“The attack is neutralised,” Deacon reported, pulling me close to his side. “Kaelen confirmed. Glenda hired about fifty low–level rogues with a reputation for desperation. They were paid with the remaining jewellery she had. They were only capable of chaos, not victory.”
“And the guests?”
“Stable. Shaken, of course. We’ll offer compensation and a full debrief tomorrow. No one was critically injured, thanks to the guards‘ quick response and Kaelen’s. And,” he added, pulling my chin up, “thanks you for showing those nobles how to handle a rogue wolf.”
We didn’t go back to our room. Because right now, that room was still a crime scene, guarded by a team to further investigate. So instead, we went to the study, where we had been just days before, discussing Glenda’s disappearance. It felt like years ago.
We sat together on the sofa, bathed in the soft glow of a standing lamp, the only sound the quiet drip of a leak outside the window. Deacon held me close, his scent filling my senses, blood, sweat, and safety.
“The wedding night was ruined,” I whispered, resting my cheek against his strong, bandaged chest.
“Our vows weren’t,” Deacon countered, kissing the top of my head. “That’s all that matters. We are married, Elena. Nothing, not even Glenda, can take that from us.”
“Glenda?”
Deacon’s jaw tightened. “She’s in the deepest cell, under heavy sedation. Kaelen will arrange for the official charges to be read tomorrow: Attempted murder, high treason, and inciting insurrection. She will face the King’s Justice.”
I
I closed my eyes, picturing Glenda lying cold and unconscious on a stone floor. The woman who had cost me years of pain, who had nearly cost me my son’s life, was finally defeated. And yet, I felt no elation. Only a profound, heavy exhaustion.
Then something struck me. “And Bryson? What happened to him.”
“He disappeared during the initial chaos,” Deacon sighed. “He wasn’t involved in the attack, Kaelen confirmed. He was last seen on the South perimeter, helping a couple of older guests escape before the rogues breached the door. He’s gone.”
“Good,” I murmured. It was the only word I needed for that chapter of my life.
With that, we sat in silence, just resting in each other’s arms. The wedding was over and so was the fight. We had to survive, and hopefully it’s the real end.
“Come on, let’s sleep,” he said when he heard me yawn.
He scooped me up in his arms, ignoring my protests about his injuries. He carried me down the hall to a secondary, smaller bedroom near the infirmary. It was a cosy room, quiet and straightforward.
He lay me down on the bed, pulling the covers over me. He climbed in beside me, pulling me against his warm body, cradling me with one arm.
2/3
Chapter 193
+25 Bonus
“The Kingdom can wait until morning,” Deacon decided, burying his face in my hair. “Tonight, we just
breathe.”
A small smile forms on my lips as I close my eyes and listen to his heartbeat, which seems very effective at easing me.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
