stroke a nod.
The horse neighed as Drevon pulled on the reins, leading the army down the cliff as we rode down to Valkanor.
We sped through the Capital, and I shut my eyes as the rain beat against them. The sound of galloping noise was sharper.
Just when I thought it would never end, we came to another abrupt halt.
A rusty screech echoed as the gate opened, grasping my attention, followed by the thunder striking through.
I flicked my eyes open and found that we were within the castle grounds.
Before us was a very large company, I lost count at twenty, including the knights standing like statues. They gave a low bow, thrusting their clasped hands forward.
The person who stood in front spoke in a firm tone. "Son of Balthar. Goddess chosen. The terror of the snow-bloods. Alpha-General of the Great Army of Valkanor and Monarch. We welcome you home."