Page 48 of Lost Heir
The atmosphere inside was buzzing, a vibrant mix of locals and travelers alike, all drawn in by the promise of good music and finer drinks. We found a table near the back, a small, intimate space that felt removed from the hustle of the tavern.
A server approached, her smile as welcoming as the tavern itself. “What can I get for you this evening?”
“We'll have a jug of Love in the Moonlight, please,” I replied, my excitement for the wine evident.
As we waited, a troupe of performers took to the small stage at the front of the tavern. Their act was a mesmerizing blend of dance and acrobatics, each movement in perfect harmony with the music, as if the melody itself guided them through their performance.
Our wine arrived, served in delicate glasses that caught the light, making the liquid within shimmer like its namesake. “To us,” Ronan toasted, raising his glass.
“To us,” I echoed. The wine was sweet and fragrant on my lips, a perfect complement to the joy of the evening.
As we drank our wine, the performers continued to captivate the audience, their finale a breathtaking display of skill that earned them thunderous applause. The energy in the tavern was infectious, a reminder of the world’s beauty and the simple pleasures that made life worth savoring.
“Did you enjoy the performance?” Ronan asked, his eyes reflecting the tavern's warm glow.
“I did. I wish these moments could last forever,” I confessed, the bustling energy of the tavern and the day’s earlier adventures mingling into a perfect memory.
“Then let's make more memories, Leila. Not just tonight, but every chance we get,” Ronan proposed, his hand finding mine across the table.
In The Crescent Pour, surrounded by laughter, music, and the taste of Love in the Moonlight on our tongues, the world outside faded away. It was just Ronan and me, finding solace and excitement in the hidden corners of Valoria, away from the weight of crowns and familial duties. Tonight, we were simply two souls intertwined by the magic of the moment, eager to explore all the wonders that lay waiting in the shadow and light of the moon.
I couldn’t stop the grin that spread across my face. Thank the goddess I was wearing a cloak and it wasn’t visible. Unfortunately, we had to stay hidden. With his startling eyes and tattoos, it was obvious Ronan was a Crimson Clan member, and if they saw him with me, a mage from Valoria, it would raise eyebrows and possibly start trouble due to our fraternization.
“What do you want to do next?” Ronan asked. “I’m sure there’s much more to see and do. The night is still young and I’m all yours.”
“For starters, I want to finish this jug of wine!” I poured myself another cup. “Then, maybe we can go on a boat ride on the river that cuts through the capital. It’ll be a great way to see everything.”
Ronan chuckled at my plan, the low timbre of his laughter blending seamlessly with the tavern’s ambient sounds. “That sounds like a perfect plan. But let's make sure we can still find our way to the river after this jug of wine,”he teased, raising his glass in a half-toast before taking another sip.
The wine, Love in the Moonlight, lived up to its name. Each sip was a poetic symphony of flavors that seemed to dance across the palate. It was easy to get lost in the moment, as the rich notes of the wine were a perfect accompaniment to the lively tunes played by the musicians in the corner of the tavern.
We savored our drinks and enjoyed the performances, each act as captivating as the last, weaving an enchanting tapestry of art and entertainment that held the tavern's patrons spellbound. It was a testament to the vibrant culture of Valoria, a city that pulsed with life and creativity at every turn.
We were listening to a wonderful singer when the conversation at the table beside us caught our attention.
“Did you hear?” one of the men at the table asked. “The lost heir has returned.”
The other man nodded. “Yes; didn’t you see all the guests who came to the capital these past few days? They were here to see her return for themselves.”
“What do you think King Malik will do? Is there any hope?”
The other man shrugged. “With the queen in his ear, I doubt it,” he said. “She’s never been warm toward the lost heir. There are many who say she despises her.”
The man sighed. “What a shame. If the Crown Prince takes the throne, dark times will come to Valoria. He’s nothing but a child.”
“There’s rumors he didn’t even lead the army down to the Central Plains. They say it was Prince Caelan of Eldwain who took charge!”
“Exactly. It’s why…” he lowered his voice and glanced around the tavern for anyone who might be eavesdropping, assuming Ronan and I couldn’t hear, “…the scholars are petitioning for the lost heir to take his place.”
I frowned.Who are they talking about?And what kind of reputation does Marcel have if Valoria’s people speak about him in this manner?
“Ronan,” I whispered as I leaned toward him. “Are you listening?”
He nodded.
“Who is the lost heir?” I asked, feeling a knot form in my stomach.
“I’ve never heard of a lost heir … but I assume they’re speaking about you,” he whispered in return.
