Stuck In Between

Chapter Twenty-Three

"Your Majesties!" she called, her breath slightly ragged.

The couple halted abruptly, their heads turning toward her voice. Seeing her, Solana clasped her hands over her heart, while Venali's expression softened in visible relief. Y/n slowed her hurried steps into a brisk walk, her initial urgency giving way to a hesitancy born of the emotions bubbling within her.

Venali didn't hesitate. He surged forward, closing the gap between them in long strides. Before Y/n could react, his arms encircled her in a strong, protective embrace. She stiffened momentarily, unprepared for the sudden display of affection, but his warmth and sincerity were undeniable.

"Thank the stars," Venali murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

When he finally released her, Solana stepped forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Y/n. Unlike Venali's firm embrace, Solana's hug was gentler but no less heartfelt. Her touch radiated maternal warmth, and Y/n felt herself begin to relax in her arms.

The couple held onto her as though they feared she might disappear again. Their eyes searched hers, filled with unspoken concern and relief. Before Y/n could utter a word, Venali's voice broke the moment.

"Why, Y/n?" he asked, his tone laced with both frustration and hurt. "Why did you leave us a letter like that? As if you were going to... to die?"

Y/n's heart sank at the pain in his voice. She averted her gaze, biting her lip. "Because I would have," she said quietly. "If I hadn't escaped."

Both Venali and Solana froze, the weight of her words sinking in. Solana's hand flew to her mouth, while Venali's expression hardened into something unreadable.

"What do you mean?" Solana asked softly, her voice trembling.

Y/n's breath hitched. She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated. The words felt heavy, almost impossible to voice. "Prince Ayred knows," she finally whispered. "He knows I'm a halfling."

At the mention of Ayred's name, her mind was flooded with memories she'd tried to suppress: the prince's cold grin, his sharp words, and the truth he had revealed. The faces of Elena and the two high elves she'd slain unspooled like a reel in her mind. She had believed they were enemies, but Ayred's manipulation had turned her into their executioner.

Her chest tightened, and her knees felt weak.

"Y/n?" Venali's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts.

She blinked, snapping out of her thoughts as she felt a tear slide down her cheek. Her gaze lifted to meet the worried faces of the royal couple. Despite the warmth of their presence, the anguish within her felt unbearable.

She couldn't hold it back any longer. Tears spilled freely as a sob escaped her lips. Solana was at her side in an instant, her hand rubbing soothing circles on Y/n's back. "It's alright, Y/n," Solana said softly. "Let it out."

For the first time since arriving at Xilmaris Castle, Y/n broke. Her sobs wracked her frame as she buried her face in Solana's shoulder. Solana pulled her closer, holding her as though shielding her from the world.

Venali stepped closer, his hand resting gently on Y/n's back. His touch was hesitant, as though afraid he might break her further. His usual composed demeanor was replaced with a visible helplessness as he looked at his wife.

Their eyes met over Y/n's trembling form, sharing a silent conversation. Worry and sorrow mirrored in their expressions as they held her.

Whatever Y/n had endured, they would face it together. For now, though, they simply let her cry, hoping the weight of her grief would lighten, even just a little, in the safety of their embrace.