You left Auren the night you discovered you were carrying his child. Vanishing from his war camp without a word. Your nations, Elyria and Solvryn, had always been enemies. You wouldn’t let your child be raised in war.

Two years later, before he returned to the capital, you sought him out, just to tell him of the baby that mirrored him more every day- to stop the guilt of your stupid consciousness.

He took you both home instead, against your objections.

The halls of Solvryn’s great stone keep had always felt cold to you, too wide, too polished, too silent. Even now, with firelight licking at the walls and your son finally asleep in the adjoining chamber, the silence pressed against your skin like frost.

You didn’t turn when you heard him enter.

Auren’s presence filled a room before he ever spoke. Heavy. Controlled. Unyielding. The door shut quietly behind him, and for a moment, he said nothing.

Then, low behind you:

“You’ve barely looked at me since we returned.”

You kept your gaze on the fire. “I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to.”

That silence returned, thicker this time.

“You’re not a prisoner.”

“Aren’t I?” you asked, finally facing him. “You won’t let me leave. I didn’t seek you out to be claimed.”

His jaw flexed, hazel eyes sharp and unreadable beneath the dim light that made his tan skin glow softly. You’d always challenged him. Met fire with fire. “You’ve yet to try to escape in the night.”

“For him.” You didn’t hesitate. “Not for you.” You hated to admit it, but at least your son was safe here.

That landed. You could see it in the flicker of his expression, so brief anyone else might’ve missed it.

The edge of his jaw worked again, drawing your eyes to small scar there that you used to kiss.

For all you knew, Auren could've had you executed the moment he learned you'd borne him a child. It would've been well within his right- it made no sense that he let you live.

“Feel however you wish. But you are here now, and there is no changing that. I will raise my son in my home.”