Page 50 of Lost Heir
“Of course!” the men said, waving me off before clinking their cups together to celebrate their good fortune.
On leaden feet, I stumbled back to our table where Ronan was waiting for me.
“So?” he asked as I sat. “What did they say?”
“It’s just as you predicted. They’re talking about me,” I mumbled in a daze. “They believe I’m the reincarnation of the moon goddess.”
Even though I couldn’t see his expression within the darkened folds of his cloak, Ronan tensed. “And what doyouthink?”
I shrugged. “I think it’s rubbish. There’s no way I’m the reincarnation of the moon goddess. I’m my own person.”
Ronan nodded. “Yeah, I don’t think so, either,” he muttered uncertainly.
I sighed and tossed back the rest of my wine, then tipped the empty jug. Warmth from the last bit of wine spread through my limbs and left me with a pleasant buzz that made the world seem a bit brighter, even after my unsettling conversation.
“Alright, I think we’ve finished it. Let’s head to the river. I remember the night views being something you can’t miss.”
After paying, we made our way out of the tavern, the cool night air a refreshing contrast to the warmth inside. Valoria’s streets still bustled with activity, and the citybasked in a gentle luminescence that seemed to guide our steps toward the river.
“Winter is coming.” I wrapped the cloak tighter around me and pulled the hood back over my head. “I can feel it in the air.”
Ronan nodded. “Yes, it’s getting chilly. Do you want to head back? We can always come back another time.”
I shook my head. “No. I want it to be tonight.” With an affirmative nod, we continued walking. I didn’t know when we’d have this opportunity again. I was sure once my mother learned about me sneaking off to the capital, she’d make sure I never got another chance to leave again.
The river was a serene sight. Its waters reflected the moonlight and the city’s twinkling lights. We found a boat ready for hire; its keeper was a jovial man who seemed ready to sell us on the boat ride.
“Taking a ride under the moon, are we?” the boatman asked with a knowing smile as he helped us aboard. “You’ve picked a beautiful night for it.”
Taking my hand in his, Ronan helped me onto the vessel and then followed, taking a seat beside me.
“Are you both travelers?” the boatman asked. “I’ve never seen anybody look so mysterious around these parts.”
Ronan and I laughed. “It’s really cold,” I said as I rubbed my arms. “We’re just trying to stay warm.”
The boatman nodded and pushed off the bank. Though he seemed unconvinced by our story, he knew better than to bite the hand that paid him. As the boat glided through the water, the city's beauty unfolded before us in a new light, the reflections on the water adding a layer of magic to an already mesmerizing view. Gently lapping waves against the boat provided a serene soundtrack to our journey, a peaceful interlude in the bustling life of the capital.
“There’s something truly special about Valoria at night,” I mused aloud, captivated by the illuminated buildings and bridges we passed.
Ronan nodded, his gaze fixed on the same enchanting views. “There is. And I can’t think of anyone I’d rather share this moment with.”
In that tranquil boat ride, the complexities of our lives seemed to drift away, leaving behind a moment of pure, unadulterated beauty. It was a reminder of the simplicity at the heart of happiness, a simplicity found in shared experiences and the quiet majesty of the world around us.
“But,” Ronan started, “you’ve never seen the night sky until you’ve seen it in the Grasslands. Stars glitter the skies and the full moon shines brightly overhead. Stealthy animals silently sing in the stillness. It’s … it’s truly the best, and one of a kind.”
I gave him a tight smile. The Grasslands was one place I didn’t think I could ever go without risking my life. Especially after what we did today. While I loved every single minute I spent in bed with Ronan, I knew there would be repercussions for our actions. In the moment, I didn’t care about any of them. Even now, I needed him more than I needed to breathe, and I didn’t regret a second of it.
As the boat gently rocked beneath us, guided by the silent strokes of the boatman, I felt the weight of Ronan's words settle around us like a comforting cloak. The city lights danced on the water's surface, providing a mesmerizing backdrop to our conversation.
“Ronan,” I whispered and reached for his hand. “Do you think—”
“Nothing those men said were true,” he interrupted, his voice firm yet tender, cutting through my hesitation with a calm reassurance that warmed me to my core. “They might consider you the lost heir, but you’re just Leila to me.”
I couldn't help but smile at his steadfast declaration, highlighted by the moon casting a soft glow over his features. “You never call me Lyanna … Why not?”
Ronan offered a shrug, a simple gesture laden with meaning. “I’ve met Lyanna, and she was lovely … but I fell in love with Leila. Andthatis who you are.”
I furrowed my brows. “You met me as the princess before? When?”
