Adrian, accompanied by Lilith, Abyss, and Selene, Medea and Ava walked through the grand gates of Zarpha, the towering city welcoming them with all its grandeur.

The streets buzzed with life, merchants haggling in the marketplace, and the scent of spiced meats and exotic fruits filled the air. The familiar sound of the city echoed around them, but Adrian's mind was focused on what lay ahead.

Ava, predictably, had little interest in joining them at the palace. She had other priorities. "I'll head to the marketplace," she said with a grin. "I have some business to take care of. I'll meet you all by nightfall."

With that, she disappeared into the crowded streets, her sharp eyes already scanning for profit.

Medea too, had other ideas. "I'm heading to the barracks. I want to check on the general and learn of any new developments while we were gone."

Adrian nodded. "Go ahead. I'll catch up with you later." He glanced at Lilith, Abyss, and Selene. "We'll head to the palace."

Lilith practically purred with delight as they approached the palace entrance. Her eyes sparkled as she took in the gleaming marble and intricate stonework of Zarpha's seat of power. "Ah, it's good to be back. Finally, some real luxury. I was starting to feel like a commoner on the road."

Adrian chuckled as Lilith wove her arm through his. "You've survived," he teased.

The palace staff welcomed them warmly as they entered the grand foyer. A servant stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Lord Adrian, Lady Lilith, Selene, my lady (referring to Abyss)—your rooms have been prepared and cleaned. The Queen is in her private training room."

Adrian nodded, grateful for the efficient work of the staff. "Thank you. Please see that they are shown to their rooms." He turned to Lilith with a small smile. "Go get comfortable. I'll join you shortly."

Lilith stretched luxuriously, already imagining the soft silks and plush cushions awaiting her. "Don't keep us waiting too long," she teased. "I might just prepare the bed for your return."

Abyss, however, was less amused. Her eyes narrowed as she stepped closer to Adrian. "I'm coming with you," she declared firmly in her usual possessive manner.

Adrian sighed, shaking his head. "No, Abyss. I don't need you tagging along. I'll only be a few moments."

Abyss crossed her arms as she accused. "That's what you said last time, and you ended up spending the entire night with Lilith."

Lilith smirked at the comment, clearly enjoying Abyss's jealousy. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, darling," she purred.

Adrian stepped in, hands raised. "Enough, both of you. I won't be long, I promise."

Abyss glared at Lilith but relented. "Fine. But don't make a habit of leaving me behind," she muttered darkly.

With the goddesses finally appeased, Adrian left the room and made his way through the palace halls, heading toward Queen Alannah's private training room.

The sounds of sparring echoed faintly as he approached the heavy oak doors. He pushed them open quietly, his eyes adjusting to the dim light inside.

The Queen was sparring with a tall, muscular opponent. Her golden hair was tied back, and her emerald-green eyes were focused on her opponent. She danced around her partner with ease, landing calculated strikes while dodging their retaliations.

It was a sight to behold—the Queen of Zarpha, a ruler who didn't just lead with words but with action.

As Adrian stepped inside, Alannah noticed his presence almost immediately. She raised a hand, signaling her sparring partner to stop. With a polite nod, the partner bowed and swiftly exited the room, leaving the two alone.

Alannah turned toward Adrian, her serious expression melting into a warm smile. Without hesitation, she crossed the room and embraced him, catching him slightly off-guard.

"Took you long enough to return," she said softly and in relief.

Adrian stiffened for a moment, surprised by the Queen's unexpected display of emotion, but then relaxed, hugging her back. "It's good to see you too, Alannah."

She pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a fond smile. "I'm glad you're back in one piece." Her expression shifted, more serious now. "Faolan told me everything about Brenden. How are the people?"

Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "They're doing better. Rebuilding. We left them with enough reinforcements and supplies to hold their own, but the Shadow Court is still a threat."

Alannah nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "We'll discuss it further during the council meeting, but for now, I'm glad you're back. I've missed your presence here."

She stepped back, retrieving a towel from the nearby bench to wipe the sweat from her brow. "Care to spar?" she asked with an unmistakable gleam of challenge in her eyes.

Adrian blinked, surprised by the sudden offer. "Spar? With you?"

Alannah's smile widened, and there was a playful edge to her tone. "Come on, it would be an honor for me to spar with the hero of the city."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "You're the Queen of Zarpha. You own the city."

"True," Alannah said with a chuckle, "but I want to see if you've gotten rusty since you've been out saving villages."

Adrian hesitated, but the look in her eyes was impossible to refuse. "Alright, fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

They stepped into the center of the room, and Alannah tossed Adrian a practice sword, which he caught easily. The wooden blades clacked against each other as they circled each other.

Adrian allowed Alannah the first strike, blocking it with ease. She moved quickly, landing fast and precise strikes, but Adrian matched her effortlessly, stepping back to parry each attack.

He could see the fire in her eyes, the thrill of the fight, and it was infectious.

"Not bad," he commented as he deflected another blow, his tone teasing. "You've been practicing."

Alannah grinned. "I had to keep up while you were away."

She feinted to the left, and when Adrian went to block, she spun and landed a solid hit on his shoulder. He grunted, more surprised than hurt, and chuckled under his breath. "That was a cheap shot."

"Cheap?" Alannah smirked, stepping in close. "I call it strategy."

Adrian couldn't help but laugh in amusement. They continued to spar, the back-and-forth becoming less about skill and more about enjoying the moment.

There was a noticeable tension between them, not only from the fight but also from the unspoken bond that had always been there between them.

Alannah managed to land another hit, this time on Adrian's side. "Come on," she teased. "I thought you were better than this."

Adrian grinned, knowing he's been playing it off easy with her. "Alright, you asked for it."

In one swift motion, he blocked her next attack and stepped in close, hooking his leg around hers and using her momentum to tackle her to the ground. They landed in a heap, Alannah beneath him, their faces inches apart.

The space between them felt heavier, as their light teasing shifted to something more meaningful. Adrian could feel her breath against his cheek, her body warm beneath his. For a moment, neither of them moved, the tension crackling like electricity.

Alannah's green eyes locked onto his, her chest rising and falling quickly from the exertion of the spar. There was a flicker of something in her gaze—something more than just the thrill of the fight.

"Impressive," she murmured, her voice huskier than before.

Adrian, his heart racing for reasons that had little to do with the spar, allowed himself a small smile. "I aim to please."

Before either of them could say another word, the door to the training room swung open, and Medea entered, her expression as calm as ever.

She took one look at Adrian and Alannah, still tangled on the floor, and raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

"We have company," Adrian muttered, quickly getting to his feet and offering Alannah a hand to help her up.

Alannah took his hand, rising gracefully to her feet, though there was still a playful glint in her eye. "You really know how to ruin a moment, Medea," she teased.

Medea didn't bat an eye. "If it were anyone else, I might have waited outside. But we've just received a letter."

Adrian straightened, the lightheartedness of the spar fading instantly. "From who?"

Medea handed him the sealed parchment, her tone more serious now. "It's from the Count."

Adrian's eyes narrowed as he took the letter, feeling the weight of what was to come pressing down on him once more. The playful banter and sparring were over, and reality came crashing back.

The letter from the Count only meant one thing. He had words about the Shadow Court.

"Have you gone through it?" he asked but Medea shook her head in the negative.

"I'll read it," Adrian said in a steady voice.

Queen Alannah was soon beside him. "Is anything the matter, Adrian?" she asked out of curiosity, noticing the expression on Medea's and Adrian's face.

Adrian didn't respond immediately. Instead, he broke the seal, opened the envelope, and unfolded the letter.

As read through the content, he froze, his eyes growing wide in surprise.

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