The castle of Nivara was more restless than usual. The days leading up to the grand ball, which would take place in Aeloria, felt like a constant race against time. Amara watched from one of the windows of the main hall as carts came and went, heavily loaded. Each arrival brought more nobles and their attendants, all wearing tense expressions, hurried in their duties.

  In the mornings, Amara devoted herself to observing the preparations from a distance, making sure not to interfere with anyone’s work. Although she did not participate directly in Asier’s strategic meetings, she found ways to help. Every time someone arrived at Asier’s office, Amara appeared shortly afterward with a tray of hot tea and a small plate of cookies.

  “Here you are,” she would say with a kind smile as she placed the tray on the table. “I hope this helps you stay focused.”

  The assistants’ faces, marked by fatigue, brightened for a moment. Some returned her smile with gratitude, others simply nodded and offered words of thanks. As for Asier, he always lifted his gaze from his papers and gave her a warm look.

  “Thank you, Amara. Truly, this helps a lot,” he would say before plunging back into the endless discussions with his advisors.

  Amara found a certain peace in these small actions. Although her role was not as central as Asier’s, she felt useful by bringing a bit of warmth to the tense days of planning.

  Despite the chaos of his work, Asier always made sure to have dinner with Amara. It was the only moment of the day when he could disconnect from the weight of his responsibilities. The table was lit by candelabras that cast a warm glow. Asier, his shoulders still slightly tense from the day’s burdens, found comfort in Amara’s calm presence.

  “Today I spent the entire afternoon reviewing infiltration strategies with the council,” Asier commented one night as he stirred his soup with a spoon. “It seems we’re on the right track, but there’s always something to adjust.”

  Amara listened attentively, nodding from time to time.

  “I’m sure your efforts will pay off,” she replied.

  “Thank you, Amara,” he said with a genuine smile. “And you? How was your day?”

  Amara brightened when it was her turn to speak.

  “I was working in the garden. Do you remember the seeds I planted a few weeks ago? The first flowers are already starting to sprout. I think they’ll be in full bloom by the wedding day.”

  Asier looked at her with interest, setting his plate aside for a moment.

  “I’m glad to hear that. We should take a walk together to see them when they’re ready.”

  Amara smiled, visibly excited by the idea.

  “I’d love that. I also checked on the wedding preparations. Everything is turning out so beautiful! The fabrics they brought for the decorations are gorgeous, and the details for the main hall are almost finished.”

  The mention of the wedding filled the air with mixed emotions. For Asier, it was a reminder of the obligations tied to his position. For Amara, it marked the beginning of a new chapter, though it also carried doubts about what that future would entail.

  “I’m glad everything is moving along well,” Asier replied after a brief pause, his tone tinged with a hint of melancholy.

  “Are you nervous?” Amara asked gently, trying not to make him uncomfortable.

  Asier met her gaze, thinking before answering.

  “A little, I suppose. There’s a lot at stake. Not just the ball or the wedding, but everything that comes after.”

  Amara nodded with understanding.

  “I understand. I’m nervous too. Even so, I’ll be by your side no matter what happens.”

  Her words seemed to ease some of the burden he carried. A faint smile appeared on his face as he took a sip of wine.

  “I know, Amara. Thank you.”

  Dinner continued in a calm, almost intimate atmosphere. The days were long and exhausting, but those shared moments at the end of each day had become a refuge for both of them. Though they didn’t say it aloud, they were beginning to find in each other an essential support, a spark of hope amid the tensions of their respective roles.

  Later, in her room, Amara was brushing her hair in front of the mirror when she heard a soft knock on the door. She turned, surprised, and after a moment, went to open it.

  On the other side stood Asier, his expression serious yet relaxed, as if deciding how to approach an important topic.

  “May I come in?” he asked quietly.

  Amara nodded and stepped aside to let him enter.

  “Is everything alright?” she asked, noticing a slight tension in his posture.

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  Asier walked to the center of the room and then turned to face her, crossing his arms.

  “Tomorrow we depart for Aeloria,” he announced.

  Amara felt a knot form in her stomach. She had not returned to her homeland since she fled, and although she knew this moment would come, facing it felt overwhelming.

  “Alright,” she finally replied, though her voice trembled slightly.

  Asier sensed her nervousness and stepped closer, speaking calmly.

  “Amara, I know this is difficult for you, but I’ll be by your side at all times. Nothing and no one will hurt you while you’re with me.”

  His words were comforting, but they didn’t completely erase the unease from Amara’s face.

  “During the ball,” Asier continued, “it will be crucial that we keep up appearances. We must get along with everyone and avoid raising suspicion.”

  “Suspicion?” Amara asked, confused.

  “Yes. People loyal to us will infiltrate the castle to gather information about the sword. We need to act carefully so that nothing seems out of place.”

  Amara nodded, but her concern remained.

  “Asier… I’m afraid people will be angry when they see that I’m your fiancée. Especially Prince Anwar.”

  Asier frowned when he heard that name.

  “Why does Anwar worry you?”

  Amara lowered her gaze, recalling memories she would rather forget.

  “He’s always been a horrible person. He sees people as possessions, and he doesn’t like anyone taking what he considers his.”

  Asier stepped closer, his eyes filled with firm determination.

  “You have nothing to worry about. I’ll personally present you as my fiancée, and I’ll make it very clear that no one is allowed to disrespect you.”

  “And if he…?”

  “I won’t let Anwar—or anyone—lay a hand on you, Amara. It will not happen again.”

  The intensity in his voice made Amara look straight into his eyes. In that moment, something inside her broke. Before she realized it, she hugged him, seeking refuge in his warmth and strength.

  Asier froze for a moment, surprised, then let out a quiet sigh and returned the embrace, holding her carefully.

  “While I’m by your side, I always feel safe,” she murmured against his chest.

  He smiled softly and loosened the embrace to look at her.

  “I think I’m starting to get used to these hugs between us,” he joked, trying to lighten the moment.

  Amara laughed quietly.

  “Then I’ll keep giving them to you.”

  Asier’s smile grew warmer.

  “I hope that one day I can kiss you when you’re ready,” he said in a low voice, almost a whisper.

  Amara lifted her face, her eyes searching for his. She was blushing, but she didn’t look away.

  “When I feel ready, I’ll let you know,” she said firmly, raising a hand to his face to emphasize her words.

  The gesture made Asier shiver slightly. He looked at her for a moment before leaning in and placing a gentle, affectionate kiss on her forehead.

  “Good night, Amara,” he said quickly, stepping back before the moment could linger any longer.

  She watched him leave the room, her chest filled with a mix of emotions.

  Asier closed the door behind him and returned to his own room. As soon as he collapsed onto the bed, warmth rose to his face. His thoughts were scattered, but one thing was clear: he would protect Amara no matter what.

  The next morning, Amara stepped out of the castle. In front of the massive wooden doors, an elegant black carriage with golden details awaited her. Asier was already there, impeccably dressed in formal attire, his presence as commanding as ever. Amara wore a deep blue dress with black lace that matched Asier’s outfit perfectly.

  She walked toward him, trying to hide the nervousness reflected in her eyes. When he saw her, Asier offered a faint smile filled with understanding.

  “You look beautiful. Ready?” he asked, extending a hand to help her into the carriage.

  Amara nodded, took his hand, and stepped inside.

  Behind them, two more carriages stood ready to depart. In one traveled Duke Lucas Livei and Marchioness Barbara Andressa, a woman with light brown hair and a sharp gaze, wearing a beautiful purple dress adorned with golden jewelry. Both were nobles loyal to Nivara and had been invited to the ball in Aeloria. Their task was crucial: to investigate the castle’s corners in search of clues about the sword. If discovered, they were to pretend they had simply gotten lost.

  In the other carriages rode their attendants, including Nico, Asier’s young assistant. Their mission was to speak with the castle’s servants, casually gathering information while engaging them in conversation about the sword.

  As the carriage began to move, Amara watched as the gates of Nivara’s castle closed behind them. She leaned back against the seat, breathing deeply to calm herself.

  Asier, seated across from her, noticed her tension and extended a hand, gently covering hers.

  “Amara… I’m sorry for putting you in this position,” he said sincerely. His eyes revealed something he rarely allowed others to see: vulnerability.

  She looked at him, surprised, then shook her head slightly, squeezing his hand.

  “Don’t worry, Asier. I know this is necessary, and I’m willing to do it if it means we can move forward with our plans.”

  Asier held her gaze for a moment, noting the determination in her words.

  “I promise I’ll do everything I can so you don’t have to face more than necessary. I’ll be by your side, Amara.”

  She nodded, letting his words comfort her. For a few seconds, the movement of the carriage and the soft creaking of the wheels on the stone road were the only sounds.

  “What do you think we’ll find there?” Amara asked, breaking the silence.

  “I hope something that brings us closer to the truth about the sword,” he replied. “But I also know we must be careful. Prince Anwar isn’t foolish, and he’ll surely be watching us.”

  Amara turned her gaze toward the window, observing the landscape stretching beyond the glass. The memory of Prince Anwar tightened her chest, but the warm contact of Asier’s hand reminded her that this time, she was not alone.

  As the carriages advanced along the road connecting Nivara to Aeloria, the group prepared mentally for what awaited them. Each person had a role to play, and although the risks were high, so were the rewards if they succeeded.

  The shadow of Aeloria’s castle began to rise on the horizon.