KAMORA
Kamora stood by the window of the room she shared with Lord Maroke, sipping a cup of hot tea with a blanket wrapped around her. The weather was slightly cool, hinting at the coming of winter.
Behind her, Jarosh lay sprawled on the bed, immersed in a book. She took another sip and exhaled softly.
It had been a really long year.
The door creaked open, drawing her attention. She turned quickly, a bright smile lighting up her face as she moved toward her husband, who had just entered the room.
âWelcome home,â she said warmly, stepping into his outstretched arms.
Lord Maroke enveloped her in a firm embrace, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head as he inhaled her familiar scent. She could sense his restraint.
Ever since his recovery, his emotions had been heightened. What started as a simple kiss to her cheek could quickly escalate into something much more intimateânot that she minded.
But her husbandâs fear of causing her further harm held him back. He was worried over how frail she looked, insisting that she seemed weaker now, even though she often told him otherwise.
He blamed himself, and though she had asked him not to several times, he couldnât help it.
âWhat was the verdict?â she asked softly, letting him guide her toward the bed where Jarosh still lay, engrossed in his book.
Lord Maroke eased her down onto the edge of the bed, his touch gentle. Kamora fought the urge to sigh.
It had been weeks since the attack, yet the effects of merging her soul with the killer still lingered. Her magic now caused her unbearable pain, making it hard for her to use it, and she often found herself battling bouts of intense cold.
Though the symptoms were gradually fading, she remained on edge. When she had asked Petal about it, her friend admitted that she had little to no knowledge about such a dangerous spell.
No one she knew had ever attempted it.
âThe princess has been stripped of her rank,â Lord Maroke announced, crouching in front of her.
Kamora stared at him, stunned. âReally?â she exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief.
He nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. âI had to force the kingâs hand. At the end of the day, he may love his family, but he loves his throne more. If he wants to avoid rebellion, he has no choice but to comply.â
âI take it the princess didnât take it well?â
âSheâs the past now,â he replied, his tone firm. âLet her stay there. Sheâll spend the rest of her life in the temple of the Goddess. Hopefully, she remains there until her last breath.â
Kamora studied the hardened expression on her husbandâs face. A few months ago, he wouldnât even have been able to show such emotion.
Watching his expression reassured her that she had made the right decision. If she were to return to the past, she would make the same choice again, without hesitation.
âI love you,â she murmured, cupping his face in her hands. She kissed his eyes, then his nose, and finally his lips.
Lord Maroke responded immediately, capturing her mouth in a fervent kiss. His teeth grazed her bottom lip as he growled softly. The sound sent shivers of pleasure down her spine.
âThere is an eight-year-old child sitting right next to you,â Jarosh interrupted, his young voice heavy with mock disgust. âCould you maybe save that for when Iâm not here?â
Kamora chuckled. She shifted to make space for her husband as he sat beside her. She reached over and scooped up Jarosh, planting an exaggerated kiss on his cheek.
Jarosh rolled his eyes with disgust, but his ears were reddened, betraying his true feelings.
âEverything is finally over,â Lord Maroke said, wrapping his arms around them both. âWe can live in peace now.â
Kamora smiled, her heart full.
Her life had been full of darkness and sorrow, but she would forever be grateful to the heavens for granting her the chance to serve The Dark Noble.
End of Book 1