Chapter 248 Too Confident

The celebration spilled through the courtyard like a living thing. Lanterns swayed overhead, casting warm light over long wooden tables cluttered with cups, bottles, and half-eaten food.

Laughter rang freely, unrestrained, echoing off stone walls that had witnessed far too much tension in recent days.

Tonight, that tension was gone.

Zander leaned back in his chair, one arm slung over the backrest, a cup of strong liquor raised high. “To our reckless king,” he announced, voice carrying easily. “Who lost his powers, nearly lost his life, found his mate, and somehow still managed to get married.”

A roar of cheers answered him.

Cups clinked. Someone shouted another toast. Music picked up somewhere near the fire pit.

Across from Zander, Osman lifted his cup a fraction later than everyone else. He drank, but only a small sip, then set it back down. His shoulders were tense, his expression far too serious for night meant for celebration.

Zander noticed. He took another long drink, then tilted his head, studying Osman openly. “You know,” he said casually, “I find it fascinating.”

Osman glanced at him. “What?”

“How everyone here looks like they’re about to burst from happiness,” Zander continued, sweeping a hand toward the noisy crowd, “and yet one man looks like he’s attending a funeral.”

A few nearby warriors laughed, already guessing who Zander meant.

Osman exhaled through his nose. “Don’t start.”

“Oh, I’m absolutely starting,” Zander said with a grin. “Because you, my friend, look like the only person in Aetherion who didn’t get the memo that tonight is supposed to be joyful.”

More laughter followed.

Osman leaned back in his chair, arms crossing over his chest. “I’m happy for the king.”

“I know you are,” Zander replied easily. “That’s not the problem.

He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice just enough to make the moment feel more personal. “You’re just not happy for yourself.”

Osman didn’t respond right away.

The fire crackled. Someone refilled Zander’s cup. The noise of celebration continued around them, but for a brief moment, it felt

distant.

Finally, Osman spoke. “You gave your word.”

Zander raised a brow. “About what?”

“The alliance,” Osman said, meeting his gaze steadily, “Terravan”

Zander let out a soft chuckle. “Ah. That again.”

Osman didn’t smile. “I’m serious.”

“I know you are,” Zander said, still amused. He took a slow sip, the shrugged. “And I meant what I said. I won’t accept it.”

Osman searched his face. “No conditions?”

Zander grinned. “Everything has conditions.”

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Osman’s jaw tightened slightly.

Zander noticed and laughed. “Relax. I said I wouldn’t accept it.”

Then, with deliberate mischief, he added, “Unless Candice herself insists.”

Osman’s eyes narrowed. “She won’t.”

“That confident?” Zander teased.

“I know her,” Osman replied without hesitation. “She won’t accept a marriage forced by politics.”

Zander studied him for a moment, then raised his cup. “For your sake, I hope you’re right.”

Osman stood, pushing his chair back. “Enjoy the celebration.”

“You’re leaving?” Zander asked.

Osman nodded. “I have somewhere to be.”

Zander smirked knowingly. “Of course you do.”

Osman didn’t bother replying. He turned and walked away, the noise fading behind him as he headed for the stables.

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The night air was cool as Osman mounted his horse. He urged it forward immediately, hooves striking the road with urgency that matched the thoughts racing through his mind.

Candice. Always Candice.

The tavern came into view not long after, its windows glowing warmly against the darkness. Guards from House Terravane stood watch, alert and well-armed.

Osman dismounted at a distance, tied his horse, and moved quietly along the shadows. He studied the guards’ movements, waiting for the right moment before slipping around the side of the building.

A narrow window. A short climb. One silent breath and he was inside.

Candice’s quarters were dimly lit by a single lantern. She was standing near the window when she sensed him, turning sharply. “Osman,” she hissed. “Have you lost your mind?”

He crossed the room in two strides and kissed her. Hard, deep and certain.

Candice gasped, shock lasting only a heartbeat before her hands fisted in his cloak, pulling him closer as she kissed him back just as fiercely.

When he finally pulled away, both of them were breathing hard.

“I missed you,” he murmured, resting his forehead against hers.

“You’re unbelievable,” she whispered, even as she leaned into him. “This place is guarded.”

“I noticed.”

She let out a soft laugh despite herself. “You’re going to get caught one day.”

“Worth it.”

Her eyes searched his face. “Did Zander say anything?”

Osman sighed. “He teased. About the alliance.”

“And?” she pressed.

“He said he won’t accept it,” Osman replied. “Unless you insist.”

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Candice scoffed. “As if I would.”

He smiled and kissed her again, slower this time. “Good.”

She pulled back just enough to glare at him. “You’re far too confident.”

“Because I trust you.”

Her expression softened. She reached up, brushing her thumb along his jaw. “You said you’d wait.”

“I will,” Osman said quietly. “Like you

asked.”

Then his lips curved slightly. “But you better keep your promise.”

She raised a brow. “Or else?”

“Or else,” he murmured, kissing her deeply once more, “I’ll take you away myself.”

Candice laughed against his mouth, fingers tightening in his cloak Outside, the guards remained unaware.

“For the first time, I’m glad there was no magic around,” Osman said with a grin. “It made sneaking in much easier without your grandfather or father sensing my presence.”

“I heard you’re all set to return to Lunaris,” Candice remarked as she gently slipped out of Osman’s arms and walked toward the

window.

“Indeed. The coronation of Lady Althea as Aetherion’s princess and the wedding ceremony were rushed today,” Osman replied. “The king informed us that we will set sail tomorrow and depart from the terravane docks.” He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Candice from behind. “Will you come see me off?”

Candice hummed softly, resting her hands on the window frame. “It’s better if we keep a low profile for now. I don’t want my father or grandfather growing suspicious about why I’m refusing the marriage alliance. If they discover there’s another man involved…” She glanced back at him with a faint smile. “You’d be permanently added to their blacklist.”