Chapter 5
The council chamber was thick with debate.
Robes rustled. Voices clashed.
"Your Majesty," a councilor said, "you must secure Princess Alissa's betrothal to Prince Hosea of Aethelgar."
"She is barely fifteen," another protested.
"She is of age for discussion," a third argued. "Aethelgar is the wealthiest kingdom in the North. If we delay, others will offer stronger terms."
Mathias said nothing. He sat unmoving, eyes shadowed by thought.
One councilor pressed further. "Their prince is named after your old friend—the one who saved your life in the war. That debt may win us favor."
"Enough." Mathias's voice cut like steel.
Silence fell.
The king rose. "You are dismissed."
The council bowed and filed out, leaving only General Grendy.
Mathias sighed, rubbing his temples. "This marriage—this alliance—"
Grendy folded his arms. "It would bring strength. But danger too."
The doors opened.
Prince Alistair entered. "Father."
"You're late," Mathias said.
"I heard the council's demands." Alistair took his place beside them. "We cannot trust Aethelgar."
Grendy's tone lowered. "Your Majesty… has the princess shown signs of the craft?"
Mathias hesitated. "No. But if she were to manifest… in Tommen's court—"
"They would burn her," Alistair said coldly.
Another silence.
Mathias clenched his fists. "I made a vow to her mother: Alissa would never suffer what she did. Never."
He looked at Alistair. "Promise me. If anything happens to me… you protect her."
Alistair's jaw tensed. "You will protect her yourself."
Mathias gave him a tired smile. "If the gods will it."
---
That Evening
The kitchen glowed with warmth. Roasted meat, fresh bread, and laughter filled the air.
Alissa sat beside Lady Elena, Adam's mother, a kind woman with dark hair and flour-dusted cheeks.
"Lady Elena, your cooking is magic," Alissa sighed, licking honey from her fingers.
"You flatter me, child," the woman said with a smile.
"You're like a second mother," Alissa said, squeezing her hand.
The door creaked open.
Adam entered, boots muddy and shovel slung over his shoulder.
"You're filthy," Alissa teased. "Farmer boy."
He grinned. "You love it."
"Come," he said. "Walk with me."
---
The Field
They lay in the grass, starlight shimmering above.
Adam fiddled with something in his pocket. "I made you this."
He handed her a simple bracelet—twine, with a carved wooden charm shaped like a heart. Her name etched into it.
Alissa's breath caught. "Adam…"
"It's nothing," he muttered.
"No," she said, slipping it on. "It's everything."
He sat beside her, silent.
She touched the charm. "You always see me—not the title. Just me."
"Always," he said softly.
From the cottage, Elena called her name.
Alissa stood, brushing grass from her skirts. "I must go."
Adam nodded. "Try not to miss me."
She smiled, holding up her wrist. "This says I won't."
As she stepped into the carriage, she looked back.
Adam was still watching her.