Chapter 122: A New Reality
The celebration continued late into the night.
The Vanguard had won.
Eldoria had emerged victorious.
And yet, for some—this victory came with new burdens.
Kael sat at the far end of the grand banquet hall, away from the laughter and endless teasing.
Across from him, seated with perfect posture, was Ilyra Xelthar.
The former princess of a fallen kingdom.
Now, his personal maid.
She wore simple black-and-silver robes—the official attire of a Veyrin retainer. The Binding Sigil pulsed faintly on her wrist, a constant reminder of her new reality.
Yet, she did not seem broken.
Her violet eyes were calm.
Composed.
Unshaken.
Kael studied her for a long moment before speaking.
"You've barely said a word all night."
Ilyra raised a delicate brow. "What exactly would you like me to say, Master?"
Kael winced.
"Don't call me that."
Her lips curled into a mocking smile. "And yet, that is what I am bound to do, is it not?"
Kael sighed. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"A little," she admitted.
Kael exhaled, leaning back in his chair. His crimson eyes met hers once more, this time with quiet scrutiny.
"Your father is dead."
Ilyra didn't flinch.
"Your kingdom is gone," Kael continued.
She remained expressionless.
"You lost everything," he said finally. "And yet, here you are. Sitting across from me. Serving the very people who destroyed your home."
Ilyra finally tilted her head.
"Do you expect me to cry?"
Kael's eyes narrowed.
Ilyra scoffed, taking a sip of wine.
"My father was a tyrant," she said, voice cold. "He did not love me. He did not love his people. He only loved his power."
Kael watched her closely.
"He raised me not as a daughter, but as a weapon," she continued. "And when he saw that I was not enough, he discarded me—sending me to war with no hope of return."
Her violet eyes gleamed in the candlelight.
"So, tell me, Kael Veyrin. Why should I mourn a man who saw me as nothing more than a blade to wield?"
Kael was silent.
He hadn't expected anger.
He hadn't expected sadness.
But this?
This complete and utter indifference?
That was something else entirely.
Ilyra set her cup down.
"My kingdom is gone," she said. "And I am a prisoner of war. That is my reality."
Her gaze sharpened.
"But I do not intend to waste away in despair, nor do I intend to beg for pity."
Kael leaned forward slightly. "Then what do you intend to do?"
Ilyra smirked.
"Survive."
Her voice was calm. Steady.
"As I always have."
Kael exhaled.
He could respect that.
Even if it meant having a former enemy at his side.
Across the hall, Rheon and Elira watched with open amusement.
Elira sipped her wine. "They seem to be getting along."
Rheon chuckled. "Kael's face says otherwise."
Elira smirked. "Oh, he'll adjust."
Lady Isolde, seated beside them, smiled mischievously.
"Oh, I do hope they get along," she mused. "It would be such a shame if my dear son ended up in an… intimate conflict with his new maid."
Kael, overhearing, nearly choked on his drink.
Rheon howled with laughter.
Elira sighed. "Mother, please."
Lady Isolde merely smirked.
The Veyrin family was enjoying this far too much.
As the night continued, the Vanguard found themselves speaking with their parents.
Selene and Cassian stood before their father, Duke Varian Duskbane, who nodded in approval.
"You made me proud," he said simply.
Cassian smirked. "Of course we did."
Evelyne rolled her eyes as Duke Ragnor Grimthorne clapped her on the shoulder. "I suppose you survived, huh?"
Evelyne grinned. "Did more than that. We won."
Ragnor chuckled. "That's my girl."
Darius, standing before his father, Lord Garrick Zephyrion, crossed his arms.
"You were reckless," Garrick said.
Darius raised a brow. "But I survived."
His father grinned. "Then I suppose I'll let it slide."
Mira, standing slightly apart, watched them all.
For a moment, something strange twisted in her chest.
She had no noble family to stand with.
No powerful parents to be proud of her.
But then—
Lucian approached, offering her a drink.
"You did well," he said.
Mira blinked. "...Did you just compliment me?"
Lucian smirked. "Don't get used to it."
Mira snorted. "I'd rather die first."
The Vanguard laughed together.
For the first time in years—
They were at peace.
Even if it wouldn't last forever.