Within hours, the courtyard shifted from quiet readiness to full formation. Armor caught the pale light. Steel rested at hips and across backs. The maiden warriors stood in lines, disciplined and still, their presence filling the open space with a silent kind of force.
From above, Edmond watched.
Bianca stood beside him, her hands resting lightly on the stone railing. Her gaze moved across the gathering below, thoughtful.
"It seems they are heading out of Snowland," Edmond said, his brows knitting together.
Bianca tilted her head slightly. "Yes… but Maria would not leave the capital without informing you. You are the Warden. And her brother."
Her words had barely settled when movement caught their attention.
Maria.
She was already crossing the courtyard, her steps steady, her posture straight. No hesitation. No sign of doubt. She moved like someone who had already made her decision long before anyone else noticed.
"She is coming now," Edmond muttered under his breath.
Maria reached the steps leading to the Warden's wing and climbed them without pause.
By the time she stood before him, her expression was composed. She bowed slightly. Edmond spoke before she could. "Where are you and your army heading?"
Maria lifted her head, a faint smile touching her lips. "I wish to stretch through the sea," she said calmly. "We must continue to train in that light and guard our rivers."
It sounded reasonable. More than reasonable. Edmond nodded slowly, the answer settling well with him.
He stepped forward and placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "You can go anywhere," he said, "but do not cross Green City for now."
Maria's brows pulled together slightly.
"You can sail within Snowland, Iron Valley, and Green City," he added.
He paused
Maria studied his face. "Why?" she asked. "Is there something going on?"
For a brief second, something flickered in Edmond's eyes.
Then it was gone. He forced a smile. "The history of Astarous will be redefining itself in a few days."
The words were vague. Maria's confusion showed openly now. "I don't understand."
Edmond reached up and touched her cheek gently, almost like he was calming a child.
"Do not worry," he said. "You will understand when we all return."
Maria didn't look convinced..Her brows remained drawn together.."You are leaving too?" she asked.
Edmond nodded. "I will be traveling to Iron Valley. To meet with your fiancé. We have pressing matters to discuss."
The words sat strangely. But Maria only smiled. A small, polite smile..She bowed again. Then turned and walked away.
Edmond watched her go. For a moment, he said nothing. Then Bianca spoke, her voice quiet but pointed. "You know she and her army could be useful in what is coming."
Edmond's gaze remained fixed on Maria's retreating figure.
"I know," he said.
He breathed.
"She has been fighting wars since she was fourteen." His voice softened slightly. "It is time for her to be a woman. To think of her home. Her children."
Bianca didn't respond. She just watched him. Edmond turned sharply toward the guard standing nearby. "Prepare the army," he ordered. "We will travel to Iron Valley immediately."
The guard bowed and left without question..Edmond's lips curved into a small smile. "It is the end of the Dragarians' rule of terror over Astarous."
Maria didn't hear any of that..She didn't see it. She didn't feel it. Her world had narrowed to one thing. One person.
Drexo.
By the time she reached the courtyard again, her warriors were ready. No questions asked..No hesitation..Orders were given..Ships were prepared. Within moments, they began to board. The sea awaited.
The journey began. The ships cut through the water with a steady rhythm. Oars dipped and rose. Sails caught the wind.
For an entire day, nothing broke the pattern. The horizon stretched endlessly. The sky shifted slowly from light to dark and back again.
Maria stood at the front of the ship more than once. Watching, and thinking. Or maybe trying not to think.
By the second day, land appeared. Hills Ford.
The shoreline came into view gradually, rising from the water like a quiet promise. "We have arrived, my lady," Helen said, stepping beside her. "What should we do next?"
Maria didn't hesitate..A smile touched her lips. "Get rooms for the warriors to lodge."
Helen blinked..Confusion crossed her face immediately. "My lady," she said carefully, "we are warriors. We leave for assignments, not to lodge."
Maria didn't explain. She didn't soften.."Do as I have commanded." Her tone left no room for argument.
Helen held her gaze for a second longer. Then bowed, and left.
Later that day, Maria stepped into the city. Hills Ford carried a different energy from Snowland. Warmer. Busier. Less restrained..People moved freely. Voices filled the air. Life flowed in ways that felt almost foreign.
Maria moved through it quietly, and unnoticed. Until she reached the inn. The inn master handed her a small parchment and stepped back without question.
Maria took it, sat, and began to write..Her hand moved quickly, and decisively.
When she finished, she folded the letter and handed it back. The raven was released moments later. Its wings cut through the sky, carrying her words far beyond the city.
Toward him.
Dragon City.
Three hours later, the raven arrived..It landed with precision, as though it knew exactly where it was meant to go..A guard took the message and moved quickly through the corridors.
Drexo's chambers..A knock followed..Inside, Drexo sat in silence..He hadn't moved much that day. Hadn't done much either.."Who is there?" he called, his voice low.."Your Grace, you have a note from Hills Ford."
Drexo frowned.
"Hills Ford?" he muttered, pushing himself up. "I am not expecting any message from there."
"This note is directed to you," the guard insisted. Drexo moved to the door and pulled it open. He took the letter. "Thank you."
The door closed..He stood there for a second. Just staring at it. Then he opened it. His eyes scanned the words.
And in that instant, everything changed. I am at Hills Ford..His breath caught. If you really want to see me, get to the eastern forest tonight.
Maria Woodland..For a moment, he didn't move. He didn't breathe.
Then, a smile broke across his face.
Wide. Uncontrolled, and alive. He jumped.
Laughed.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" he shouted, the sound echoing through the room. "She came for me!" The heaviness that had followed him for days vanished in an instant.
Replaced by something electric..He moved quickly now. Purposefully, water splashed as he bathed. Clothes were chosen carefully. Royal robes, clean and fitted.
He reached for his best scent, applying it without hesitation. Everything had to be right.
The door opened behind him. Theon stepped in, stopping short as he took in the sight. "Are you going somewhere?"
Drexo didn't stop moving..He nodded. Theon watched him for a moment. Studied him. "You have been sad for weeks," he said slowly. "How come you are suddenly like this?"
Drexo turned, smiling. "She is at Hills Ford." Theon's expression changed instantly. Understanding hit without explanation.
"No way," he muttered. "Do not tell me you both will continue that cursed affair."
Drexo didn't hesitate.
"Cursed or not," he said, his voice steady, certain, "she is the only woman my heart desires."
He paused. "I would rather be cursed than live without her."
Theon didn't argue. Didn't try to. He just watched.
Drexo turned and walked out. No hesitation. No doubt. Outside, the young dragon waited.
Restless, as though it could feel his urgency.
Drexo climbed onto its back in one smooth motion.
He leaned forward slightly, his hand resting against its neck.
"Come on, buddy," he said quietly. "We are going to Hills Ford."
The dragon responded instantly. Its wings spread wide. Air rushed beneath them.
And in the next moment, they were airborne. Rising fast. Cutting through the sky. Heading straight toward Hills Ford.