Chapter 22 – Divorced
EUNICE’S PERSPECTIVE
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We rode in with an army of soldiers as the sky darkened, silver stars and the moon itself shining down upon us.
I was the first to reach, of course, thanks to my superior riding skills. Kael was next, but I was already dismounting my horse when he arrived. My cloak blended with the night, high–heeled boots clicking across the trampled grass as we walked towards the camp. My heart beat rhythmically in my chest, preparing for the cheers and applause; something grand to announce that Eunice Hale and Kael Lightwood had arrived to save the day.
My chin was tipped up, gait confident as ever. They would be elated to see us. After days of fighting and probably losing, we would be their ray of hope. The light at the end of a tunnel they were trapped in.
But the camp was smaller than I’d expected. Quieter, too. The moment Kael and I approached with our soldiers, I looked around, waiting for the rush of greetings.
But nothing came.
A few glances were tossed our way. A couple of murmurs. And that was it. Most of them just kept working. Rolling bandages, sharpening blades, preparing rations. They didn’t even stop when we walked forward.
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Chapter 22 – Divorced
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“I think they expected us earlier,” Kael muttered beside me.
Maybe. But that should have only added to their relief upon seeing us.
“They’re probably just tired from the war,” I said. “After all, we did bring the reinforcements. We’re exactly what they needed.”
He didn’t answer.
We moved deeper into the camp, past the wounded and the half–erect tents. The air smelled like burnt leather and blood. But also food and salves.
Why? Had the fight already ended?
I was supposed to walk into a battle. Not the remains of one. Had Dravic already won the battle?
No. That wasn’t possible. Not without us. Not without me.
Just then, a broad–shouldered older soldier looked up from where he was fixing his boot, eyes widening slightly as they landed on Kael.
“Kael Lightwood?” he called, standing with a smile.
Kael relaxed a little. “Captain Rohen,” he greeted.
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Chapter 22 – Divorced
→ 18 min left
The older man walked towards us and clapped Kael on the shoulder. “It’s good to see you, boy. Glad you made it. Congratulations to you and your wife. She earned more than half the merit this round.”
Wife?
I couldn’t help the smug smile that pulled at my lips. I stepped forward, brushing dust from my sleeve and offering my hand, already imagining the stories this man had heard—of my strength, my orders, my performance in training drills.
“I’m flattered,” I said sweetly. “It was just determination and the love for my kingdom. I was born to do this.”
The man looked at me, confused. “I’m sorry, who are you?”
I blinked. “I… I’m Eunice Hale,” I muttered, forcing a smile.
Who was this old loser? How did he not know me?
He raised a brow. “Oh. Of course,” he said plainly. Then he turned back to Kael. “You’d best check on her. I heard she took a few hits, though she barely let anyone touch her. Typical Marcia. She was a force on the battlefield. A walking example of the Xendale name. You must be so proud.”
Marcia?
My spine stiffened, face falling. “Marcia’s here?” I asked before I
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Chapter 22 – Divorced
could stop myself.
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Captain Rohen nodded, then glanced over his shoulder. “She was right around he—oh, there she is.”
I followed his gaze, and my chest tightened strangely.
She stood just a few paces away, stepping out from behind a large tent. Her coat was stained with blood, but her back was straight, her jaw firm. She looked tired, but proud. Like a victorious soldier. A warrior.
And right behind her, standing far too close, was Prince Dravic Dawnvele.
I didn’t know what stung more—seeing her here at all, or seeing her emerge from behind him like that. As if she belonged beside him. Like a war princess.
Kael was silent beside me. His eyes didn’t leave her.
Marcia looked at us once. Then at Kael. And then she turned her head, speaking softly to Dravic, who leaned in slightly to hear her better. She didn’t even seem shocked. Or hurt. Or disturbed. It was almost as if she didn’t care. As if she was completely indifferent to our presence.
My stomach twisted.
So the wife that soldier had meant was her. Not me.
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Chapter 22 – Divorced
He must have not heard the news of their rejection.
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That soldier hadn’t been congratulating me—he hadn’t even known who I was.
And Kael didn’t even bother to correct him.
My blood boiled, jaw setting. My fingers curled around Kael’s arm. Possessively.
“You didn’t mention your ex–wife was leading troops,” I said quietly, forcing a lightness I didn’t feel. “Had we known, we would’ve hurried. She’s inexperienced.”
Captain Rohen frowned. “Ex–wife?” he asked.
“Yes, of course. Tell him, darling.”
Kael still didn’t look at me, his gaze burning with jealousy as he stared at Marcia and Dravic.
It took every bit of will power to keep the annoyance from my face.
“I suppose I should make things clear,” I said louder this time, for everyone to hear. I didn’t need him to say it. I had a tongue louder than his. Placing my head on his shoulder, I announced, “Kael and Marcia are no longer married. He rejected—I mean, divorced her some time back. It’s not like she has a wolf that
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Chapter 22 – Divorced
(*) 18 min left
they would even need a real rejection. He really tried to be with her, for a full year. But sometimes, fate has other plans. We met on the battlefield, fell in love, and I now bear his mark on my
neck.”
B
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