The Stolen Heir’s Bond

Elaria should have run.

Even as she clasped Kael's hand, sealing the unspoken pact between them, every instinct screamed at her to leave. To disappear into the woods as she had done a hundred times before.

But she didn't.

Because she knew what it was to run, to be hunted.

And now, for the first time, she wasn't the one being chased.

Kael released her hand, but his eyes lingered on hers, searching. "We need to move. They won't stay away for long."

Elaria swallowed hard, forcing back her doubts. "You're in no condition to travel."

His lips quirked. "I feel better than I did an hour ago."

Because of me.

She clenched her fists, ignoring the exhaustion still pulling at her bones. The truth was, she had already risked too much. She had used her magic—not once, but twice. The riders hadn't seen her, but that didn't mean they wouldn't find her. Magic left traces. Whispers.

She had to be careful.

Kael pushed himself to his feet, favoring his right side. He was strong—stronger than he had any right to be after nearly bleeding out in the snow—but she caught the way his jaw tightened, the way his breath hitched.

He was still weak.

Good. If he tried anything, she could still run.

"Where are you headed?" she asked, arms crossing.

Kael hesitated. "The capital."

Elaria stared. "You can't be serious."

"I don't joke about reclaiming my throne."

She let out a breathless laugh. "You're outnumbered. Outmatched. And you think you can waltz into the most heavily guarded city in the kingdom?"

His golden eyes glinted in the moonlight. "I don't think, Elaria. I know."

She stiffened at the sound of her name. He hadn't asked for it. Hadn't needed to.

Which meant he had known who she was all along.

Her blood ran cold. "How do you—"

"I've heard the rumors," he interrupted smoothly. "A girl with magic who never stays in one place for long. One who disappeared when the Purge began." His gaze sharpened. "I never believed the stories. Not until tonight."

Elaria's pulse hammered. She took a step back, her mind racing. If he knew who she was, he could use her. Could turn her in if it suited him.

She should leave. Now.

But then Kael spoke again, his voice quieter this time.

"I don't intend to betray you."

She froze.

He met her gaze, unwavering. "You saved me. That means something."

Something in his tone made her chest tighten.

Don't be stupid. You don't trust men like him.

And yet…

She let out a slow breath, forcing herself to think. She couldn't go back to the village. Not after what she'd done. Not after healing him.

Maybe she needed this deal as much as he did.

Maybe—for once—running wasn't the answer.

She lifted her chin. "Fine. We travel together. But the moment I think you're lying to me—"

"You won't," Kael said, a ghost of a smirk on his lips.

He was far too confident for a man who had nearly died an hour ago.

Elaria rolled her eyes and turned away, stepping into the darkness of the trees. "Try to keep up, Your Highness."

And with that, they disappeared into the night.