THE EXILED MATE OF A RUTHLESS KING 👑

BEFORE THINGS GET CRAZY

Dessert & Family Bonds:

The dessert tray arrived, carrying warm pastries, tiny fruit tarts, and bowls of ice cream that had the youngest Blackwell practically vibrating with excitement.

Alana leaned down toward Preston, teasing, “So…what do you think a mate is, Preston?”

Preston thought seriously, ice cream smeared around his mouth and already dripping onto his shirt. He chewed his words carefully.

“It’s when you are best—bestest fwends with someone… and you guys are together forever! So…Seren can be my mate,” he declared proudly, crossing his arms like a tiny general.

“Yes, baby,” Queen Katerina said softly, laughing as she dabbed at his chocolate-smeared chin.

Preston’s eyes widened. “Then…then I can marry Seren because a mate means you guys are best fwends! Why can Cassius only have one and I can’t?”

Cassius coughed into his hand, trying not to choke on his tea. His sisters rolled their eyes and smirked, the Queen’s laughter filling the hall.

Seren couldn’t help but giggle. “Oh, Preston, you’re lucky you’re so cute. Otherwise, I’d tell you to stop trying to steal my mate.”

“Too late!” Preston squealed, sticking his tongue out at Cassius.

Cassius pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly, the corners of his mouth twitching in what might have been a suppressed smile. “This family is going to be the bane of my existence,” he muttered under his breath.

Alana whispered to him, still smiling, “Don’t worry. They’ll grow on you… eventually.”

The Next Morning:

Sunlight streamed through the castle windows. Seren hugged each of her family members tightly, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. The Merrows had walked the royal halls, met the siblings, and laughed. Everything felt…right.

She finally allowed herself a glance at Cassius. The bond still thrummed lightly, but it felt less like a tether and more like steady ground. She trusted that, for now, he could handle this. After all, the North was vast, and they were in different corners. She could visit, and he could too.

Later, Cassius found a quiet moment with her parents and uncle.

“Thank you,” Jasper said simply, shaking his hand firmly. “I’m glad you’re defending her. It matters more than you know.”

Fleur nodded, eyes soft. “We can see she’s safe. That’s enough.”

Elora leaned on Lysander’s shoulder, grinning. “And I’m just relieved there won’t be a war between our territories this week.”

Cassius gave a faint smile. “I’m glad to hear that,” he said quietly, genuinely.

For the first time in a while, the future king felt the stirrings of something more than vigilance..family. And maybe, just maybe, a future that didn’t require constant wariness.

When the Merrows finally rose to leave, Seren thanked the King respectfully. Hugged Preston goodbye. Exchanged a warm smile with the Queen.