Chase slammed his arm against one of the doors, not feeling the sharp pain radiating throughout his arm. He was too preoccupied with his disdain. Leah had left him. She had left him for Leonidas, the man who killed his father. His thirst for revenge was overwhelming but he couldn't help but feel a painful sting in his heart. His head was still clouded with images of Leah. His beautiful, intelligent, kind, ethereal Leah. Chase wanted so badly to let her vanish from his mind but a part of him still wanted to hold on. After all, he was the villain. He didn't deserve the princess. He was cruel and scheming and right when Leah had softened his heart, she left with her prince. If he was always going to be thought of as the villain, he would show them just how evil he could be.
Meanwhile, Leonidas, Leah, and Kylo had made it back to Drastos. Leonidas helped Leah get down and pulled her close to him, gently placing a kiss at the top of her head and whispered in her ear.
"My life, my world, my love. You will be my downfall"
Leonidas picked Leah up and carried her to her room. He closed the door softly behind them and took a moment to gaze at Leah. He stared into her sparkling brown eyes, daring not to look away, in fear she would disappear.
"Leo, I'm not going anywhere"
"Lies...such sweet lies that I so desperately want to believe. I am always in constant fear that you will suddenly vanish in a cloud of mist as soon as I look away"
"I am not nearly as fragile as you believe"
"Of course you are not. You are one of the strongest people I've ever met. I just can't bear when you're in pain or when you're away from me. You are my sun, providing the light my whole world needs to brighten up my day"
"Any you are my moon, having so many angles to discover as if you are ever-changing but in the end, you have always been the amazing man that I know and love"
"As much as I love hearing you tell me you love me, I must start assembling my men. Chase will surely want to fight and I must get ready for the battlefield"
"I must come with you"
"No, you must stay safe here in the castle"
"I am the future queen of Drastos, am I not?"
"Yes, but-"
"Then I will be fighting for my future kingdom beside the future king"
"It will be dangerous. Bloody. Fatal"
"It will be as dangerous, bloody, and fatal for you as it will be for me. Why should I not be given the same opportunity as any of your other soldiers"
"You have not been trained in Drastonian combat. You will be clueless to our commands"
"Then teach me" Leah whispered breathily.
"Very well, my queen" Leonidas whispered back into her ear.