Sitting at her vanity, Freya's lips were curled blissfully as she clasped her earring, humming to herself. Her eyes flicked toward the bed through the mirror, and her smile grew at the sight of her husband putting on his shirt. She was glad to have Mathew here with her, and was initially surprised when her brother offered to invite him, but she wasn't going to argue with William's decision. She just wanted to enjoy having her husband beside her again. She especially didn't mind being a little tired from their lack of sleep together.

  Mathew finished tucking in his shirt and buckling his belt before he looked toward Freya and smiled slightly. "What?"

  Freya shook her head, "Nothing." She got up from the vanity and walked over to him. She gingerly placed her hands on his chest as she shared a kiss with him. She smiled, "I'm just happy you're here."

  Mathew smirked, "I could tell, based on last night."

  Freya rolled her eyes and playfully smacked him on the shoulder.

  Mathew chuckled, watching as she moved around him, heading toward the door. "Where are you going?"

  Freya reached the door and looked over her shoulder, "To check on Nicholas. I want to see how he's holding up."

  Mathew nodded, "Alright." He looked back at the bed, where his formal military top lay. "I'm going to finish getting dressed."

  Freya smiled, "Okay, see you in a bit. Love you."

  "Love you too," Mathew responded warmly.

  Freya opened the door and stepped into the hallway, and flinched as she almost ran into Katarina as she was walking by. "Oh!" Freya smiled, "Good morning."

  Katarina returned Freya's smile, "Good morning."

  Freya's smile faded, seeing something was off, "Everything okay?"

  Katarina sighed, "Tired. Lucian came back late last night from the prison." She began to walk down the hall, and Freya followed. Katarina held a troubled expression as she said, "It seems the prison was attacked last night."

  Freya nearly tripped, "What?! What about the cultist?"

  Katarina's expression darkened, "Gone. The attackers not only slaughtered the guards but also took the cultist."

  "Shit," Freya said tightly. "I'm sure William has already been advised. We'll need to keep a close eye on the children."

  "Lucian already said as much," Katarina stated. "As long as one of us is with them, they'll be fine."

  "Agreed," Freya nodded. Freya sighed, then smiled at Katarina, deciding to change the mood. "So, do you already have a dress for tomorrow?"

  Katarina looked at Freya and shook her head, "No. I was in a hurry to get here and didn't pack one."

  "Perhaps we can go shopping later and find you one."

  Katarina smiled, "That sounds nice." She tilted her head slightly, "We can bring Celine with us as well. She looked like she could use some girl time."

  Freya nodded, "She would, thank you." Freya looked forward as they reached Nicholas' and Elianna's room. "Think they slept okay?"

  Katarina sighed, "I hope so. I offered to stay with Elianna, but she said she was fine. I almost just stayed anyway."

  Freya watched as Katarina approached Elianna's door, but her gaze flicked to the guards standing by, who shared an uneasy look. Freya's eyes narrowed on the guards, "What is it?"

  Katarina stopped and looked at Freya before following her gaze, eyeing the guards.

  The guard on the left side of the door shifted uncomfortably, "Uh—" They cleared their throat. "Lady Elianna is not in her room, Your Highness."

  "Oh," Katarina said. Her brows raised, "Where is she?"

  Freya's brows furrowed, "And why are you by her door if she's not in there?"

  The guards shared another look before the one who spoke looked across the hall. Freya and Katarina whirled around, seeing the guards standing in front of Nicholas' room flinch, before awkwardly looking away.

  Freya's eyes slowly widened as realization set in, "Oh, absolutely not." Freya stormed up to Nicholas' door and didn't bother knocking as she thrust it open, "Nicholas!"

  Nicholas and Elianna shot up in bed, yelping and eyes wide, as a storm of emotions flooded through Freya. But the first thing she noticed was that they were both dressed.

  Katarina hurriedly followed Freya in before she froze, blinking. "W-What are you two doing?"

  Doors in the hallway opened, and footsteps grew closer. A second later, Mathew and Lucian appeared in the doorway.

  Mathew quickly said, "I heard yell—" His brows slowly rose, "O-Oh." He bit his lips between his teeth, hiding his grin as he stifled a chuckle.

  Freya's head snapped to him, her blazing eyes narrowing on her husband. Her eyes flicked to Lucian, seeing his expression tight, with his intense gaze locked on Nicholas like he was acquiring a target.

  Lucian's voice was low as he said, "Did you two sleep in the same bed last night?"

  Nicholas and Elianna shared a gaze, their faces turning red, before they looked back at their parents.

  "Y-Yeah," Nicholas said, his voice small.

  "But we just fell asleep," Elianna said quickly.

  Lucian hummed, his gaze never leaving Nicholas.

  "An interesting morning it seems."

  Everyone turned around, seeing William standing in the hall, his hands clasped to the small of his back. Concern filled Freya's gaze as she noticed the bags under her brother's eyes.

  William's gaze shifted between everyone, "Breakfast is being prepared. Please, join me in the dining hall." His eyes flicked to Freya, "I've called for a council meeting this morning after breakfast."

  Freya looked at Katarina, then at William, "I was planning to go shopping with Katarina. If you need me there, can Mathew take my place?"

  William looked at Mathew, then at Freya, and nodded, "That's fine. We should have a Tri-Union representative there anyway." He turned and began making his way down the hall. "See you all at breakfast."

  Katarina took a deep breath and looked at Nicholas and Elianna, who stared at their parents silently, "Get ready for breakfast and meet us in the dining room, Elianna." Elianna silently nodded. Katarina turned and looked at Lucian, who was still glaring at Nicholas. "Come on, Honey."

  Lucian grumbled before he nodded. He stared at Nicholas a moment longer before turning and heading down the hall with Katarina.

  Freya looked at Nicholas, "You too, Nicholas."

  Nicholas nodded, "O-Okay."

  Freya turned, and her eyes narrowed on Mathew, who was still grinning.

  "Oh, come on," Mathew chuckled. "They're kids."

  Freya's glare intensified.

  Mathew rolled his eyes, "Come on, let's go."

  Freya gave Nicholas one last scolding look before closing his door and following Mathew down the hall.

  "It's not like they hurt anyone," Mathew stated.

  "They shouldn't be sharing a bed to begin with," Freya stated firmly, as she walked toward Celine's door. She was about to knock when the door opened, and Celine appeared, looking tired.

  Celine rubbed her eyes, "What's going on? What's with the commotion?"

  Freya smiled at her daughter, "Oh, nothing. Do you feel like having breakfast? They're preparing it."

  Celine nodded, "Alright. I'll head down in a moment."

  Freya smiled, "Alright, see you soon." Freya turned and began to walk beside her husband down the hall.

  Mathew looked at Freya, "So, why do you think your brother called a meeting?"

  Freya's expression tightened, "Because the cultist escaped." Mathew's eyes widened. "And I'm sure my brother wants answers."

  ***

  "That was embarrassing," Elianna said, covering her face with her hands.

  "Oh, for sure," Nicholas sighed as he lay back in bed. His eyes flicked to Elianna, seeing her sitting there. "Did you sleep okay, though?"

  Elianna looked toward him, her cheeks reddening a little as she smiled slightly, "Yeah."

  Nicholas returned her smile, "Same." He looked at Elianna curiously, "Anything you want to do today?"

  Elianna looked to the side, "Well. I was thinking..."

  Nicholas sat up, "Thinking what?"

  Elianna looked toward Nicholas, "What do you think about asking my dad to spar with both of us?" She shrugged, "It could be beneficial, you know?"

  Nicholas paled a little, thinking about the look Lucian had just given him, "I don't know. I think your dad might be mad at me."

  Elianna chuckled a little, "I don't think so. It could be nice to help get us stronger and work on our teamwork." Her eyes fell, and her smile faded as she swallowed hard. "It could help us be better prepared if..."

  Concern filled Nicholas' eyes, before he reached out, taking her hand, "Okay. Let's ask him at breakfast."

  Elianna smiled at Nicholas, "Sounds good." She pushed the blankets off her and quickly got up. "Thanks for letting me stay."

  Nicholas returned her smile, "You're always welcome to stay."

  Elianna blinked before a rosy tint appeared on her cheeks. "Good to know." She turned and walked toward the door. She opened it and shot Nicholas a smile, "See you at breakfast."

  Returning her smile, Nicholas said, "See you at breakfast." He watched as the door closed behind her, then lay back in his bed. As he lay there, his smile turned into a grin as he thought about how wonderfully he slept.

  ***

  William sat straight in his chair in the council room, a loud silence filling the air, with the only sound being him tapping his fingers along the table. His eyes had a stern glare as they darted between Helena and Gaelin, who were situated in their seats along with the other council members.

  Taking a deep breath, William spoke in a firm tone, "Explain how this happened."

  Gaelin and Helena shared a gaze before Gaelin looked at William and said, "The cult must've had assistance from someone on the inside, Your Majesty."

  Tysandra raised a brow, "You mean there is a traitor amongst your ranks?"

  "We're not sure," Helena stated, looking troubled. "But it's definitely a theory."

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  William's eyes narrowed, "And why do you have this theory?"

  "Because," Gaelin began. "They waited until neither Helena nor myself were standing guard to make their move. Someone must've told them we weren't there."

  "And where, per se, were both of you when this happened?" Eadon asked, his tone sharp. "Why wasn't at least one of you there?"

  Gaelin narrowed his eyes on Eadon, "I was with Lucian Vail at the time. We were on our way to the prison while making plans to utilize our forces together."

  Eadon's gaze snapped to Helena, "And you?"

  "Mind your tone with me," Helena stated firmly, meeting Eadon's gaze. She sighed, "I was at the garrison at the time. We had a scheduled meeting to go over our changes to the defensive plans."

  Eadon shook his head, "Still. One of you should've been there. Or, at least have left high-level magic users to stand guard."

  "We did," Gaelin sighed as he leaned back into his chair. "Captain Stemland was there. He was a six-star augmentor."

  "Master Wenna was there as well. A seventh Circle mage." Helena closed her eyes for a moment before she whispered, "And a friend."

  "No one guarding the cultist was below the fifth level," Gaelin said, looking at Eadon.

  Eadon's eyes widened, "What?" He shook his head, looking baffled. "Then how... were they ambushed?"

  "We don't know," Helena said. "But there were no signs that the guards had a chance to fight back. They not only killed the guards but also slaughtered everyone in that wing, soldier and prisoner alike."

  Francis' eyes narrowed, "They didn't want any witnesses."

  "Our conclusion as well," Gaelin said.

  "But this begs the question," Tysandra began, looking deep in thought. "Traitor or no, how did that many cultists sneak into the prison in the first place without being seen or sensed?"

  "You're all assuming."

  All eyes flicked to Mathew, who was sitting beside William, Freya's usual seat. Mathew was leaning forward, elbows braced on the table and hands clasped together, as he looked down, deep in thought.

  Mathew's sapphire gaze raised, and he looked around the table, "You're assuming a large group of cultists snuck past the guards. Not just knights, but mages who are trained to sense mana disruptions and mana signatures. If there was a group that large, they wouldn't have been able to conceal their presence."

  Eadon shook his head, "Then what else could it have been?"

  Mathew's intense gaze flicked to Eadon, "A high-level magic user. Someone of significant skill."

  "You're suggesting one person did this?" Eadon asked, sounding unconvinced. "Impossible. Like Helena and I said, we had high-level magic users of our own there. There is no way one person could've taken them all, even if they were eighth level."

  Mathew's eyes fell to the table, "I'm not suggesting an eighth-level magic user."

  Helena's brows furrowed, "Surely you're not suggesting a ninth level? That's impossible. There are only four—"

  "Is it though?" Mathew interrupted, his eyes snapping to Helena. "Can you say beyond a reasonable doubt that a ninth-level magic user didn't slip under the radar of the kingdoms, and is aligning with the Infernal Cult?"

  "That's just speculation and conjecture," Eadon said, shaking his head. "There is no proof to support that theory."

  "There's no evidence to prove it wrong, either," Mathew argued. "But, it would explain how everyone was slaughtered so quickly. Even the most skilled assassin would have a difficult time against five high-level magic users."

  The table fell silent, with Gaelin and Helena sharing a wary gaze.

  William stared at Mathew, his fingers drumming the table as he looked like he was contemplating his theory.

  "Either way," Eadon began, looking around the table. "Neither bodes well."

  William grumbled, "Agreed." His eyes shifted to his right, looking at the empty seat where Nicholas would sit. "We don't know the cultist's motives for targeting my son." His gaze snapped up, darting between Helena and Gaelin. "I want you to conduct inspections of the ranks, looking for any possible traitors. I also want you to ensure all defenses are immaculate."

  "Yes, Your Majesty," Gaelin and Helena said.

  "Your Majesty," Francis began. "If I may. Do you think it would be in the best interest to cancel the engagement party for Tristan?"

  William leaned back into his chair, "On the contrary. I think a jovial occasion is just what we need around here. This recent incident has darkened the mood and put everyone on edge. This will give us a chance to relax."

  "Speaking of the princes," Tysandra began, eyeing the empty seats. "Where are they?"

  "Tristan didn't want to attend this meeting," William sighed. "And I didn't feel like forcing him to come." William's eyes flicked to Nicholas' empty seat. "Nicholas still seemed shaken this morning at breakfast. He wanted to spend time with Lucian and Elianna, which I permitted."

  "Nicholas and Elianna are both safe with Lucian around," Mathew declared.

  Gaelin nodded, "Admittedly, I feel a lot better with the White Wolf in our midst."

  "Agreed," William said. William took a breath before looking around the table. "Before we adjourn this meeting, is there anything else we need to discuss?" Everyone shook their heads. "Then we're adjourned."

  The chair's legs scraping against the floor echoed through the room as everyone began to stand up from their seats. As Mathew stood, William looked at him and said, "Mathew, stay if you please."

  Mathew's brows raised before he nodded and took his seat. "What is it?"

  William looked at the doors, watching as everyone filed out. Once everyone was gone, William looked back at Mathew, "How is Celine? I know she felt somewhat responsible for the incident with the cultist."

  Mathew looked surprised, before he sighed, "She still feels awful, but Freya and I reassured her. She seemed to be doing better this morning. She was excited to go with Freya and Katarina to find Katarina a dress for the event tomorrow."

  William nodded, "Good. I ask since I noticed she was avoiding eye contact with me yesterday, and this morning."

  Mathew gestured to William, "She actually was worried you would be furious with her."

  William's eyes fell, "The only person I was truly furious with was the cultist." His fists clenched, "And now they're gone." He shook his head, "We never learned the cultists' motivations either."

  Mathew leaned forward, "With my entire division now in the city, we can bolster the palace's defenses while scouring the city. The cult would be stupid to try something, especially with Lucian around."

  William nodded, then looked at Mathew, "Have you briefed your lieutenants on their orders?"

  Mathew nodded, "Lucian and I met with them today. My soldiers are already performing their duties. Master Yenfra is overseeing the operations and staying in contact with the lieutenants and experitors. Once I leave here, I'll link up with her to see how everything is going."

  William nodded, "Very good." He stood up from his seat, "Keep up the good work."

  William began to make his way around the table, heading for the door when Mathew asked, "Can I ask you something?"

  William stopped, then turned and looked at Mathew, who was standing now, eyeing him. William nodded, "Go ahead."

  Mathew tilted his head slightly, "Why did you invite me here?"

  "You're Freya's husband, Celine's father, and Nicholas' uncle. You have a right to be here."

  Mathew shook his head before, "That's never stopped you before. It's no secret you never liked me."

  William's brows raised, and a small chuckle escaped his lips.

  Mathew's brows furrowed, "Am I wrong?"

  William let out a sigh, "I never disliked you, Mathew. You're a good man. I just knew that once my sister married you, there was no getting her to come back to Gavaria. I suppose I held that against you, but I never held any animosity toward you. As to why I invited you here, it's because of Freya. She was obviously troubled, and I knew she could use your presence."

  Mathew blinked, "Oh, well, thank you."

  William nodded, then chuckled, "Besides, I'm sure Nicholas appreciated you trying to quell my sister's wrath this morning."

  Mathew laughed, "You mean when she and Katarina discovered Nicholas and Elianna in the same bed?" He scratched the back of his head, "I'm wondering if Nicholas is regretting him and Elianna asking Lucian to help them train."

  William smirked, "Based on Lucian's expression this morning, I don't doubt it."

  ***

  Elianna was kneeling on the floor, breathing heavily, sweat dripping from her forehead and splattering onto the wooden floor beneath her. She leaned her head against her sword, which she was using to help prop her up, thankful for how cool the metal felt against her skin.

  Trying to control her breathing, her eyes flicked to Nicholas, who was lying flat on his back. His sun-kissed skin was covered in sweat, and his tank top hugged his torso, showing off his pecks and abdominal muscles. Elianna's cheeks heated as she watched Nicholas' chest rise and fall rapidly, while wiping the sweat from his brow.

  Swallowing hard, Elianna said between breaths, "Are. You. Okay?"

  Nicholas took a few more deep breaths, coughing a little, before he slowly nodded, "F-Fine."

  They both fell silent, trying to regain their breath, before Elianna looked toward her father. Lucian was casually standing along the wall beside the table, resting his sword against his shoulder, as he sipped water from a goblet. She shook her head, seeing he didn't look tired; in fact, he barely had broken a sweat.

  "He's really giving us a workout," Elianna stated, her breathing normalizing. She looked at Nicholas, "But it seems like he's going harder against you."

  Nicholas looked toward Elianna and spoke flatly, "I've noticed."

  "I don't know why," Elianna began. She looked to the side, her face warming, "We already told him all we did was fall asleep." She looked back at Nicholas, feeling concerned, "Are you sure you're okay? You're not hurt, are you?"

  Nicholas' lips curled, "I'm fine. Don't worry about me." He shrugged, looking to the side, "Besides, this workout is worth it."

  Elianna's cheeks turned crimson as she averted her gaze, her lips curling, as she shared the same thought.

  "Alright," Lucian said as he casually walked over. He raised his sword before placing the tip lightly against the floor, while resting his palms on top of the pommel of the hilt. "You two ready to call it a day?"

  Elianna and Nicholas shared a gaze before they both looked at Lucian and simultaneously said, "No."

  Lucian's brows raised before he sighed, "Take a seat, you two."

  Nicholas and Elianna looked at each other, confused, before they both got into sitting positions. They watched as Lucian stored his sword in his ring before sitting down across from them.

  Lucian looked between them before meeting Nicholas's gaze with a softened expression, "First off, I'm sorry for going so hard on you."

  "I knew it!" Elianna yelled, pointing at her father. "You were going harder on him!"

  Lucian looked to the side and covered his mouth as he coughed, "Anyway." He looked back toward them and sighed. "Look, I understand. You two went through something traumatic. Going through a life-or-death situation like that... I know how you feel weak afterward, and you just want to get stronger."

  Elianna and Nicholas looked at each other before their eyes fell, as Lucian was right. They had discussed asking Lucian to help them train in a two-versus-one to become stronger and improve their technique.

  Lucian leaned forward, "But listen to me." Elianna and Nicholas looked toward him. "You two aren't going to get stronger in just one day. You can't overwork yourself. You need to rest."

  Elianna's eyes fell, "How can we rest when the cultist is still out there?"

  Lucian's eyes widened, "How did you..."

  "I overheard some of the guards," Nicholas said. "We know he escaped."

  Lucian sighed, "I'm not going to lie to you. Yes, he did escape. But you two are perfectly safe. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

  "But you can't always be there," Elianna argued. "We need to get stronger." Her hands clenched into fists, "I don't want to go through that again."

  Lucian's eyes softened on his daughter. He looked between Nicholas and Elianna before he sat straight, "Here, let me give you some advice. You two came face-to-face with a powerful adversary. From what you described to me, you did well channeling each other. It's no secret that when you channel together, you're powerful. But, strength alone doesn't always win a battle."

  Elianna and Nicholas looked confused. "What do you mean?"

  Lucian pressed his hand to his chest, "Do you think that just because I'm a nine-star I'm invincible?" He shook his head, "No. No matter how strong you get, you can always be defeated by strategy and skill."

  Nicholas shook his head, "So, what? Elianna and I could've beaten that guy even if we weren't channeling?"

  Lucian shrugged, "It's possible. It sounds like the mage was also overconfident, since you were both weaker than he was."

  "You think he was overconfident?" Elianna asked.

  Lucian nodded, "Yes. Especially since he only focused on direct spells." He looked between Nicholas and Elianna, "With a sound strategy, you can defeat more powerful enemies." He looked directly at Nicholas, "Tell me, Nicholas. Why didn't you create a construct against the cultist?"

  Nicholas blinked, "I... I don't know."

  Lucian smiled, "It's because you were meeting the cultist's attack style. It's common for people to fall into tunnel vision, focusing only on exchanging blows or spells rather than on strategy." He looked between Elianna and Nicholas, "I'm not saying to forgo trying to become powerful. But try to focus on building your skills and strategy as well. Also, don't fall into the hole of overworking yourself to become stronger. Don't let this experience consume you, and persevere forward." He smiled, "Okay?"

  Elianna and Nicholas looked at each other, processing what Lucian said, before they looked forward and nodded. "So," Elianna began. "Can we practice our skills and strategy then?"

  Lucian chuckled, "Not right now. Now, you need to rest." He looked past Elianna and smiled. "Besides, it looks like your mother is back."

  Elianna and Nicholas followed Lucian's gaze as they saw Freya, Katarina, and Celine walking toward them.

  Katarina smiled at her daughter, "Hey sweetie, how're you doing?"

  Elianna smiled as she stored her sword and got to her feet, "I'm good."

  "Have a good training session?" Freya asked Nicholas, approaching him.

  Nicholas smiled and nodded as he also got to his feet, storing his staff, "Yeah." He shared a hug with his aunt, "Even if Mr. Vail went harder on me."

  Katarina was sharing a hug with Elianna when she looked at Nicholas curiously, then at her husband. Lucian just looked to the side and began whistling. Katarina sighed before she and Elianna broke the hug.

  "So, did you find a dress while shopping?" Elianna asked her mother.

  Katarina nodded and smiled, "Yep. Though it was a little weird being surrounded by guards."

  "It was for your protection," Lucian stated.

  Katarina smiled at her husband, since he had placed extra security to escort her. "I know, Dear."

  "It was nice to get out and about," Freya said, then looked at Nicholas. "Now, why don't you go get showered? Celine and I were thinking about spending some time with Josephine, and you should join us."

  Nicholas raised his brows, then looked at Elianna, "But—"

  "Elianna will be busy," Freya said.

  Elianna looked surprised, "I will?"

  Katarina smiled and nodded, "Yes, you will."

  Elianna and Nicholas shared a confused gaze.

  "Come on, Nick," Celine said as she reached out and grabbed his arm. She began to pull him toward the exit, "The sooner you shower, the better. You stink."

  "I do not," Nicholas argued.

  "Do too."

  Freya chuckled as she followed Celine and Nicholas out of the room.

  Elianna looked at her mother curiously, "What am I going to be busy with?"

  Katarina smiled at her daughter, "Well, Sweetie, as you know, the engagement party is tomorrow."

  Elianna nodded, "I know."

  Katarina chuckled, "Well, as I'm sure you're aware, Nicholas will be escorting you."

  Elianna's face heated, and her lips curled slightly, "I heard."

  Katarina nodded, "Well, as your escort, you're expected to dance with him."

  Elianna blinked, her face getting hotter, "I am?" Her eyes widened, her stomach dropping, "Wait! I don't know how to—"

  "I know," Katarina reassured. "Freya told me about Nicholas escorting you, so we came up with a plan. I'm going to teach you how to dance."

  Elianna looked surprised, "You are?" She tilted her head, "Do you know how?"

  Lucian stiffened a laugh, and Katarina shot him a glare.

  "Yes, I do," Katarina said, staring at Lucian, before looking at Elianna.

  "Does Nicholas even know how to dance?" Elianna asked.

  Katarina chuckled, "I've been assured he does, as he was taught how when he was younger."

  Elianna took a breath, suddenly feeling nervous. She definitely didn't want to embarrass herself in front of others, especially Nicholas. She nodded, "Okay."

  "You two have fun with dance lessons," Lucian said, walking toward the exit. "I'm going to check in with Mathew and Gaelin."

  "Be careful," Katarina said to Lucian.

  Lucian smiled at Katarina, "I will."

  Elianna watched as her father left the training room, then looked at her mother as Katarina turned to face her.

  "Now," Katarina smiled. "First things first. Take a shower and get dressed in something casual, and make sure to wear dress slippers. I'll wait for you here."

  Elianna nodded and began walking toward the exit. As she walked toward the exit, she felt a little nervous at the idea that she was going to dance with Nicholas tomorrow. She knew she would have to pay close attention to her mother's lessons so she could look good.

  But, despite her nervousness, she also felt excited as she would be dancing with Nicholas tomorrow.