Days after the battle, Eamon and Haul lay in a coma, unaware of when they would wake. The aftermath of the battle was vast. Many villages lay in ruin, along with their people. The remaining enemy soldiers returned to their kingdoms. Though they had won by numbers, they had suffered heavy losses in the final clash.

  For the people of Enora, the land itself lay untouched by the battle, but the people waited with bated breath, hoping for their king to awaken. The advisors of Ashvire stayed by the king’s side, watching and waiting. Theodore and the rest of the nobles held a funeral for Master Edward, where word of his valor spread across Enora and across the seas. The news reached the kingdom of Ashvire, where they mourned his death and celebrated his bravery.

  On the morrow after the funeral, King Haul awoke.

  He stared at the ceiling, his eyes still blurred with sleep. He thought to himself, I’m guessing we won. Haul turned his gaze toward the balcony and the dancing sunlight beyond it. His mind wandered back to the battle.

  Julius… was that his name? What power was that? It was inhuman. When he ripped his eyes out, he grew stronger. If there are more like him, then this battle is far from over.

  A darkness crept deep into Haul’s soul as the thought lingered. I must find where they lie and end them myself.

  Haul sat up and then stood. His legs were weak, but it did not matter. He dressed himself in his kingly garments and made his way to his chamber door. Opening it, he walked toward the King’s Hall, where several nobles stood speaking amongst themselves. Their gazes quickly fell upon him as he entered, and they rushed forward.

  “My lord, you’re awake,” one said.

  “My lord, should you be walking around so soon?” another asked.

  Haul grinned. “Do not worry. I am fine.”

  They nodded as Haul walked to his throne and sat. “Nobles, please send word throughout the kingdom and to the people that I am awake.”

  The nobles bowed and departed to spread the news. Haul sat on his throne, staring into nothingness as his mind drifted back to the battle. Images of his men being cut limb from limb resurfaced, along with the screams of men begging for mercy before their heads rolled across the ground. Cold sweat ran down Haul’s body.

  A faint voice broke through his thoughts.

  “King Haul.”

  He heard it several times before snapping out of his trance. He looked over and saw Theodore standing before him.

  “Theodore, forgive me,” Haul said quietly. “The scars of battle have tainted my thoughts.”

  Theodore bowed and smiled. “Do not fret, my lord. It is common among warriors, from what I have seen.”

  Haul gave a faint smile. “What can I do for you, Theodore?”

  Theodore gestured down the hall. “It is Eamon, your grace. He has not yet woken.”

  Haul stood and descended from his throne, meeting Theodore’s gaze. “Show the way.”

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  Theodore bowed and led Haul to where Eamon lay. He opened the door, and they entered. Haul walked to Eamon’s bedside, studying his battered form before turning back to Theodore.

  “He was badly beaten during the battle. I am not surprised he still sleeps,” Haul said. “Let him rest, but watch him from time to time. He will wake soon. I know it.”

  Theodore nodded. “As you wish.”

  They left the room. Outside Eamon’s chamber, Theodore informed Haul that Master Edward had been laid to rest. Haul smiled faintly, nodded, and thanked Theodore before departing back toward his chambers.

  As Haul walked, he noticed a woman approaching him. He thought to himself, I must know that woman’s name. He did not need to stop her. When her gaze fell upon him, she halted and bowed.

  “Your grace, you’re awake. I’m so glad you are well,” she said. “Thank you for saving the kingdom. I have never seen a king like you. No king would fight his own battles, but you did. That was truly brave and honorable.”

  Haul smiled. “Do not mention it. I was only doing my duty as king—to defend my people to the bitter end. Only cowards hide behind soldiers. True leaders fight alongside them.”

  She bowed again. “My lord, my name is Leah Rosewyn.”

  Haul smiled. “Leah, would you care to join me for luncheon?”

  Leah blushed. “Of course, your grace. I would love to.”

  “Good,” Haul replied. “Then follow me.”

  They walked to Haul’s chambers. Upon arriving, Haul opened the door for Leah and guided her to the table, helping her into her seat before sitting himself. He poured them wine, and they shared meats, bread, and the finest fruits Enora could offer.

  Haul took a bite of steak and a sip of wine. “Is the food to your taste?”

  Leah covered her mouth as she smiled with her eyes and nodded. After swallowing, she spoke. “Yes, my lord. It is very tasty.”

  Haul chuckled. “Please, just call me Haul. Formalities are not needed right now.”

  He cleared his throat before continuing. “Honestly, I am not fond of formalities. The commoners say ‘milord,’ the nobles say ‘my lord.’ Why should status decide the words we use? In the end, we all die the same—we turn to slush.”

  Haul looked into Leah’s eyes and saw that she was captivated by his words. “So, Leah, does your family come from nobility or common blood?”

  Leah plucked a grape from the vine and ate it. “My family are commoners. My mother was a maid, and my father was a carpenter.”

  Haul smiled. “How interesting. My family, like yours, comes from common lineage. When I was young, my village was raided and burned. I was the only survivor. After that, my memory is hazy. I remember being a blacksmith in Duskreach before leaving that life with a woman named Annabell. She died tragically. During our time together, we discovered that my uncle was Varnath Blackmoor, founder of Filnora. I stayed with him for a time, and he told me of another kingdom that was mine. And here we are.”

  Leah sat stunned. “So you are a commoner, but with royal blood?”

  Haul thought for a moment. “My uncle was a commoner before founding Filnora, so I suppose that is true. Though I do not know how Filnora was built. He never told me.”

  Leah took a bite of steak. “I’ve always wanted to see Filnora. The way people speak of it—it sounds like a dream.”

  Haul smiled. “It was more beautiful than words can say. A grand city, rich enough to make three islands wealthy.”

  Their eyes met, and silence followed until Haul broke it.

  “Leah, we may have just met, but I wish to ask you something. Would you be my queen?”

  Leah froze, blushing deeply. Before she could answer, a knock sounded at the door.

  “Come in,” Haul said.

  The door opened, revealing Theodore. “Forgive me, my lord, but Eamon has awakened.”

  Haul nodded. “I will be there shortly. Thank you, Theodore.”

  Theodore bowed and departed. Haul turned back to Leah. “So, will you?”

  Leah hesitated. He is honorable… and handsome… but queen is such a responsibility. She sipped her wine, then met his gaze.

  “I am unsure. That is a great responsibility to accept so quickly.”

  Haul grinned. “Do not worry. I would never place a burden upon you that I myself could not bear.”

  Leah smiled. “When you put it that way… how could I say no? Yes. I will be your queen.”

  Haul smiled warmly. “I am glad to hear it. I must attend to something now, but when I return, we shall plan the wedding. Whatever you desire shall be yours.”

  “You are too kind,” Leah said.

  Haul stood, opened the door, and walked toward Eamon’s chamber. He entered and saw Eamon sitting up in his bed. Eamon’s gaze met his.

  “Your grace,” Eamon said.