Private Tales The Starling and the Bear

[Lynus Anireth]

Lynus’ gaze dropped as Isla’s question hung between them, her gentle touch grounding him even as his thoughts swirled. He exhaled slowly, his fingers absently tracing small circles against her side. “...Me, I guess,” he said finally, his voice soft but weighted. “This life. Carrying our child.”

His eyes lifted to hers, vulnerable and searching. “You wanting to hide it so badly... I can’t help but feel like maybe it’s too much. That I’ve asked too much of you. I know it’s a lot—being here, being with me, everything that comes with it.” He hesitated, his throat tightening as he fought to say the words that had gnawed at him. “I don’t want you to feel... trapped.”

The last word lingered in the air, laden with his own unspoken fears. Lynus looked away briefly, as though afraid to see the answer written on her face, before forcing himself to meet her gaze again. “Am I selfish?” he asked quietly. “Bringing you into this life? Giving you so much to carry when you’ve already endured so much?”

 

[Isla]

“Lynus…” Isla reached out to cup his jaw in her hands, guiding him up to look at her. “Don’t think such foolish things.” She tried to smile, but there was an uncertainty she could not shake from her facial expressions. She held his gaze for a few seconds longer before releasing his jaw and grabbing his hand to guide over her stomach.

She sighed quietly and finally spoke. “You are not selfish. And no, I do not regret any of…this.” She gestured around them. “I certainly do not feel trapped. In fact, I think I have never felt more free, Lynus. Its strange, not having my life so structured and regimented in order to keep me perfect enough to exchange for money.” The smile on her face shifted into sadness.

“Maybe I am the selfish one for wishing to keep it private for a while longer,” she thought aloud. “Gossip spreads like wildfire around here. Part of me is bracing for rumors to spiral the moment we do share the news. I’m sure it looks poorly on me, given my former occupation…showing up here and pregnant so soon after I left the brothel.” She rested her hand over his. “Then again, with how much your father hates me, I’m sure questions of legitimacy were inevitable regardless of how long it has been since I was working.”

Her laugh was cold and quiet as she shook her head. “I wouldn’t even blame you if you questioned it.” Though, she was certain there were no other possibilities. The Lady had increased her concentration of the tea after Nathaniel had left. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that it hadn’t made her completely barren in the end. But Isla had also recalled her own creations after she had left. Ingredients were swapped and adjusted, but maybe not as potent. And of course, she’d found a small vial she had completely forgotten to take one night. The father of her child was not a question to Isla.

“But that isn’t the only reason I am asking for time, Lynus.” She leaned her head on him. “I am scared.” She admitted quietly. “I am very, very scared of this all. I am terrified of how it will affect you. I feel so horrible to put you. Back in that position so soon after Selena passed away with your first child. And I am scared it will end how my first pregnancy ended.” She pulled her hand away to swipe a tear off of her cheek. “It is early and so much can go wrong if anything I’ve read in the library is true. Did you know that losing one child increases the chance of it happening again?” She sniffled quietly. “I am scared I will lose the thing I’ve wanted for so long and you will never forgive me. I know I am to blame because of my past, but I don’t know if I can handle an entire keep of people blaming me as well.”

 

[Lynus Anireth]

Lynus frowned deeply as he took Isla’s hands in his own, his thumbs brushing over her knuckles. “I never doubted it for one moment,” he said quickly, his voice steady and filled with conviction. “Not you, not our child. You’re my wife, Isla. Nothing—nothing you’ve been through changes that. I don't give a fuck about gossip.” he frowned, though, he knew she did care.

His jaw tightened as she continued, speaking of her fears, her past, and the suffocating judgment she felt closing in. The mention of Selena hit him like a blow to the chest, but not for the reasons she might think. He shook his head firmly, his voice softening. “Selena… what happened with her—it was out of my hands, Isla. I could never blame her, and I’d never blame you if anything... I know you’re scared. I am too. But what happened before doesn’t mean it will happen again, for either of us. Perhaps, we both deserve some peace and happiness."

He released one of her hands to reach up and gently wipe away the tears streaking her cheeks. “Your past doesn’t make you unworthy of that. Of happiness. Of a family. You’re stronger than anyone gives you credit for, and you don’t have to carry this weight alone anymore.”

His arms wrapped around her, pulling her close as he let out a soft sigh, pressing a kiss to her temple. “You don’t have to stay here if it’s making you feel like this. We can leave. We’ll go far away—just the two of us. Somewhere warm, by the sea.”

Lynus pulled back enough to look into her eyes, his expression resolute but kind. “We’ll leave in the morning, we can stay away for as long as you like, at least until we know everything is okay."

He cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you. You’re not alone in this, Isla. You never will be—not as long as I’m breathing.”

 

[Isla]

Isla was quiet for a while, only letting her uneven breaths fill the air. Laying out her fears made her feel so foolish. Perhaps they were far-fetched and dramatic possibilities, but they plagued her mind day and night for weeks now. “Somewhere warm, by the sea.” She sighed into his neck. “Just for a little while, okay?” She mumbled, turning her attention solely towards Lynus. “You need to relax, too. Pick anywhere that will make you feel more relaxed and we will leave tomorrow. Anywhere you want. Surprise me with the place that makes you feel the happiest.”

She looked up at him, her smile failing once again while she contemplated ruining whatever peace he had tried to make. She had a question. A simple question, but a question that might very well send him back to the liquor cabinet. But Isla couldn’t hold it any longer, letting uncertainty and tragedy hang over her.

“Can I ask you something?” Her voice was quiet, her gaze monitoring his every subtle movement. His response didn’t matter to her, for she immediately followed it up with, “What happened to Selena? How…how did they…die?” The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them, her grip on his arm tightening as if she worried he might let go and leave her right there. “Was it sickness? Were there physicians there? Was Mabel there? Or Dr. Nightingale? Was someone at fault for what happened or was it just…nature?” Her words increased to a frantic pace. “Maybe we could hire one of the dreadlord healers. They’re known for being able to bring people back from death’s door in battle, right? Why not during childbirth in case something goes wrong?” She took a gasping breath at the end of it all and stared up at him, waiting for a response to any part of her barrage of questions.

 

[Lynus Anireth]

Lynus’ eyes closed briefly at the onslaught of questions, his chest tightening as the memories began to resurface. He took a deep breath before meeting her gaze. He knew she had to ask, that her worry and curiosity could not be avoided, but it didn’t make it any easier to relive.

“Isla…” His voice cracked slightly, but he steadied himself, his eyes softening with a sadness that had never fully left him. “No.. Nobody was to blame… though I blamed myself for long enough.”

He took her hand, threading his fingers with hers as he spoke of what had happened. "Selena was adamant that she wanted no magic near our child. She didn’t trust healers at all, she especially didn't trust Dreadlords. She said… if mundane healers couldn’t save her, then it wasn’t meant to be..”

Lynus let out a quiet sigh, his throat tightening as the old pain clawed at him. "She made that choice when she thought our son would live. We were told..She believed at least one of them would survive, she chose our son."

His gaze dropped. “I should have fought her on it. I should’ve ignored her wishes.” He clenched his jaw, the guilt washing over him again, like it always did when he thought of that night. “Her wrath would’ve been far easier to deal with.”

He let the silence settle between them for a moment, fighting the grief that threatened to overtake him. Finally, he looked back at her, his expression quiet but serious.

“I won’t let anything happen to you, or to our child. I'll have the entire fucking Dreadlord army on standby if need be."

 

[Isla]

“You’re still blaming yourself. I want to hear every story of her, but I won’t tolerate you thinking anything is or was your fault, Bear.” Isla squeezed his hand gently, her heart breaking with every morsel of information Lynus offered on his late wife and child. A terrible pang of guilt wracked her upon realizing she had been relieved in some way, that it was not a fault of Lynus, nor of anyone except one woman’s unrelenting stubbornness. Though, if Lynus and Arryn had made anything abundantly clear, it was that they thought Isla was also stubborn.

Isla was also, to some degree, reasonable. Though, it was more her fears that made her so. But knowing that Lynus would let her have her way with this was one less tick on her long list of fears. “An army?” She mused, pulling him into a tight embrace. They remained like that for several minutes, silently. “How about one Dreadlord. One who isn’t trying to steal my husband, that is.” She chuckled.

“I’m sure Mabel will be more than capable of every possibility, but I really appreciate you letting me have this. If only to ease some of my newfound anxieties.” She whispered quietly before releasing him.

Isla stood abruptly and clasped her hands together, ignoring the few tears that still left tracks as they ran down her face. “Alright, my dear. Enough of the panicking. We’ve many more months for that.” She tried to reassure them both as she began pacing. “Why don’t we leave today instead? The sun is barely up and now that my plans for training with Arryn are a no-go, my schedule has freed up for the foreseeable future.” She pulled him up by his arms, directing him towards his closet.

“You pack and I will go secure us a carriage. Pick out a few dresses for me, if we are staying until I look like a whale, then I’ll just buy clothes while we are there.” She scurried out the door with a final push and remained there for a while, quietly leaning against the hardwood door as she let the tears silently flow from her eyes.

 

[Lynus Anireth]

Lynus watched her as she stood and tried to gather herself, his brow furrowed with quiet concern. He wanted to pull her back into his arms, to keep her there until all the weight she carried eased, but Isla was already moving, her voice carrying that determined edge he knew all too well. She spoke quickly, brushing aside her tears and fears with a resolve that he suspected was more for his sake than hers.

As she directed him toward the closet, talking about leaving today, about packing and dresses and carriages, Lynus opened his mouth to protest, his hand half-reaching toward her. "Isla, you don't have to—"

But before he could finish, she was gone, slipping out the door with a push that left him standing there, staring at the carved wood as it closed behind her. His hand hovered in the air for a moment longer before falling to his side, his shoulders sagging with the exhale of a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding.

She needed space, it seemed.

He dragged a hand down his face, his palm grazing over the coarse stubble on his jaw as he tried to make sense of her sudden retreat. Lynus hated seeing her like this—caught between the strength she clung to so fiercely and the vulnerability she tried so hard to hide. He hated even more that he couldn’t seem to find the right words to stop her, to reassure her, to remind her that she didn’t have to run, didn’t have to face any of this alone.

"Stubborn woman," he muttered under his breath, though there was no real frustration in his voice—only a deep, abiding affection.

For a moment, he stood there in the quiet room, the lingering warmth of her presence still tangible in the air.
With a heavy sigh, Lynus turned back to the closet, deciding to do as she’d asked, even though every fiber of him wanted to follow her. But he knew Isla—knew that pushing her when she needed space would only make things worse.


In the hallway, Isla wasn't alone. Brett sat in a little alcove not too far from Lynus' door. The boy hesitated for only a moment when he spotted Isla, and he saw the silent tears slipping down her cheeks. Concern flickered across his face as he cleared his throat softly, not wanting to startle her.

Digging into his pocket, he pulled out a clean kerchief and held it out to her as he approached hesitantly.

“Miss Isla…?” His voice was low, gentle, but there was a hard edge beneath it. His sharp gaze flicked to the closed door, then back to her tear-streaked face. His frown deepened.

“Has someone hurt you?” His fingers curled into a fist at his side, his jaw tightening. “Tell me who, and I’ll make sure they regret it.”

 

[Isla]

Isla stood there, leaning against the hardwood for a few minutes before releasing a long, drawn out sigh. She wasn't unhappy. Far from it, honestly. Everything was just...a lot. A lot that Isla did not know how to process. But she didn't have to process any of it on her own, which was even more confusing for her. From the moment she had met Lynus, her life had been moving at such a rapid pace and she was happy, but also drowning in it all.

Expectations had changed and though Lynus wouldn't force her to change anything about herself, she had known that she couldn't be the same girl he had met in the brothel. He could threaten his court, his siblings, and his parents to get them to behave and not throw insults or stares her way. But in the end, she was the one who needed to adapt to her new life. And she was trying so hard.

She swiped the tears from her cheek with the back of her hand as she heard footsteps approaching.

Miss Isla?

"Oh, Brett..." She looked out to the hand he extended and grabbed the kerchief. "No, no." She noticed the way his eyes hovered over Lynus' door, his little chest puffed out and ready to challenge whoever made Isla cry.

Isla kneeled down to his level, wiping away her tears with the cloth. She had to reassure him before he made the attempt to knock down the door. But how could she explain things to a child? "No one has hurt me. You don't need to worry, dear. Now put those fists away before Arryn finds you." She choked out a quiet laugh. "I promise I am not crying because I am sad."

Her explanation did not seem to satisfy the boy, whose fists did not uncurl.

Isla smiled, though it did not reach her eyes. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind Brett's ear. "Sometimes people cry when they are overwhelmed by something. Sometimes there is too much inside of them all at once, and it's like..." She searched for a comparison she could use. "It is like when you first started training and you trained too hard. You remember when your arms ached and your legs burned and you just wanted to lay down, but a part of you was so proud because it meant you were getting muscles which meant you would be as strong as Arryn." She squeezed his hand. "You felt lots of different things at once. Does that make sense?"

She hesitated for a moment and dropped his hands. "Lynus and I are going to go away for a little while." Her stomach twisted, keeping bits of the truth from him. "Soon. But I promise I will keep up in my training while we are gone. Meanwhile, you had better keep Arryn in check. No letting him get himself hurt in those pits again, okay? Promise?"

 

[Lynus Anireth]

Brett’s brows furrowed slightly as Isla knelt down to his level, her words taking a moment to sink in. His eyes followed her hand as she wiped away the last of her tears, his concern unwavering. He didn’t understand everything she said, but the way her voice wavered made him hesitate just long enough to let the protective fury in his chest simmer down.

When she smiled, he softened, though his brow remained furrowed slightly, still trying to piece things together. The comparison to his training hit a chord with him, and he slowly nodded.

“I get it,” he said, his voice a little uncertain, but the sincerity in it was clear. “Like when it hurts, but it’s ‘cause you’re getting stronger?” He nodded as though he were solidifying the thought, his gaze softening as he understood a little more.

His eyes flickered with curiosity at the mention of Isla and Lynus leaving. He was about to ask if he and Arryn were going too, and his shoulders sagged slightly when he already had his answer. When she squeezed his hand, it grounded him, and he felt a small sense of responsibility settle into his chest.

“I’ll keep him in check,” Brett promised with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t get hurt again... but he’s really stubborn, you know. You’re gonna have to come back soon so he doesn’t get up to mischief. Or make an ass of himself in front of Lady Jiya." he snorted. His voice was light, but there was a quiet determination behind his words.

“I’ll miss you,” he added, his tone serious, his small hand still holding hers.

 

[Isla]

"Exactly, just like that!" Isla ruffled his hair. "Good things can hurt a little and make us cry, but they make us stronger in the end." Tears filled her eyes again and she used the kerchief to dab them away. Gods, poor Lynus was in for a rough time with her if she couldn't even talk to Brett without crying.

A laugh bubbled up, sudden and bright compared to the tears that had streamed down her rosy face. "I know he's stubborn all too well. I think he'd give me a run for my money if it were a competition. Keep him using his brain now and he won't make a fool of himself in front of Jiya." Her voice dropped. "But if he and Jiya do meet up again while we are away, I expect you to come back with a full report. We will need a good story to entertain us."

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders in a tight hug, tears flowing once again. "I'll miss you too, Brett." She sniffled, releasing the boy. "You be good for Arryn and don't get into any trouble, okay? We will be back as soon as we can, but things might be very different." She stood and silently begged her eyes to stop crying. "I'll be asking how well behaved you were. If I hear you were good, we will get you a little souvenir! How's that sound?"

She said her goodbye to Brett before hurrying through the servants passage and into a courtyard. A lone carriage driver was dozing on his bench under the pale sun. He had been rather startled when the blonde woke him from his slumber and even more confused when she had insisted, demanded, his services for the foreseeable future. She hadn't any idea of where they were even going, and the driver at first refused. But a mention of the Prince had his answer switching rather quickly.

Her heart raced as she returned through the way she came and re-entered their room. "Okay...phew," she leaned against the door frame to catch her breath. "I just need to change out of my training outfit and then..." OH god. This is real. They were leaving their friends to explore the unknown together. "Are you ready? Lynus?"

 

[Lynus Anireth]

The city of Vel Anir was little more than a distant memory now, swallowed by the vast stretch of open land beyond its walls. The steady rumble of carriage wheels against the dimpled, dirt road filled the quiet between them, a soothing rhythm that matched the slow rise and fall of Lynus’ breathing. He already seemed lighter, as though the weight of expectation and duty had loosened its grip on him the moment they had passed through the city's borders.

His arms curled securely around Isla, his chin resting against the top of her head as he gazed out at the rolling hills, where wildflowers swayed in the late afternoon breeze. The rivers they passed rushed eagerly over smooth stones, winding their way through the land like silver veins, and the dense forests stretched toward the horizon, untouched and endless. Out here, there was no court, no prying eyes, no whispered judgments—just the quiet promise of time together.

After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice low and thoughtful. “It’s strange, isn’t it? How everything feels… smaller when you leave it behind.” He tilted his head, considering the thought. “Vel Anir, the court, all of it—it looms so large when you’re inside it. But out here…” His arms tightened around her. “Out here, it’s just us.” he rumbled, settling a hand on her stomach.

"Perhaps we should just run away." he huffed a laugh under his breath, though his expression bore no signs of jest. He was born and raised to be the King of Vel Anir. But Vel Anir bore no love for his father, and so what love did he truly expect them to hold for him, for her, for their son? Did he truly wish for their son to grow up as he had, trying to escape every chance he got? His brow furrowed at the thought and he sighed.

 

[Isla]

The rhythmic sway of the carriage and bounce as they hit patches of uneven terrain did little to soothe Isla’s nausea. If anything, it only made it worse. She took quiet, measured breaths, her hand lying overtop of Lynus’ own. Trees, hills, a glimpse of the open sky outside of Vel Anir should have been a beautiful sight, it should have filled her with a sense of adventure. Instead, she was fighting the urge to vomit for the fifth time.

The first time, she’d brushed it off. The second, she had insisted that she was fine. By the third, Lynus had started giving her a look- concerned but patient, waiting for her to finally come to her senses. The fourth had nearly broken her. Around then, she had become miserable, slumped forward with her head in her hands, groaning quietly.

Lynus had been an angel. He’d said nothing at all, only rapped at the carriage wall to signal another stop. The moment her feet hit the ground, she doubled over, dry-heaving until he gathered her hair and rubbed slow, steady circles on her back. She finally agreed to try the wretched tonic Mabel had given Lynus before they had left.

Now, hours later, as the afternoon settled, everything had become much more tolerable.

Its strange how everything feels…smaller when you leave it behind.

Isla blinked at him, noting the distance and thoughtfulness. But there was something else beneath it. A longing, perhaps. Or maybe it was relief. She hummed an agreement, lacing her fingers with his over her stomach.

Perhaps we should just run away.

The suggestion sent a strange thrill through her, but despite his humorous tone, that look on his face told her that he was serious. The stranger part was that she wasn’t entirely sure she disagreed with him.

She imagined it, the excitement of taking his hand and letting him pull her into this life that was just theirs. No court, no expectations, no King Randall watching her every move, no whispers of who she was or how she was tainting him with her past. But that wasn’t the world they lived in.

The thought of being so far from Mabel and Dr. Nightingale terrified her. What if something happened? What if they needed them and they were too far away? And it wasn’t only them that Isla felt she needed. Sarah had become family. Brett, he needed stability so that he could grow up. And Arryn…she wasn’t sure Lynus could survive a life without his best friend, his brother.

No…Maybe they couldn’t run forever…But for now…

“Maybe we should…” She said instead, shifting her eyes up to his face. “Just stay on our honeymoon forever and make a new life for ourselves. We could live by the sea or stay in a little village who doesn’t know who you are…”

 

[Lynus Anireth]

Lynus let out a low, rough laugh, though there was something wistful in the way he traced slow circles over the back of her hand with his thumb. He tilted his head, considering her words as though they were a real possibility—because, for a moment, they could be.

"A little village by the sea..." he murmured, as if tasting the idea on his tongue. His gaze drifted beyond the carriage window, watching the landscape roll by in golden hues. "That sounds nice."

His fingers curled around hers more firmly. "I’d build us a house—a proper one, not one of those drafty, crumbling estates my family loves so much. A warm one, with a fireplace that never goes out and a garden that actually grows things." He smirked slightly, glancing down at her. "You could paint the walls whatever ridiculous colour you wanted, and I wouldn’t even complain."

The thought of it—of Isla in a sunlit cottage, laughing in the breeze, barefoot in the sand, free—sent a strange, aching warmth through his chest.

But they both knew it wasn’t that simple.

Lynus sighed, a kiss pressed to the crown of her head. "I fear I'll enjoy this peace so much that I won't ever wish to return. Just you, me, and our little stowaway." he smirked. "Perhaps after a little while I could send for Arryn and Brett. Sarah too."

His smile faltered and he sighed. deeply. He was dreaming, surely. Isla had known exactly the sort of life she was stepping into when she chose him, but now he found himself wanting to give her the life she wanted, the sort of life he knew he could never have. He realised that he'd do whatever it took to protect his family, his second chance.

"Lets just enjoy the peace whilst it lasts." he smirked.

A few hours later the sun had dipped below the horizon, throwing periwinkle and peach up into the early evening sky. The estate they had arrived in was one he had spent time in before, an estate for royalty, nobility, and the wealthiest of merchants.

The house was home to Baron Henley, one of his mother's cousins. He and his wife were out of the country and so, the home was theirs to rest in. Lynus kissed Isla's knuckles as he assisted her out of the carriage, and up the steps, nodding to the staff who had lined up to greet them.

 

[Isla]

For quite a while, Isla let herself slip into that dream. A little village by the sea. A warm home with fires that never went out. A garden full of life instead of the cold, stone walls of the palace. She could picture it all too clearly- the salty air, the way Lynus would grumble about sand getting everywhere when she would take their little ‘stowaway’, as he’d called him, to enjoy the sunny days. She dreamed of the way he might join them, let her drag him along the shore with the little toddling between them. A life without court gossip, without the weight of expectation and tradition pressing so heavily on her chest.

It was so much more than she ever dared to hope for. More than she ever thought she was worth.

And Lynus would give it to her, if he could. That much, she was certain. The way his hand curled around hers and his voice dipped into something softer, something longing, she knew it wasn’t just idle talk. It was a wish. A promise that, if the world could just allow it, it would be made real. Her heart ached at the thought. If only it were that simple.

The mention of Arryn, Brett, and Sarah filled her heart with warmth. She could imagine them there, in that little house by the sea- Arryn and Brett drinking (once Brett was of age, of course) and laughing with Lynus on the porch while Sarah tried, and likely failed, to teach Isla how to make some convoluted pastry. It made that dream all the more sweeter. But when Lynus sighed and his face faltered, she knew the same feelings had struck him. It was only a dream.

And after all, would they be allowed to leave Vel Anir? Arryn especially. The King surely wouldn’t release him from his new position. But she didn’t say that. Not now. Not when the moment was already slipping from her imagination.

Instead, she smiled and leaned into him as his lips pressed the top of her head. “Let’s enjoy this peace while it lasts.” She murmured, echoing him. Even if she needed it to last forever.

---

Hours later, Isla awoke to the gentle slowing of the carriage. Blinking the world into view, she lifted her head just in time to catch a glimpse of the estate. It was beautiful, especially beneath a sky painted in soft hues of sunset.

It was grand, but not like the suffocating, imposing way the Keep had been. This place actually felt welcoming. Like a retreat, rather than a fortress.

Isla barely had time to take it all in before Lynus was helping her from the carriage. Her legs wobbled slightly as her feet hit the ground, but his hands steadied her, refusing to let her falter.

She straightened, offering the staff a polite smile as she followed Lynus, her hand still tucked into his.

As beautiful as the estate was, as luxurious as it would be, her gaze still flickered to Lynus instead and the way the sunlight painted him in gold. This was what mattered. As long as she had him, she could be happy anywhere.

 

[Lynus Anireth]

Lynus led Isla through the grand entrance, his fingers laced securely with hers. The manor greeted them like an old friend—warm, inviting, utterly unlike the cold, stifling walls of the Keep. Here, the hearths crackled with welcoming flames, their glow flickering against polished wood and gilded sconces. Candlelight bathed the space in a golden warmth, reflecting off the high, vaulted ceilings and rich tapestries that depicted stories of old. The scent of fresh bread and roasted meat lingered in the air from the small feast the staff had carefully prepared in anticipation of their arrival.

The moment they stepped inside, Lynus felt the weight on his shoulders ease. This place, nestled deep in the countryside, had been a retreat for him as a child. He had once spent endless hours in the sprawling gardens beyond, losing himself in the carefully sculpted maze until he was breathless with laughter and adventure. He could still remember the way the wisteria draped lazily over the trellises, the scent of lavender and jasmine thick in the summer air. Even now, years later, it still felt like a place meant for peace. Already he felt far more at ease here than he possibly could at home.

The staff had outdone themselves, ensuring everything was perfect for their arrival. A modest banquet had been laid out—warm breads, fresh fruits, roasted pheasant, and honey-drizzled tarts. Yet Lynus’ attention remained wholly on Isla.

"Thank you," he said to the gathered staff, his voice kind but firm. "You’ve all done more than enough. Please, take the remainder of the evening for yourselves."

There was hesitation—no doubt they were accustomed to remaining on hand, always at the ready—but a reassuring smile from Lynus was enough to send them on their way. The door shut softly behind the last of them, leaving only silence in its wake.

Lynus exhaled, turning his gaze to Isla, his hands already reaching for her.

"How are you feeling?," he murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

 

[Isla]

This? This was a home. Isla thought to herself, dragging her fingers lightly over the polished wood of the nearby table, stepping further into the home beside Lynus. The warmth that greeted them felt like a balm to her soul, the flickering hearts and golden candlelight wrapping around her like a comforting, familiar embrace. She couldn't help but breathe deeply and sigh at the smell of food. She was starving.

This place felt so different than anywhere she had known as a home- the brothel, the keep, even her parents old home. It felt alive. Full of history and stories, but so unlike the cold and suffocating walls of the Keep, this place exuded warmth and life.

Tapestries, too, lined the walls with intricate designs telling tales of ancient stories rather than a line of cold-hearted successors. There was something peaceful about this place, something that settled her nerves in a way the Keep never could. It was familiar, but in a way that was also new. A home in a way she had never known home before.

Her hand tightened around Lynus' as they walked, and for the first time in ages, she allowed herself to fully relax. There was no pressure. No expectation. It was just them, in this moment. For the first time since leaving the Keep, she didn't feel like she was being crushed from the pressure of everything she had been carrying, secrets and everything else. Here, she could breathe.

She was, perhaps, a bit too eager when they approached the feast for two. Her stomach growled and the moment his staff had been dismissed, she had already snatched up one of the honey drizzled tarts. Taking that first bite filled her with an unexpected sense of comfort. It was almost too much. Gods, she felt her eyes watering. It was embarrassing. But for the first time in weeks, she felt like herself again. She could actually enjoy the food again. She had Mabel's tonic and Lynus' insistence to thank for that. "You know," She laughed, snorting quietly before she could finish her thought. "You know one of your staff had once referred to me as the 'honey-drizzled tart'?" She wasn't sure if she should have been flattered or offended, but there was clearly no hint of hurt in her voice as she giggled.

She took another bite, savoring its sweetness, thoughts drifting as she let herself enjoy the simple pleasure of food in a peaceful place. "It's funny." She continued, responding to his question. "I was a little uneasy about leaving the Keep. The idea of being away from it...I don't know. I felt like maybe I was running away from something. But now?" She smiled, sitting down at the table. "I feel free. I feel hopeful for the first time in so long. And this tonic?" She added with a laugh, "I'm eternally grateful that its working. I think I might be able to keep food down for once and that for the first time I'm not at war with our little boy or girl."

She met his eyes, quiet but full of nothing but sincerity. "I think you were right. Leaving was a good idea. I think I could be happier anywhere else as long as I am with you." She smiled, genuine and warm. A smile that spoke of her relief and hope, of a future that didn't feel so impossible. "Thank you for everything, Lynus. I mean it."

 

[Lynus Anireth]

Lynus had been watching her—quietly, reverently—ever since they stepped inside. He saw the way her shoulders finally loosened, how the tension that had held her so tightly for weeks seemed to melt in the warmth of the manor. The way she breathed deeply, as if drinking in the very air itself, as if she could taste the difference in this place. And gods, the moment she grabbed the tart, that little sound of delight she made sent something fierce and protective curling in his chest.

He couldn't stop the slow smile that spread across his lips, watching as she savoured every bite. Seeing her enjoy food again—without the nausea, without the struggle—was enough to ease a part of him that had been knotted with worry for weeks.

Her laughter, bright and familiar, only made it better, until she told him what one of the staff had said about her and he cleared his throat, his brow furrowing.

"Did they now?" His voice was quieter now, but there was an unmistakable sharpness beneath it. The warmth in his gaze darkened, his jaw tightening as he set his goblet down with deliberate care.

He knew exactly what was meant by that name. It wasn’t just a playful remark, it was a way of reducing her to something lesser. Lynus exhaled slowly, trying—failing—to temper the sudden flare of anger burning in his chest. His fingers drummed against the table once before he pushed up from his seat.

"Perhaps I will need to return to teach my staff a lesson in respect."

But as her voice softened, as she spoke of leaving the Keep, of the weight she had carried and the hope she was finally beginning to feel, Lynus’ expression gentled. He stepped closer, reaching for her hand where it rested on the table, his thumb brushing softly over her knuckles.

"I won’t pretend I wasn’t worried about leaving," he admitted, voice low but steady. "Not because I doubted our choice, but because I know you. You carry so much, Isla. More than you should. And I know what it’s like to feel like you’re running away from something instead of towards something better."

His fingers curled around hers, warm and grounding. "But I never wanted you to feel trapped. Not in that place, not in your own fears. And I—" he exhaled, squeezing her hand, "I just wanted you to have the chance to breathe again."

Hearing her say that she felt free now, that she felt hopeful, that she could be happy anywhere as long as she was with him—it knocked the air from his lungs in the best way.

Lynus lifted her hand, pressing a kiss to her fingers before murmuring against them, "I’d take you anywhere, Starling. As long as it means seeing you like this." His gaze flickered up to hers, steady, intent. "Happy. Laughing. I remember the first time you smiled at me. It was the single most beautiful thing I'd ever seen, and I've never felt more guilt in my life for ever taking that from you for a single moment."

He grinned, but his voice softened again as he added, "You don’t have to thank me, love. Taking care of you, making sure you feel safe, giving you everything you need—it isn’t a burden. It never will be. It’s what I want. What I wanted from the first time I left your room."

Lynus squeezed her hand, reaching for one of the goblets of spiced cider. He lifted it in an almost playful toast, his gaze still full of nothing but warmth.

"To new beginnings, then," he murmured. "And to our little one finally deciding to be kinder to their mother."

 

[Isla]

"Well now, you're not planning on leaving me here alone, are you?" Isla teased, fingers tapping on the table. "I'm fairly certain it isn't an Anirian custom to leave one's wife alone on their honeymoon. Perhaps its a royal thing." She joked, but there was a softness beneath her words, a subtle vulnerability that only he would catch on to. But his concern was evident, though, and she could feel the weight of his worries as he looked at her.

She didn't take it lightly. She never did. But for the first time in a long while, she was ready to share just a bit of her own peace. "Surprisingly," she began, her tone lighter as she took another bite of the tart. "it seems that leaving the keep has helped. It's strange isn't it? You're right. I thought I'd be running away from something like always, but instead, I think it feels like I am finally running towards something." She smiled softly. She could breathe here. Anywhere outside of the city. Here, she had no fears. No threats of Nathaniel showing up unannounced to make his claims that she owed him. No King, no Bexley. No threats or whispers or drama. It was all she ever needed.

But her gaze softened as she looked him over, the flicker of concern pulling his brows together, pulling at her heart. She knew how much he carried inside him, how much of his own troubles he kept hidden well from everyone. She could see it now and couldn't help but feel that he, too, needed to breathe.

Isla's eyes started to glisten as she Lynus continued to speak with a warmth in his voice that she'd never heard from anyone else, the love behind every action. The tears had been threatening to fall since the moment they'd arrived slipped free, and she quickly swiped one away with the back of her hand, a soft laugh escaping from her lips as she reached for another goblet of cider to join the toast. She hadn't expected them to come so quickly, but everything had snowballed into the perfect storm of relief, happiness, and safety. Her cheeks turned pink with her embarrassment.

"I'm sorry." She murmured an apology, lifting the goblet with a shaky smile. "I'm just so...overwhelmed. It's been so long since I've felt like this, Lynus. I don't think I've ever let myself feel this much at ease." Her voice caught in her throat as she added softly. "To new beginnings." Her own voice was full of promise. "Gods please tell me Mabel snuck some extra tonic in your bags. One to dampen my emotions." She took a small sip of the cider and set it down to rub her eyes. "Or maybe one to help you ignore them. Maybe temporary deafness?"

They sat at the grand table, candlelight flickering over the lavish feast that had been left for them. Isla was now eternally grateful for both Mabel and Lynus as she enjoyed every single item that had been left for them. The meats were tender, fruit bursting with sweetness, and of course three more of those honey-drizzled tarts melted in her mouth. A smile remained plastered on her face with every bite she took, the meal easing up the last bit of tension in her body.

After they finished, Isla leaned back in her chair, eyes sparkling with a newfound energy after what felt like weeks of suffering. She wiped her hands on a napkin and met Lynus' gaze with a thoughtful look on her own face. "I know this is one of your mother's cousin's homes, but how long are they going to be out of the country?" It was her way of asking 'how long can we stay here for?' Long enough to send for Mabel or Arryn or Sarah?

 

[Lynus Anireth]

Lynus tilted his head slightly, a small smirk playing at the corner of his lips as he swirled the cider in his goblet. He knew what she was really asking. She wasn’t just inquiring about logistics—she was searching for reassurance, for some sense of permanence in a world that had never given her such a thing. And gods, if he could give her that, he would. He’d give her the whole damn world if it meant she’d keep looking at him the way she was now—hopeful, teasing, but just a little hesitant, as if she didn’t quite trust the ground beneath her feet to hold.

"As long as you want," he said simply, his voice warm, steady. He reached across the table, his fingers finding hers and giving them a gentle squeeze. "We could stay until the leaves turn gold, until the snows come, or until you get tired of me hovering around you like a lovesick fool—though I have to warn you, that last one might never happen." His smirk deepened, but there was a quiet sincerity in his eyes, a promise beneath the jest.

He let out a breath, leaning back in his chair. "The Baron and his family are in Alliria for the foreseeable future—some diplomatic mission that will likely turn into another. He left no date for their return, only a letter saying the house was mine to use as I pleased. And I please to use it for this," he gestured vaguely around them, "hiding away with my wife and making sure she eats more tarts than any respectable noblewoman should."

His thumb brushed absently over the back of her hand. "If you're asking whether you have time to just be here, to breathe, to settle and enjoy the peace... then yes. You do."

Lynus grinned, a boyish, mischievous thing that was gone almost as soon as it appeared—because in the next breath, he was on his feet, sweeping Isla into his arms as if she weighed nothing at all.

"Now I think we should explore the honeymoon suite..” The words were warm against her ear.

He carried her effortlessly through the grand manor, the candlelit hallways casting flickering golden light over the polished wood and stone. When he nudged open the door to their chambers, the room a vision of warmth and indulgence.

A grand four-poster bed stood at the center, its deep mahogany frame intricately carved with vines and leaves, draped in the softest linen and thick velvet blankets of deep emerald and gold. The bed had already been turned down, the pillows fluffed, inviting them into a nest of absolute comfort.

Across the room, a large copper tub sat by the hearth, bubbles frothed at the surface, thick and luxurious, scented with honey and jasmine. Steam curled lazily into the air, filling the space with a soothing heat.

Lynus stepped inside, nudging the door shut with his heel before striding towards the bed. He lowered her gently, as if she were something precious, something breakable.

He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead, then her cheek, before murmuring against her lips, "Now might I help you out of your clothes, my love?" he grinned.

 

[Isla]

Isla flushed lightly at his words, her heart quickening in her chest. A promise to stay as long as she wanted made her feel something deep within, something she hadn't dared to let herself feel before Lynus came crashing into her life: the hope for a future, the hope for stability. She laughed softly, her voice warm with affection. "Do you think I'll get tired of being loved by you?" She gave him a playful glance. "I'm not sure I could ever get tired of that."

Her own tone was light, but completely sincere. It was a truth she couldn't hide. She was finally beginning to understand what it meant to have someone love her in a way that didn't come with a price or any strings attached. No expectations or demands. It was pure. It was real.

She snorted softly at the comment of hiding away with his wife and letting her eat as many tarts as she wished, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Well thank goodness I'm no respectable noblewoman, then!" She quipped, raising a brow. Her laughter lilted with the easy banter. "I'd never be able to enjoy myself and all these lovely tarts if I were."

A warmth had settled over the moment, the peace setting in place. It made her appreciate him even more. His care, his patience, his willingness to just let her be. She didn't have to carry the weight of everything anymore and it was all because of Lynus. "I appreciate this," She said, squeezing his hand. "You're letting me just...relax. No pressure, no demands. Just us."

A tear had begun to make its way down her cheek and she thanked her lucky stars that Lynus had made a move before he could see. She let out a surprised yelp as he scooped her up effortlessly. Her arms wrapped around his neck. "You're completely ridiculous," She teased, incapable of stopping herself from laughing as he began walking. His voice, low in her ear, gave her goosebumps. "But...I'm not about to disagree with exploring the honeymoon suite."

She barely took in the hallways as he carried her through. The air felt rich with warmth here, wood and candles mingled in the air and mixed with a scent much deeper. Much more intoxicating. And as they entered the suite, she felt her breath stop. The room was a vision. She couldn't help but let out a soft sigh, mentally noting the similarity to the carvings in Lynus' own bedroom back in Vel Anir. She wondered if it had been a family thing, or if it was just another subtle touch of Lynus.

And gods. That bed. It looked so inviting, so deliciously tempting. All she wanted to do was lie down in it and lose herself in the comfort of it and him. The soft rustle of the linen as Lynus set her down made her feel as though she could melt right into it. She leaned into his kisses, letting him trail lower.

Now might I help you out of your clothes, my love?

She gasped quietly as she met his burning gaze, her own expression soft as her heart fluttered. She wasn't sure how he did it, but every ounce of tension in her body seemed to melt away. She smiled, her voice warm and inviting as she leaned backwards into the pillows. "You're more than welcome to." She said softly, her fingers reaching to tug at the laces of her gown. "But I must warn you, Prince, that I am no respectable noblewoman."

Her breaths quickened as he his hands assisted her, his touch careful but possessive in the best way. The air between them thickened as a quiet intimacy wrapped the room like a cocoon. As the last of her gown slipped away, she reached for him until her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer until their lips finally met. And as he kissed her again, the room seemed to fade away. It was just the two of them, the warmth of the bed, the temptation of that copper tub, and the quiet space. Her heart raced as she surrendered herself to the moment. To him.

Isla's fingers traced over the fabric of Lynus' trousers, her breath shallow as the warmth between them grew into an undeniable heat. Her hands moved with hunger, confidence, as she undid the fastenings with a touch so slow and deliberate. She was savoring every second. The room seemed to hum with anticipation, the soft flickering candlelight dancing over their faces as she worked. Her fingertips brushed against the skin of his hip. And when the last of the fabric had loosened, she looked up at him, lips curling into an impish smile.

 

[Lynus Anireth]

Lynus’ breath hitched as Isla’s fingers traced the bare skin of his hips, slow and teasing, her touch igniting something deep and primal within him. His eyes burned with a hunger that was barely restrained, his hands settling over hers, stilling her deliberate movements just for a moment.

"Not yet," he murmured, voice thick with desire. A slow, lopsided grin tugged at his lips as he leaned down, catching her chin between his fingers. "I'm spoiling you, remember?"

The last words came as a promise, a declaration, and then he kissed her—deep, consuming, his mouth claiming hers as if he could pull her very soul into him. His hands roamed her body, reverent, possessive, as if memorising every inch of her. He kissed a path down her throat, his lips and teeth leaving lingering marks like the sweetest of confessions against her skin.

The warmth between them became an inferno, a breathless need neither of them wanted to temper.

The flickering candlelight cast long shadows against the stone walls, the copper tub forgotten, the luxurious bed their only world as the night stretched on.

And Lynus—Lynus took his time showing his wife just how much he adored her.

 

[Isla]

Isla gasped softly as Lynus stopped her hands, his fingers warm and strong over hers, stilling her slow and teasing touch. She could feel the tension in him, the fire in his gaze, and it set her heart pounding hard in her chest. She protested, though, a low groan escaping her lips as she tried to pull her hands free, her own body already responding to a need for Lynus that burned through her veins.

"Lynus," She whispered breathlessly, a pleading edge in her voice. She didn't want to stop. Didn't want any of this to stop. Not now. Not ever. And when his lips found hers, all rational thought left her in a rush. The kiss was ravenous, a consuming and wild thing that held nothing back. His mouth claimed hers like he'd never let her go. For that brief moment, nothing else mattered. It was just them, here, in this space with no rules, no obligations, no weight of the world. Only freedom. Only them.

When he finally broke that kiss, her chest heaved with breath, a soft whimper escaping as his lips trailed down her throat, teeth grazing the sensitive skin. A soft moan followed, her head tilting back as a trail of marks dotted her neck in his wake. Small, possessive little marks. She could feel his love in every touch, in every mark he left.

It made her more cherished than she had ever known.

"Gods..." She murmured, fingers trailing through his hair, curling into it as her body reacted to his every move. The tension between them only grew, but it was not something she wanted to fight against. She gave herself to it, to him, to the moment.

Warmth had built between them to an unbearable crescendo, and she surrendered to it, allowing herself to melt into his touch. And he took his time, savoring each kiss, each touch, as if he wanted to remember every detail and every moment of their love. He guided her with a care that made her heart flutter, the rest of the world fading away.

Another soft gasp escaped her lips as he lowered her onto the bed, soft linen wrapping around her like a cocoon, as if they too understood the intimacy of the moment. His weight shifted the bed beside her, his warmth surrounding her, and the kisses he pressed to her forehead, lips, neck, were gentle- every part of her alive with the sweetness of it all.

There was nothing she wanted or needed more than him.