REONE
He strode into the council chamber, and every head immediately turned toward him.
Commander Varek smirked. "Late for the first time? Feeling all right, Lieutenant?"
Slightly embarrassed, Reone rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry. Got held up."
Across the table, Rhys shot him an amused look.
Varek cleared his throat. "Now that everyone's finally here, shall we begin?"
Nods and murmurs of agreement filled the room.
They wasted no time.
The meeting was yet another review of the security plan for Rhys and Mia's wedding—for what felt like the tenth time. Reone insisted on checking every detail again.
Rhys sighed, smiling. "Arent you satisfied,Reone?You've gone over this plan more times than Mia's gone over her vows."
Reone shot him a look. "Unlike your vows, Rhys, I can't afford to miss a detail."
"So dramatic," Rhys leaned back, teasing.
"So reckless, " Reone countered dryly.
"Yeah, you're one to talk."
"Everything looks in order to me. I'd say we can wrap this up," Varek cut in, ending the back-and-forth.
"Agreed," Rhys said firmly. "Meeting dismissed."
Everyone filed out until only Rhys, Reone, and Varek remained.
The weight of responsibility sat heavy on Reone's mind.
"As your best man, I have to say—I have a bad feeling about this," Reone said immediately. "It's too risky to hold the ceremony while Damon's still active."
Rhys's tone was calm but firm. "Nothing's stopping me from marrying Mia. I've waited long enough."
"But it's risky—for both of you," Reone pressed.
"That's why I have you," Rhys replied with a grin. "Try to relax,lieutenant."
"Relax…" Reone muttered.
"Yeah," Rhys chuckled. "It's a wedding, not a war."
Reone narrowed his eyes at this, seeing the worry beneath Rhys's calm words.
"You dont really believe that." Reone said flatly.
Varek interjected, trying to ease the tension. "Reone, Rhys is the King. It's his decision. If he wants to get married now—"
"Fine," Reone said with a shrug. "But don't say I didn't warn you."
"Noted," Rhys replied, smiling. Then his grin turned sly. "Now tell me—why were you really late?"
Reone cleared his throat, avoiding his gaze. "I had… an errand."
Rhys leaned forward, smirking. "That's the worst lie I've ever heard. I'm disappointed in you. You ran into her, didn't you?"
Reone stiffened. "…Her?"
"I'm talking about a certain musically gifted Sylph," Rhys said knowingly. "Mia told me that Lyrian arrived tonight."
Reone didn't bother denying it. "We said hi."
Rhys laughed. "I knew it!"
Varek looked up from the maps. "What are you two whispering about?"
Rhys grinned. "Reone's ex—Lyrian.She's here.And he's losing his mind."
"It's not like that," Reone said quickly, tone clipped. "And I'm perfectly clear-headed."
"More like thick-headed," Rhys muttered under his breath, earning an annoyed look.
"You should make your move," Varek said with a small smile. "She sounds special."
"She is," Reone said, catching himself. "Was. But that was years ago. It didn't end well."
Rhys grinned mischievously. "Mia tells me she's very much single."
Reone sighed, fighting a pleased smile. "Can we focus on your wedding before you fix my love life too?"
"Why not do both?" Rhys teased. "No reason we can't both be happy."
Reone shook his head. "You're impossible."
A messenger entered, bowing. "Your Majesty, Lady Mia requests your presence to review the ceremony plans."
"You should go," Reone said. "Before bridezilla comes and drags you out herself."
Rhys shot a mock glare but left, leaving Reone and Varek alone.
Varek studied him quietly.
"You're staring," Reone said warily.
The older man smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You've come a long way, Reone. From the reckless cadet from Arcannum… to this. And I'm proud of you. But I wish you'd make a life outside duty."
Reone arched a brow. "That's rich—coming from someone who still lives for his job. You're ancient and haven't retired."
Varek chuckled, squeezing his shoulder. "Ancient, maybe. But not weak."
Reone grimaced faintly, a small smile forming.
Varek's tone softened. "I think of you as a son. That's why I'm saying this—don't make the mistakes I did. Life can't be only duty."
Reone nodded slowly. "Okay,Varek. I'll… think about it."
He truly respected the man. Varek was the closest thing to a father he'd ever had.
"And maybe ask that Lyrian girl out while you're at it?" Varek added slyly.
Reone groaned. "Don't push it, old man."
Varek laughed. "Fine. Big day tomorrow—you should get rest."
"I will," Reone lied. They both knew he'd spend the night double-checking the perimeter.
At the door, Varek paused. "Oh, and your father reached out again. He keeps trying to use his influence to get me to convince you to talk to him."
Reone's jaw tightened. "Typical. Sorry he's bothering you. I wish he'd take the hint."
"I can handle it. He's just a man trying to reach his son," Varek said quietly.
"Please," Reone muttered. "He just wants someone to inherit his empire."
"Maybe," Varek admitted. "But maybe he regrets how things ended. Maybe he wants to make things right."
Reone's fists clenched. His father hadn't changed. Not then. Not now. And Reone wasn't sure he wanted to have anything to do with him. The childhood scars he gave him ran deep.
"Varek," he said evenly, "this is between me and him. Don't interfere."
"Reone," Varek said softly, "if you don't let go, you'll never move on."
Reone stayed silent. Some things even Varek couldn't sway.
With a resigned sigh,Varek left the room.
Reone exhaled,his good mood was ruined now.
His thoughts drifted… to Lyrian and he suddenly felt better. She was probably asleep. Dreaming.She'd be radiant in the morning.
He started to feel something he hadnt felt in a long while,anticipation.
Then he shook it off.
Uh-Uh.
No distractions. Not now. Tomorrow, his only focus was protecting Rhys nd Mia. Nothing else.
*****
Little did Reone know that trouble had already arrived.
Night cloaked the palace in silence.
Through shadowed corridors moved Damon, unseen, his Affinity of Mischief twisting the air, manipulating the resonance itself to his sinister will.
And he had one purpose: kill the false King, Rhys—and claim what he considered his.
Every step brought him closer to the northern suite, where Rhys slept. The wedding preparations had doubled the guards—and the distractions. Perfect chaos.
He would strike tonight.Everything would be over by dawn,Damon was confident.Unlike the allies he had recently gotten himself,who had next to zero faith in him.
But what did they know?Damon thought. They were weak and had proved themselves useless so far.
And they didnt understand that killing Rhys at this time was his destiny.
Damon wouldnt let them influence him.
He turned a corner,and he saw Rhys's door ahead of him.Before he could take another step, a firm hand caught his shoulder.
"Back to your post, soldier," a sharp voice ordered. "Or you'll be very sorry."
Damon froze. He reminded himself that the glamour concealed his identity—but that voice… Reone,Rhys's guard dog.
Anger coiled in his chest.
Damon wanted to strike, tear the disguise away, crush him with his own creations—but not yet. Not until the moment was right.
He forced a salute. "Yes, sir."
Reone gave one last suspicious look before walking on in the direction of Rhys's room.
Damon exhaled slowly and then turned.He knew that With Reone patrolling like a hawk, striking now would be suicide.
He would wait.
But tomorrow, when the palace drowned in celebration,
When crowds masked his presence—
He would strike.
And not even Reone's vigilance could save the King.