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Chapter 65: Chapter 66: The Unspoken Bond.
The Unspoken Bond.
[Author Notes read first Chapter 65 then this Chapter 66]
Leon’s face clouded, brows furrowing. Aria blinked, obviously disturbed by their stern humility.
A silence fell over the table. Something had to shift.
Leon stood up slowly, the chair legs scraping softly against the smooth floor. His golden eyes, once warm and inviting, now burned with a quiet fire.
"If the three of you won’t sit," he stated, voice smooth but slicing as steel encased in silk, "then by all means leave this mansion."
The air became icy. Even the sunlight filtering through the high windows seemed to stop.
The three women were frozen, speechless. Cynthia’s mouth opened, but no sound emerged. Syra’s sunny aura disappeared into doubt. Kyra’s eyebrows furrowed; her breath caught in her throat.
Leon emerged from his chair, his eyes unblinking.
"I didn’t let you trail along behind me to be ornaments in the background. You’re not maids. You’re not furniture to stand silently against corners."
Leon drew a slow breath, his voice firm, but richer now—imbued with significance.
"I need you to know something. Any woman I bring into my life—into this house—isn’t some servant to bow or cower. She’s my friend, my partner, or even. my future wife. I don’t want loyalty created out of fear. I don’t require worship. I want hearts. Minds. Souls."
His eyes roamed the three of them.
"I am not your master. And if you wish to humble yourselves before me... if you can’t meet my eye and talk as a person, then you don’t belong here."
The room was still.
Even Aria, beside him, sensed something awaken. She looked at her husband with a new light in her eyes—pride, admiration. love.
The women looked at each other.
Cynthia’s eyes sparkled. Her heart, long holding on to duty and propriety, creaked a little wider. He’s not only nice. He’s genuine.
Kyra let out a slow breath, shoulders relaxing. He honors us. more than we honored ourselves.
Syra, lips quivering on the verge of a smile, felt her chest expand with something warmer than reverence. Not master. friend. And he means it.
Then Leon’s face relaxed. The flames subsided to warm comfort.
He spread one hand and said, more softly this time, "Please. Sit down."
And they sat—both of them, in silence, with something new shining in their eyes.
They nodded as one and sat down.
In the silence that followed, something changed—not in the air, but in their hearts.
At first, they had trailed after him because of the prophecy. A responsibility. To fulfill a foreordained purpose. But now, observing him speak with passion—not as a king, but as a man—they felt something change. Something intimate.
The goddess did not make mistakes... This man is more than a leader. He’s something else.
And although none of them would ever speak it out loud, a tiny yearning unfolded within them. Not for position. Not for power.
Just a little warmth. Just a little closeness.
Leon gazed at them, their eyes relaxed by something more profound than respect. He didn’t need to inquire what they were contemplating—he could sense it in the quiet they brought.
His own smile was serene, knowing. "Now then," he murmured, his voice warm and low, "let’s eat."
The maids glided in unison, placing plates in front of them. Meat from magical beasts roasted to golden perfection, soft honey-glazed bread, sliced fresh fruits, and thick porridge filled their plates.
While they ate, the tension from earlier dissipated slowly. The once oppressive silence was replaced by easy chatter. Syra teased Kyra lightly, while Cynthia probed Aria about the estate with sincere interest. Aria answered with a gentle smile, providing them with a combination of friendly but amused warmth.
Though having only met the previous day, there was a sense of familiarity—of having known one another much longer, as if the ties of friendship had already started to bind between them.
And for Leon, glancing around the table, breakfast had never been more enjoyable.
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Following breakfast, the group sat on around the long dining table, the plates removed but the comfort of conversation remaining. Aria sat opposite Cynthia, and their cheerful chat flowed as smoothly as a warm brook. Aria asked them about childhood, and Cynthia smiled as she described how she, Kyra, and Syra had been raised as noble daughters—educated, trained, mannered. Kyra, normally quieter, contributed a word or two when cued, and Syra piped up here and there, her voice full of laughter.
The air was effortless, full of laughter and small talk, as if these women had been friends for centuries, not days. Their connection didn’t seem new—it seemed ancient, fluid, like souls reunited by destiny.
Eventually, Leon cleared his throat, commanding the attention of everyone in the room. With a gentleman’s demeanor and a mischievous smile playing at his lips, he spoke,
"Ladies, I would be delighted to sit here all morning and hear your lovely voices and look at such great beauty. but don’t we all have things to do?"
His tone was teasing, but respectful, and at once, the four women—Cynthia, Kyra, Syra, and even Aria—were affected by a wash of embarrassment. Cynthia’s fair cheeks flushed; Kyra cast her eyes downward, lips struggling in an almost smile; Syra laughed outright, clearly amused. But it was Aria, the tough and controlled one, who shocked herself with a flush rising up her neck.
Leon observed, his golden eyes shining mischievously. "So cute," he whispered, causing their blush to deepen.
Leon’s eyes darted across them, relishing the effect his words had produced, appreciating the delicate change in their expressions.
Aria, her lips twitching into a small, teasing smile, cleared her throat, shattering the moment of mutual warmth. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her playful tone resuming as she addressed them.
"Alright, sweetheart," Aria replied, her eyes sparkling with humor, "teasing enough for today."
Leon raised an eyebrow, pretending to be innocent. "Tease? I’m just telling the truth. Is truth a tease now, so I don’t know?"
Aria rolled her purple eyes with a melodramatic sigh, while Leon simply smiled, feeling utterly comfortable in their banter.
Cynthia observed them, her black eyes warm with admiration. By the goddess’s grace... I discovered her chosen one. But better than that—this man... he makes women near him feel safe and at ease. She remembered the destroyed village, the family she had lost. Yet... here, I don’t feel like I’ve lost everything. Perhaps... perhaps he’s the type of man who can make even broken people whole again.
Opposite her, Kyra sat in silence, casting an occasional glance in Leon’s direction. Her face was pensive. We’ve lost so much already—our home, our people—perhaps he’s the one to ground us. Perhaps this isn’t just about duty anymore...
Syra, being open-hearted herself, was already smiling, her happy disposition hiding greater wounds. He makes me laugh. He treats me nicely. No commands, no chilliness. Only warmth. Her eyes rested on him, a small glint of admiration budding. Perhaps this is what peace is like... perhaps he’s the cause of it.
The silence continued, the women deep in thought, until a snap of a finger made them jump. Leon had cracked his fingers, his hand held up in a playful motion.
"What are you three pondering, ladies?" he asked with a cheeky smile.
Cynthia smiled serenely and blinked. "Nothing, my lord."
Kyra continued, "Nothing serious, really."
But Syra, never one for subtlety, grinned. "Just contemplating how handsome and charming our lord is!"
"Syra!" Kyra scolded, lightly slapping her sister’s shoulder.
Leon chuckled, not offended in the least. He was starting to understand Syra’s candid nature—refreshing and warm, like a summer breeze. "You’re very adorable too, Syra," he replied with amused fondness.
Syra laughed happily, sticking her tongue out at her sister with a mischievous glint in her eye. Kyra shot her an admonishing glare, but even she couldn’t suppress the subtle pull of humour at Syra’s antics.
Aria, standing on the sidelines, couldn’t help but inwardly sigh. He really is dangerous. not only because of his power, but that charm of his. Her eyes slightly narrowed, and a more serious thought crept into her head. When he heads to the capital. I have a feeling more women will fall for him.
But just as that thought settled in, a sudden urgency snapped through her, and her eyes widened in realization. Her expression shifted from calm to mild panic as she straightened in her seat.
"Leon!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with alarm.
Her abrupt, panicked tone broke through the lighthearted mood, catching everyone off guard. Four heads whipped around her in sync, their faces changing to worry. Leon’s brow creased with worry. "What’s wrong?" he asked in a steady voice.
"You forgot," she exclaimed, eyes wide.
Leon’s brows furrow. "Forgot what?
"Really forgot?" Aria sighed; "You must be in the Moonstone Kingdom’s capital, Moonspire, for the princess’s ceremonial assembly—in a week!" her voice filled with urgency.
Leon’s eyes widened as he realized. "Shit!" he swore, the word out before he could prevent it. He scratched his hair, a look of guilt on his face. "I totally forgot about that trip."
Cynthia, Kyra, and Syra looked at each other in confusion, not knowing what this was supposed to mean. Observing them, Leon questioned, "Aria, how many days?"
"If you depart tomorrow or the next day before dawn —you’ll arrive at the capital just in time for the ceremony." she asserted.
Leon let out a sudden exhalation, after considering later and inclining his head. "Then I’ll depart tomorrow." He looked at her with faith shining in his eyes. "May I entrust the preparations to you?"
Aria nodded elegantly, then smiled slightly. "Of course. But, my forgetful lord. did you bring gifts? For the princess? The king and queen?
Leon rubbed the back of his neck, a look of sheepishness playing at his lips. "Uh... I think I forgot that part."
There was a moment of silence.
Aria blinked once, then breathed with overacted patience—but the edge of her mouth curled with good-natured amusement. Syra let out a burst of laughter. Cynthia’s accurately crafted expression broke with a flash of incredulity, but Kyra, always the straight-faced one, looked aside—but her eyes flashed across him for an instant before they cast down. Something in the guileless motion, the unguarded sincerity behind it, melted them all.
Aria let out a melodramatic sigh, running her fingers through her hair. "I should have known... Fine, darling. I’ll take care of it—or order Someone has to see you don’t arrive in capital with empty-handed."
Leon grinned warmly, then leaned in and kissed her cheek in appreciation. It was a light, impulsive touch—fast but full of warm affection.
Aria’s eyes widened in surprise, then smiled, a pale blush dusting her cheeks. "You’re lucky you’re charming," she grumbled.
On the other side of the table, Cynthia, Kyra, and Syra sat slightly straighter. They hadn’t anticipated something so private—so authentic. It wasn’t shocking, but the foreign heat of it flushed their cheeks a shade, each of them looking away in polite embarrassment.
Cynthia then looked up, uncertain. "My lord. you’re departing tomorrow?"
Leon faced her. "Yes."
She hesitated, then asked softly, "Then. may we accompany you?
He blinked. "You want to come? Why?"
Cynthia took a step forward. "Our mission is to shadow and guard you. Let us do that—on the highway, not merely behind your gates."
Leon regarded her, then glanced at Kyra, who nodded almost imperceptibly, and Syra, whose eager eyes shone. He hesitated, considering their earnestness, then nodded at last. "Alright. You can come.
Aria remained silent. She smiled weakly to herself, touching her cup with her fingers. Whatever Leon would do—she would support it, as good a wife she had decided on being.
After a reflective moment, Leon faced Aria once more, something mischievous sparkling in his eyes. "Actually... I have an idea. Why don’t we go to the market together? Purchase the gifts ourselves. It’ll be a respite from all the tension. You’ve been working nonstop."
Her brows rose in agreeable surprise. "Are you... asking me out on a date, darling?"
He smiled. "Something like that."
Before Cynthia, Kyra, and Syra could feel left out, Leon turned to them. "You three are joining us, right?"
All at once, Cynthia, Kyra, and Syra stiffened in their seats, taken aback. Their cheeks blazed as their hearts fluttered together. A simultaneous glance passed between them—then wandered toward Aria, as if they sought her permission.
They discovered her smiling, elegant and serene.
Aria looked into their eyes, amusement dancing in her own. "If you want to go along," she added, smiling warmly, "I don’t mind that at all."
The tension shattered in the space of one heartbeat.
"Oh, certainly, my lord," the three repeated, voices barely a little breathless.
Their minds reeled wildly.
Cynthia, who was always self-contained, found herself with a tiny smile creeping up her face. He doesn’t just command us... he invites us in. Values us. I didn’t anticipate that.
Kyra blinked, wondering if she should smile or blush. He desires us to be around him. Not from a sense of duty... but because he needs us there. I never thought to feel like this. needed.
Syra was already grinning, her inner life radiant like dawn sun. A date? To the market? With Lord Leon? Gods, yes—yes, a thousand times!
In that instant, whatever distance still existed between Leon and the trio melted away. Their hearts pounded a little harder. Their respect grew deeper. And one silent truth now rested quietly in each of their heads:
This man... is not simply our guardian. He’s the genesis of something much bigger.
Leon, oblivious to the tiny tempest he’d caused in their hearts, simply rose with a casual stretch. "Great. We leave in an hour."
