The courtyard was filled with the sound of laughter and clinking stones as a group of noble children played a game of strategy and chance, their gathered maids and tutors watching from a distance. Liam sat near the edge, his brows furrowed in deep concentration, a small wooden board spread out before him.
Across from him sat Corin, Aedric's son, who had insisted on the match after mocking Elias for "lurking like a servant's child."
"You even know how to play?" Corin had sneered earlier. "Try not to embarrass yourself."
But now, Corin's smirk had long since vanished. His eyes darted across the board, and he slammed his piece down in frustration as Liam made the winning move.
"I won," Liam said softly, a little stunned himself.
Corin flushed, his face red. "You cheated!"
"I didn't," Liam replied, shrinking back a little. "You rushed me to play. You said..."
Before Liam could finish, Corin stood and shoved the board hard. Pieces scattered across the stones. "You're just a worthless little stray your sister dragged in!"
Some of the other children laughed nervously, unsure whether to join in or back away.
That's when the courtyard fell silent.
Thornak's shadow stretched long across the stones as he stepped forward, tall and still, his gaze cold and sharp as a blade.
"Is this how the heir of Lord Aedric treats those who best him?" he asked, his voice low but carrying.
Corin paled. "Your Majesty....I...."
"You insisted on the match. You lost. And now you humiliate yourself further by proving you can't handle defeat."
The boy opened his mouth to protest, but Thornak's voice cut like frost.
"Clean up the mess. Apologize. And leave."
Corin bent stiffly to gather the pieces, stammering an apology before scurrying off, face burning with shame.
Liam still sat frozen on the stones, staring up at Thornak.
The king knelt beside him, surprising everyone.
"Well played," he said, carefully picking up one of the carved game pieces and placing it back in Liam's hand. "You didn't let him rattle you. That takes strength."
Liam whispered, "He said I was useless."
"You're not," Thornak said firmly, meeting his eyes. "You're here because you belong here. And next time someone forgets that, send them to me."
A grin broke across Liam's face, wide and fierce.
"Okay," he whispered, like he finally believed it.
Thornak smiled faintly. "Now… go wash up, eat something. And if you're still awake later tonight....."
Liam's head lifted slightly, a spark of curiosity in his eyes.
"I'll come tell you a story," Thornak said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "One where the quiet boy outsmarts the wolves who underestimated him."
For a heartbeat, Liam just stared in surprise, then a wide, bright smile broke across his face, the kind that didn't quite know how to stay hidden. He nodded, the carved token clutched tightly in his hand.
"Really? Do you promise?" he sounded so excited.
Thornak extended his hand, palm up. "Lycans keep their word."
Liam placed his small hand against it, sealing the promise.
Later that night...
Soft candlelight glowed across the walls as Mira smoothed the last fold of the quilt and fluffed the pillows around Liam, who sat with his legs tucked under him, clutching his favorite stuffed wolf. The room smelled faintly of lavender and firewood, and everything was arranged with quiet care.
"There," Mira whispered, adjusting the curtains to keep the chill out. "Nice and warm now."
Lara stood by the hearth, nervously smoothing the sleeves of her nightrobe. He told her what happened today and even though he doubted the king will come, she was still a bundle of nerves. She'd just finished helping Liam wash up, and he'd insisted on sleeping in her room again. With their parents back in the village and him still adjusting to palace life and his new school, she hadn't the heart to refuse, and she liked having him near.
A soft knock interrupted the stillness.
Dorian's voice came from the other side of the door. "His Majesty, the King."
Lara froze. Mira's eyes widened, and without a word, she slipped quickly through the side door, offering Lara a subtle, reassuring smile before disappearing.
The door opened, and Thornak stepped inside.
He wore no crown or armor, only a simple dark tunic and breeches, his hair damp at the ends as though he'd recently bathed. The firelight threw golden highlights across his broad frame, and his gaze swept the room before settling gently on her.
"You're still awake," he said softly, closing the door behind him.
Lara straightened instinctively. "Yes, Your Majesty."
His eyes slid to the bed where Liam blinked at him, immediately sitting up. "You came," the boy whispered, excited but sleepy.
"I said I would." Thornak stepped closer and offered a smile. "Didn't I promise a story?"
Liam nodded and scooted over, making space. "You can sit here!"
Lara hesitated, unsure what to do with herself as the king of Vargorath sat on her bed and began telling her little brother a tale about a warrior and a rogue, his voice low and even. Liam leaned in, eyes wide with wonder.
She stayed silent, watching from the side, heart full of questions and emotions she didn't know how to name. The man who commanded armies… was telling stories to her little brother. In her room. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.
By the time Thornak finished, Liam had slumped against him, fast asleep.
Thornak looked down at the boy, then up at Lara. "He's a good kid."
She nodded, swallowing thickly. "He… he's still getting used to being here. Thank you, for letting us stay."
He rose carefully, laying Liam gently back against the pillows and tucking the blanket around him, his movements careful, almost reverent. When he finally turned toward her, the firelight caught in his eyes, making them seem warmer than usual.
"I'd like to show you something tomorrow," he said softly.
Lara tilted her head, curious.
"There's a place across the stream," he continued, "a clearing that catches the first light. We could have breakfast there just the two of us."
Her breath caught slightly at the unexpected invitation. "Breakfast?"
He gave a small nod.
She felt the words before she could stop them. "You're making me feel so special, Your Majesty."
Thornak's gaze held hers. "You are."
Warmth bloomed in her chest, soft and unexpected. She lowered her eyes, a shy smile tugging at her lips.
"I'll be waiting at dawn," he said, his voice a quiet promise.
Then he turned and slipped silently from the room, leaving her standing in the soft glow of candlelight, her heart beating a little faster than before.
....
The morning air was crisp and sweet, laced with the scent of blooming wildflowers and dew-covered grass. Thornak led Lara through a quiet woodland path, their hands loosely joined. He hadn't spoken much since meeting her in the gardens, only offering a small, knowing smile as he gently guided her forward.
When they stepped out into the clearing, Lara paused, her breath catching.
A wide river shimmered just ahead, its banks framed by willows swaying gently in the breeze. Beneath one of them, a thick blanket had been spread across the grass, with a modest setup of fresh fruit, warm bread, a pot of tea, and two porcelain cups. The morning sun filtered through the trees, painting everything in soft gold.
"Oh," she said softly. "It's beautiful."
Thornak watched her with quiet satisfaction. "I thought you might like it."
"You planned all of this?"
He nodded once. "I wanted to share a moment with you, away from everything."
She looked at the river, then back at him, her voice low and warm. "That's very thoughtful of you, Your Majesty. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Lara." His gaze lingered on her a beat longer than necessary. "And out here… you don't have to call me that."
She hesitated, then smiled gently. "Thornak, then."
He gestured toward the blanket, and they sat. As she poured them both tea, she cast him a sidelong glance.
"I don't think anyone's ever done something quite like this for me."
"I hope it won't be the last," he said simply.
She flushed, lowering her gaze to the cup in her hands. "You're making me feel very... special."
He reached over, brushing his fingers lightly across hers. "That's because you are."
After breakfast Thornak remembering what Dorian had told him earlier, asked Lara, "so I have heard that you watch my men every morning," he said. "Would you ever want to be out there yourself with them?"
Lara glanced at him, surprised. "You mean… fight?"
"Train," he corrected, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "Fight, if you choose to. I could train you myself, if that's something you'd want."
She hesitated, eyes searching his face. "You'd take the time to teach me?"
"If you're willing," he said simply. "You fight better than some of them anyway."
Thornak gave a short nod, pride flickering in his eyes. "Soon."
As they began gathering the last of the picnic things, a low rumble echoed across the sky. Lara tilted her head, catching the scent of rain on the breeze just as the first cool drop landed on her cheek.
Thornak glanced upward. "Really?" he muttered, then reached for her hand. "Come on."
She barely had time to react before he was tugging her gently but firmly, and they broke into a run just as the rain began to fall in earnest. Laughter bubbled up in her throat, light and unrestrained, as they darted through the downpour toward a small wooden shed nestled among the trees.
By the time they slipped inside, both were drenched and breathless.
Lara pushed her wet hair back from her face, her cheeks flushed from running. Thornak's eyes locked onto Lara's, the intensity of his gaze making her feel like she was drowning in their depths. She couldn't look away, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum.
"You're…" he paused, his voice low and sincere. "You look beautiful."
She blinked, suddenly aware of how close they stood in the quiet, dim space. The storm drummed gently against the roof, but inside, everything felt still, held in a soft, suspended moment.
Their eyes met. His fingers, still curled lightly around hers, tightened ever so slightly.
Then, as if drawn by something neither of them could name, he leaned in and pressed a soft, tentative kiss to her lips.
It wasn't demanding or fierce, just warm, reverent, like a question offered in silence.
When he pulled back, his eyes searched hers. "I've been wanting to do that since the first time I saw you."
Lara's breath caught. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she looked down. This was the first time she had been kissed by a man, much less someone like him.
Thornak gently tipped her chin back up with two fingers, his gaze unwavering. "I'm done pretending I don't want to be near you."
She swallowed hard, her heart fluttering wildly in her chest. His thumb brushed lightly along her cheek.
The gentle touch of his thumb on her cheek sent shivers down her spine, and she felt herself leaning into his touch, craving more.
"Thornak," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her eyes fluttered closed as Thornak's lips brushed against hers again, this time softer, more gentle. The world around her melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the magic of the moment.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Lara felt a sense of belonging she had never experienced before. It was as if she had finally found a piece of herself she didn't know was missing.