The kings tensed but allowed it.
I nodded once, trusting her judgment even as worry coiled in my gut. "Be careful my daughter, we will be right here waiting."
Leo followed her down the corridor. I watched them go, the bond pulling tight with the kings' shared instinct to follow. We gave them space but stayed close enough to hear if needed.
The garden courtyard lay quiet under lantern light. I stood at the edge with the kings, hidden in shadow. Lila and Leo faced each other near the central fountain. Their voices carried low on the night air.
"You fought well at the stones," Leo said with a delighted smile. "Your shield turned the tide. Stormborn respects strength like yours."
Lila met his gaze steadily. "Well yeah, thank you but the alliance stands on equal terms. No marriage. No fostering. We trade fairly and protect our own borders."
