I took a small sip of my tea, feeling the warmth spread through my body. The stars continued to twinkle above us, but my mind was consumed by the memories of the ball. I tried to focus on the present moment, on the quietness of the night and the soothing aroma of the tea. Archer sat beside me, his presence calming yet unsettling at the same time. How could he remain so composed when everything was falling apart around us?

As I looked at him, I felt a twinge of guilt for doubting his instincts earlier. "I'm sorry for doubting you," I said, interrupting the silence.

"It's okay," he replied, his voice soft.

But as I continued to sip my tea, I couldn't shake off the feeling of disgust that had settled in my stomach. "How can a person do so much evil? It's disgusting," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Archer's expression shifted from calm to somber. His eyes, once glistening with wonder as he looked up at the stars, now darkened with an unfamiliar emotion. His lips pursed together, and he furrowed his brows as if contemplating something. "disgusting?" he said it more to himself then to me.

"Archer, you didn't see the scene. You didn't watch Eliza's reaction. You didn't find the stupid bloody king or the flowers. I did, and I was so scared," I said, my voice trembling with the memory of that night. "I should have listened to you. We could have stayed home and...oh god Archer I'm scared."

Archer's face hardened as a flicker of discomfort crossed his eyes. "He won't harm you," he said firmly.

"You mean the leader of the Wild Ones? He wants us all dead," I retorted.

"He wants the crown," Archer countered quickly. His tone was defensive, and it made me want to grab him by the shoulders and shake some sense into him "and the monarchy favours us if anything would happen to the king and my sister we would rule. Archer, I'm not a ruler. I can barely make decisions for myself." I explain.

"you'll learn."

"You're not listening to me!" I shout, my frustration evident in my voice.

Archer's eyes softened and he gently grasped my hand. "I promise you, I won't let anything happen to you. I swear it," he said with a determined tone, as if making a solemn oath. His grip was firm, yet comforting as if to reassure me that he was there to protect me no matter what.

But as much as I felt safe in his hold a lingering thought escaped my mouth "he has ascended Archer we can't face him we don't know what he wields under his sleeves."

"you know about ascending?" Archer's expression turned to one of astonishment as I mentioned the term "ascending." He appeared taken aback as if he had not expected me to know about it. His eyes widened in fear, and his hands trembled as he placed the cup of tea back on the table, the sound of clinking filling the room.

"you do too," i said it as if it was a statement and not a question. We locked eyes, both of us equally bewildered by the situation. There was this danger that lingered in the atmosphere and for the first time in my marriage i see my husband as an acquaintance and not my lover. My heart aches as I dismiss this feeling as I secretly wish never to feel like this again.

"Of course I do," he replied, but there was something in his eyes that hinted at an unspoken truth. It was as if he wanted to reveal something but held his tongue. His expression was conflicted, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on in his mind.

"What are you hiding from me, Victoria?" he finally asked, his tone laced with a hint of suspicion. The question caught me off guard, and I could feel my heart skip a beat.

"What?" I asked, feeling a jumble of words swirling in my mind. There was so much I wanted to say to him at that moment, but I found myself staying silent. I absentmindedly circled my teaspoon in my cup, mesmerised by the rhythmic rise and fall of the waves of the liquid. The warmth of the teacup against my skin was comforting, and I felt a cool breeze brush against my exposed collarbones.

Archer's sudden words take me by surprise. "The king has scheduled a meeting tomorrow, come with me," he says, and I raise a confused brow. "I am not a political person, Archer," I reply, unsure why he would suggest such a thing.

"It might help ease your fear," he offers, and I nod hesitantly. From my balcony, I watch the scenery as he speaks, and my gaze falls on Elijah and The Conductor making their way to my house through the fields of our property. Their black armor stands out against the lush greenery, illuminated by the moon's light. Archer, however, remains oblivious to their presence.

Trying to maintain my composure, I feel my heart pounding in my chest. "Excuse me," I say with a dismissive tone, my eyes still glued to the approaching figures. Suddenly, I jump up from my seat. "I need to step out for a moment," I explain, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm feeling a bit parched, I just need some water."

Archer offers to fetch me some water, but I decline, knowing that I need to get an explanation from Elijah and The Conductor. I rush towards the door, my heart glad to see them alive.

But before I can leave, Archer's voice stops me. "Victoria?" he calls out to me, and I turn to face him, biting my lip in anticipation. "You do know that I love you, right?" he asks, his eyes searching mine for any sign of doubt or hesitation.

"Of course," I reply without thinking, the love I feel for him evident in my voice.

"Good," he says with a small smile, the tension in the air dissipating slightly.

I rushed down the stairs, my heart pounding with relief as I saw Elijah and The Conductor standing in the hallway. "Thank god," I breathed out,

"We're okay," Elijah said with a hint of a smile, his voice filled with a sense of relief that matched my own though he looked grumpy and cold.

I turned to The Conductor, taking a moment to really look at him. His face was partially hidden behind his mask, but I could sense the weight of his gaze on me. I had only spoken to him a few times, but there was something about him that made me feel safe. "Are you injured?" I asked, concerned.

He shook his head, his eyes remaining fixed on me. "I'm fine. But we need to talk."

I could sense the urgency in their footsteps, and I hurriedly led them into the sitting room. Despite the silence of the night, I couldn't shake off the fear that my husband might hear the commotion. Our house may be large with sturdy walls of brick and marble, but any sound seemed to carry far too easily.

"Can you quiet down, please? My husband is upstairs. Unless you'd like him to join us?" I whispered.

"Don't worry," The Conductor reassured me. "Your husband won't hear a thing. Shots here is an illusionist."

I raised an eyebrow, not quite understanding. "I don't follow."

"After I ascended, I found out my powers were casting illusions. Meaning I can make anybody hear or see anything I'd like," Shots explained.

"Like a magician?" I asked.

Shots looked offended. "Not like a magician, you imbecile." He muttered, clearly taking it to heart.

I look at him with an unimpressed look. "what happened at the ball? When I woke up you were gone."

"we were asleep too its just Cloud that was able to control her dreams she was able to hear them,"

"What's going on?" I mumble as fear tugs between my chest. Completely glossing over the fact that they just revealed Cloud's powers to me.

The Conductor hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "We've discovered something, something big."

I felt a knot form in my stomach at his words. Whatever he had to say, it couldn't be good. But I was a part of the Knights now, and I knew that it was my duty to help in any way that I could. "What is it?" I asked, bracing myself for the worst.

"There are hundreds of them, most with high titles and wealth," the Conductor said, laying a sheet of paper on the table. The paper was dotted with red circles marking who might have been awake during the ball.

"So he has an army? What do we have, six idiots in clown makeup?" I snapped in frustration, not knowing what else to do.

"This is not the time to joke," the Conductor warned, his voice stern.

"Pardon me, do you have a plan? What can you do to defeat an entire supernatural army?" I asked, feeling the fear take over my words.

Shots sneered at me. "Don't talk to him like that."

"When am I getting my powers?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

"Maybe you should have eaten it sooner instead of moaning like a toddler," the conductor replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"How did you know?" I asked in disbelief.

"I'm a lie detector, Orchid. When I read your letter, it was painted with lies."

"what kind of useless powers are these?" I could tell they were insulted by my comment. I cant help but think that their powers seemed lackluster and unimpressive. As I scanned their faces, I could sense their displeasure and offense at my comment. Lord Clinton, in particular, looked like a crazed lunatic with his disheveled blond hair and wild blue eyes.

"What are the others' powers?" I asked, my voice tinged with a sense of dread. Though its hidden well, I was afraid. The thought of facing the Wild Ones, and their mysterious leader, sent an unwanted shiver down my spine.

"Why should we tell you? So that you'll continue to insult us? And here I thought you were different from them," Lord Clinton spat out with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"I am different from them!" my face crumbles up with anger. My shout as incriminating as his comment.

The Conductor raised his hand and Shots stopped whatever comeback he wanted to spar. "Let's forget about this," he said in a calm voice. "We won't stay too long we know you don't have much time before your husband gets suspicious. Meet us tomorrow evening in the northern forest's castle there we will be discussing these matters."

"I'll be there." I nod, my expression intense and serious. Because I mean it. This is it. My destiny.

They vanished before my eyes, like a droplet hitting water, I couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. "I know you're still here, jerks," I muttered under my breath, watching as the waves slowly dissipated.

"I'm sorry it took me so long," I burst into my room, my steps loud and heavy as I crossed the threshold. But as soon as I saw Archer lying in our bed, sound asleep. I stop in track. Wishing I had entered more quietly. His face was peaceful, his arm stretched out towards my side of the bed, like an invitation to his embrace.

Outside, the balcony's double doors were closed, but I could still see the teapot sitting on the table, its steam rising lazily into the night air. The tray was slightly turned, and I could just make out the twinkling stars beginning to emerge in the sky.

But it was the two empty chairs outside that my eyes were fixated at. They held a special place in my heart, a place reserved for the countless conversations Archer and I had shared while sitting there, lost in our own little world. I could almost hear his voice as I imagined him telling me one of his unfunny jokes, or teasing me with a flirty comment. We would talk about everything and nothing, our gazes fixed on the endless stock of flowers in all shapes and sizes.

I quietly made my way to the bed where Archer lay, still asleep. Resting my ear against his chest, I listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It was comforting, like the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Soon, the warmth of his body and the gentle thump of his heartbeat lulled me to sleep, and I drifted off into a peaceful slumber not once thinking about the haunting memories of last night.

...

"wine." the king commanded with a slurred speech, his breath reeking of alcohol. I watch the servants place for each one of us a cup full of wine and I hesitantly lifted mine, taking in its aroma. Our hasty morning left no time for breakfast, making this indulgence feel premature.

Archer pushes his glass to the side. Disregarding the temptation as he places a serious pile of notes on the war room's table. The drunken king laughs at Archer and in his fingers, he twirled a silver string. its glint dancing in nature's sunlight as he spun it round and round. Archer ignored the king's drunken antics and focused on the task at hand, poring over the notes and maps spread out on the table.

Sitting beside us were three other high lords and none of the remaining council members. One of them would usually sit in the place im currently sitting in. sipping out of the glass im holding. It seems as though I've taken somebody's place but I can't help but wonder where my sister is.

"well you all remember the ball incident," Edric laughs though his eyes were intimidatingly brown. Once you real a certain status you become aware of what isn't said. It's rather important in this case he's threatening them. As though he is blaming them for the cowardly face that he himself presented his people with when he was crying to be untied.

"I have a plan." Archer stretches a paper towards Edric. The fool doesn't lower his eyes to glance at the document as he pushes the paper back to Archer, in a manner I only see as demeaning. "I didn't ask for a plan."

"we're in a meeting," archer patiently said. He had become so accustomed to the king's child like stubbornness that he doesn't get fazed about it.

"I want to hear it," Edric replied.

"First, we must quarantine our people, beginning with those close to the castle," Archer began. "We'll avoid hosting balls or parties to ensure everyone's safety, and ration our food resources—"

"Wrong. Wrong. Wrong," Edric interrupted, tapping the table three times in disagreement.

Ignoring Edric's interruption, Archer continued, "It is crucial that we take these preventive measures to protect our people and ensure their wellbeing. The recent incident has shown us that we cannot afford to take this lightly."

King Edric's arrogance persisted despite the danger looming over his kingdom. "I refuse to let some pathetic would-be monarch disrupt my grand celebrations. The parties will continue as planned," he declared with a haughty tone.

King Edric stubbornly refused to acknowledge the impending danger, the atmosphere in the room grew tense. Everybody on the table disagreed with the king, and their eyes betrayed their concern. Though it was Archer who spoke up, the rest were silent, unsure of how to approach the mad king.

"Are you willing to jeopardize the welfare of your subjects just to preserve your inflated ego?" Archer finally asked, his voice laced with frustration. His gaze darted around the table, searching for any signs of support, but he found none. The king's courtiers seemed to share his concerns, yet none dared to voice them.

The king scowled, his face twisting with resentment, as he refused to acknowledge the concerns of his advisers. I found myself studying the intricate decorations of the war room, my eyes wandering towards them, trying to avoid the heated argument taking place in front of me. I couldn't help but feel out of my element. Like I wasn't supposed to be here. In my head, it was what all the silent lords were thinking about.

Two of those lords focused on me. Their eyes perved with malice. None of the cowards was able to voice their opinions, not even their disapproval of my presence.

"Edric, the opposition's ruthless leader will not cease this violence unless you surrender your crown. His intentions are as clear as day," my husband continued with an icy tone.

The king snapped, "We are alike in many ways. This is merely a game for us, and I don't intend to lose. Had he wanted me dead, I would not have survived the last ball."

Archer's frustration and concern grew as the king failed to see the danger of the situation. He slammed his hands on the table, his eyes wild with desperation. "You have no idea what he's capable of!"

I gasped loudly, the shock of seeing Archer snap in general overwhelming me. Archer didn't get angry easily, and I had never seen him like this before. His chest puffed in and out, and his nose flared as though smoke was about to come out. His whole body seemed to be vibrating with pent-up rage. But his eyes. They were like poison and mist. A fit of dark anger that even I flinched at in response.

I reached out to place a comforting hand on Archer's arm, but before I could touch him, the king viciously grabbed my wrist. His voice turned icy as he met Archer's gaze with a venomous glare, he simply stated, "Speak to me in such a manner again, and I will not hesitate to slit your throat in front of your dear wife." The words hung in the air like a dark cloud, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

As if Archer channelled all his hatred into a single expression, he glared at the king, his eyes blazing with fury. He stood up abruptly, grabbing my shoulders to pull me out of the king's reach. "I see," he said through gritted teeth, his voice low and dangerous. It was clear that he was seething with utter rage.

Without another word, he stormed out of the room, leaving the king with nothing but his silver thread that he toyed with and the three muted lords.

As we rushed towards the metal wagon, I called out to Archer, my voice laced with concern. "Archer, wait," I said, hoping he would slow down for me to be able to walk properly. But he was dragging me too fast. "Archer, what was that?" I asked, referring to the intense argument that had just taken place between him and the king.

Archer didn't answer right away, his jaw clenching as he kept his eyes trained straight ahead. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh and turned to face me. "You know what I have to deal with," he said, his voice heavy with frustration. "He behaves like a child, even in important meetings. He can't make a ruling to save his life. He's stubborn and lacks the intelligence and competence required of a king."

"Eliana—" Archer cut me off with a displeased grunt. "And don't get me started on Eliana," he continued. "She only comes to the meetings to flirt and get attention. She's a distraction and a nuisance. The only reason I haven't said anything to bring her down a notch is that she's your sister and his wife."