The grand dining hall of the Mooncrest Empire's royal palace glowed softly under crystal chandeliers, their light reflecting off polished wooden tables and silver candle holders.
The air smelled rich with roasted meats, fresh herbs, and warm bread —a comforting change after the day's earlier stress.
Nyx sat at the head of a small table set for two, his black hair still a bit messy from time in the library.
He wore a simple shirt and loose pants now, more comfortable for his recovering body.
Across from him, Leyina relaxed gracefully, her white hair flowing like fresh snow over her shoulders.
Her amber eyes looked at him with a mix of love and possessiveness.
Nyami moved quietly around them, her pink hair tied back in a neat braid that showed off her elegant horns.
She wore her maid uniform perfectly, though there was a gentle warmth in her movements from their shared bath earlier.
She placed steaming dishes before them: tender venison stew with root vegetables, crusty bread spread with herb butter, and glazed fruits shining invitingly.
"Everything looks perfect, Nyami," Leyina said in a musical voice as she looked over the food. She leaned forward and looked at Nyx playfully.
"But don't worry about serving him tonight. I'll feed my little prince —he's had a long day."
Nyx felt his face warm and paused with his fork halfway to his mouth. He gently put it down and met her eyes with amusement and mild protest.
"Leyina, come on. I'm not a kid. I can eat by myself."
She pouted dramatically, pretending to be hurt but her eyes sparkled with mischief.
Her white hair shifted as she tilted her head, the candlelight catching its shine.
"Oh hush, Noah. You'll always be my little husband no matter how tall you get or how many dusty books you bury yourself in. Let me take care of you —that's what fiancées do. And after that coma, I need to make sure you're eating right. Open up."
She picked up a small piece of venison with her fork, dipped it in gravy, and held it to his mouth.
Nyx sighed but didn't really resist—her care was so genuine it felt pointless to say no.
He leaned forward and took the bite; the flavors were warm and comforting—earthy mushrooms, tender meat, and a hint of spice warming his chest.
"See? Not so bad," Leyina said softly as she smiled watching him chew.
"You're too skinny after that week in bed. Nyami, pour some wine —something light for him."
Nyami nodded silently and filled their crystal glasses with pale floral wine.
"As you wish, Lady Leyina. Master, if you need anything else..."
"I'm good, Nyami. Thanks," Nyx replied between bites Leyina gave him again. He swallowed and turned back to Leyina eager to change the subject from his 'helpless' state.
The academy had been on his mind since what he found in the library—the next step for him here; a place to grow stronger during the empire's fragile peace.
"So," he asked,
"Have you finished your second year at Mooncrest Royal Academy already? I remember you mentioning exams before... That happened."
Leyina's pout faded into a proud smile as she sipped wine and touched the glass stem lightly before setting it down and picking up another bite for him —a slice of honey-glazed fruit that balanced the stew's richness.
"Yes, I passed with top marks," she said happily.
"My last year starts soon, and you'll join as a first-year right after me. It'll be perfect—we can walk the halls together and have lunch in the gardens. But promise me one thing: don't push yourself too hard on your entrance exam yet; your body is still healing—I don't want you collapsing again."
Nyx accepted the fruit thoughtfully; sticky sweetness clung to his lips as he considered her words carefully.
The academy wasn't easy—it tested magic skills, combat ability, strategy—all things nobles needed to master quickly in their world full of alliances and rivalries.
"But I have to try hard," he said seriously.
"You know why —I don't have any special powers yet: no mana affinity or fighting skill. If I slack off now everyone will see me as weak—especially after Aunt Cyanthia's jab today."
Leyina paused mid-bite looking concerned under soft chandelier light that softened her sharp features making her seem both strong and vulnerable.
Nearby Nyami refilled water glasses quietly and Leyina leaned closer whispering in a low beautiful tone
"That's exactly why you shouldn't worry anymore —there's good news actually wonderful news! Sister Elysiana has summoned you —it's by Goddess Nyxiana's order."
Nyx's eyes widened; he straightened up instantly forgetting about dinner for a moment.
"Elysiana?" he asked slowly —the name stirred memories from stories he'd heard: high priestess of the church of Nyxiana, The sole goddess of Mooncrest Empire.
"But summoned? For what?"
Leyina's amber eyes lit up excitedly; she put down utensils clasped hands together
"Better than that —you've been chosen as Goddess Nyxiana's apostle! It's official —the signs appeared while you were unconscious, Elysiana confirmed through sacred divinations tomorrow morning she'll introduce you to your duties.... the blessings... the gifts apostles receive like strong powers or divine artifacts, you'll be unstoppable at academy, no more weak prince talk."
Her words hung like a blessing stirring something deep inside Nyx.
'Apostle' meant power beyond normal limits,
A direct link to divine forces, but here it felt weird...tied to betrayals he'd read about.
Nyami noticed his change placing a fresh roll on his plate softly saying:
"Congratulations Master —the goddess' favor is rare honor."
"Is that so..." Nyx murmured then turned back curious about Leyina herself.
"If I'm gaining powers what about you? What does goddess grant disciples? Have you awakened something strong?"
Leyina smiled mischievously putting finger to lips twinkling like stars:
"Shh —it's secret....a girl has mysteries especially from curious future husband! Let's just say it keeps me safe, and anyone who threatens us! Now eat...you've got big day tomorrow."
Nyx chuckled shaking head resuming eating while Leyina watched closely; their meal went on comfortably sharing stories about academy life... rival students enchanted duels late-night study sessions.
Nyami chimed in occasionally offering more stew or clearing plates devotedly.
"More stew Master?"
As plates emptied candles burned low Leyina leaned back satisfied dabbing lips:
"Dinner done now about tonight, I'm sleeping with you no arguments."
Nyx nearly choked on water, he was startled, setting glass down glancing at Nyami who hid smile stacking dishes:
"Leyina that's... inappropriate."
She waved hand dismissively rising smoothly gown whispering floor:
"Inappropriate? Nonsense...I'm your fiancée practically wife already. We shared beds when you were sick child this no different except now youry awake so... I can hold properly!"
"But not married yet," Nyx weakly protested voice lacking strength —her obsession going off the roofs now.
He stood chair scraping softly.
Leyina crossed quickly poking chest lightly finger teasing tone but firm eyes demanding no refusal:
"Shut up get to bed stubborn prince or do I carry?"
Nyx raised hands smiling reluctantly
"Fine fine... You win insistent Princess."
"Goodnight, Master, Lady Leyina, rest well." Nyami bowed quietly saying
"Thanks Nyami," Leyina called linking arm with Nyx leaving hall corridors quiet lit by sconces casting shadows palace settling into night.
They walked silently to chambers door closing behind.
Inside room luxurious massive silver-threaded silk canopy bed fireplace crackling low windows framing moon glow.
Leyina released arm moving toward wardrobe back turned selecting night clothes,
"You can Turn around if you're feeling shy," she teased challenge clear.
Nyx faced window moon bright lighting gardens below blue hues hearing fabric rustle soft silk slide then voice close warm,
"All done look now."
He turned breath caught; Leyina wore sheer pale silk nightgown clinging revealing soft curves gentle swell breasts waist lines legs almost transparent firelight showing little but worn confidently white hair loose wild.
"Leyina..." husky voice started but she crossed bed pulling covers back
"Come on now."
He joined sheets cool skin slipped under she followed snuggling side head on shoulder leg over him wrist flick extinguishing lanterns magic leaving moonlight firelight casting shadows over.
"I can't wait having you at academy. walking, classes, studying library with my little husband beside me no more separations"
Nyx wrapped arm waist feeling steady breath subtle warmth skin comforting closeness easing mind knots
"I feel same maybe new start apostle thing... maybe won't feel so out place"
She propped elbows hands by head breasts shifting silk straining outlines clear tempting amber eyes locked intense even shadow
"But listen don't try seducing girls in academy. All those noble daughters fluttering on the new prince... I won't like it if you neglect me."
Her Eyes briefly flashed reddish ember glow in subtle warning.
Nyx cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin. Warm and smooth feeling.
She leaned onto his touch.
"Don't worry nothing to fear always number one no one else close"
She held her gaze then the red softened back to gold.
"Good then."
"Sweet dreams Leyina"
"If you are in them too," she replied sleepy, her voice content. Her hands finding his under the covers.