Kael stepped into the washroom, letting out a slow breath as she shut the door behind her. The day had been long, filled with encounters, unexpected revelations, and the ever-present weight of being watched. She stripped off her travel-worn clothes, replacing them with something lighter—a loose-fitting tunic, sleeveless to combat the lingering heat of the city, and a pair of dark trousers that allowed ease of movement. With a sigh, she ran her fingers through her slightly damp hair before tying it up in a simple knot at the nape of her neck.
Meanwhile, Riven sat on the edge of the bed, his mind replaying the events of the past days. Something had shifted between them. He could feel it in the way Kael had softened—just slightly, just enough for him to notice. It was different from their usual push and pull. He was becoming aware of her in ways that had nothing to do with her skill in battle or the sharpness of her tongue. It was the way her eyes lit up in quiet curiosity, the way her posture relaxed ever so slightly when she thought no one was looking.
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when he realized how warm his face had become. "Get a grip, Riven," he muttered under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck.
Deciding to change as well, he began unfastening his tunic, tossing it onto the chair before undoing his belt and loosening his trousers. Just as he was about to pull them off, the door swung open.
Kael stood there, frozen in place.
Riven, equally motionless, his fingers still gripping the waistband of his pants, turned his head to her, eyes wide in sheer disbelief. For a moment, neither of them moved nor spoke. The silence stretched unbearably until Kael, eyes slightly widened but voice steady, muttered a quick, "Sorry," before slamming the door shut behind her.
Riven remained in place for another few seconds, blinking at the now-closed door, his face gradually turning red.
Outside, Kael took a deep breath, mentally scolding herself for not knocking first. Great, now that's burned into my memory forever.
A slow knock came from her on the other side of the door. "Can I come in now?"
Riven cleared his throat. "Yeah."
When Kael stepped back in, the air between them was thick with unspoken awkwardness. She leaned against the wooden dresser, arms folded. "So…"
Riven rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Let's just pretend that didn't happen."
Kael smirked. "Oh, absolutely not. I'm holding onto this for the rest of my life."
Riven groaned. "Fantastic."
The tension cracked, giving way to something easier between them.
A sudden glow illuminated the small wooden desk near the window. Kael turned her head just in time to see the enchanted parchment flicker—Jorrik was responding.
Riven picked it up before she could and cleared his throat dramatically. "Let's see what our dear friend Jorrik has to say."
Jorrik: Things have quieted down for now. Fewer assassins lurking about, so either the Queen is reevaluating her strategy, or she's just biding her time. No new suspicious movements in the palace yet, but I'll keep an eye on things.
Riven glanced at Kael. "Well, that's… sort of good news?"
Kael nodded. "For now."
Riven smirked and started writing his own message. How's it feel being a pretend fugitive in my absence? Are you handling the high-stakes role of Kael Veyne well?
Jorrik's response came quickly: It's exhausting. I've never had to scowl so much in my life. My face is cramping.
Riven let out a loud laugh, and even Kael smirked at the response.
Well, keep up the hard work, princess, Riven wrote back. And let us know if anything changes.
With that, the parchment dimmed, and Kael set it aside. But the feeling of unease crept back over her. The sensation of being watched. She turned toward the window, scanning the darkened city streets.
"You feel it again?" Riven asked.
Kael nodded. "Like someone's watching."
Riven frowned, focusing his senses, but after a moment, he shook his head. "I don't sense anything."
She exhaled slowly. "Maybe I'm imagining it."
Still, the discomfort lingered as they prepared for the night.
With the magical lamps dimmed, the room was cast in soft shadows. Riven lay on one side of the bed, arms folded behind his head, staring at the ceiling. Kael lay beside him, facing away, quiet.
Minutes passed before Riven finally spoke. "You asleep yet?"
"Obviously not, if I just answered you," she replied dryly.
Riven chuckled. "Fair point."
A comfortable silence stretched between them before Riven asked, "What was he like? Your brother?"
Kael didn't answer right away. When she finally did, her voice was softer than usual. "He was three when it happened. Small for his age, but full of energy. A troublemaker. Smart, always getting into things he shouldn't. Gave our mother no end of stress. But the moment he heard our father's voice, he'd stop everything and listen. He adored him."
She paused, a faint smile ghosting her lips. "I looked like my father, but my brother was the spitting image of our mother. I wonder… what he looks like now. If he even remembers me."
Riven watched her in the dim light. "I think he does."
Kael turned her head slightly toward him. "How would you know?"
"Because I know you," he said simply. "And I know that if he's anything like you, he hasn't forgotten a damn thing."
Kael didn't reply, but for once, she didn't push him away either. Instead, she whispered, "Goodnight, Riven."
Riven smiled. "Goodnight, sweetheart."
And as sleep took them both, a small creature hidden in the shadows stirred, its large, glowing eyes peering at them curiously.
"Kyuh."