Stuck In Between

Chapter Twenty-Nine

"You move so quietly," Y/n murmured, feeling her face grow hotter.

Solana chuckled, releasing Y/n's chin before leaning over her from behind, wrapping her arms loosely around Y/n's shoulders in an affectionate embrace. Y/n's heart skipped a beat at the sudden closeness.

Meanwhile, Venali had taken his seat at his desk, watching the two women with a pleased expression. He rested his chin on his hand, his blue eyes gleaming with quiet amusement.

Y/n took a breath before glancing between them. "Okay, so... why am I here?" she finally asked, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and caution.

Venali leaned back in his chair, a lazy grin spreading across his face. "Well," he began, amusement dripping from his tone, "we just wanted to see how our dear Y/n was doing now that she's finally up and moving again."

Solana hummed, still resting lightly against Y/n's back. "And," she added, her voice lilting with mischief, "we couldn't resist seeing that adorable way you turn red so easily."

Y/n stiffened. "I—I do not!" she protested, though the warmth blooming across her cheeks immediately betrayed her.

Venali let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Oh, sweetheart, you absolutely do."

Solana smirked, her lips brushing close to Y/n's ear as she whispered, "It's endearing, really. Watching you turn pink every time we get so close."

Y/n groaned, dropping her face into her hands. "You two are insufferable."

"Mm, but you love us for it," Solana teased, finally pulling away and moving to sit beside her.

Venali sighed, his playful demeanor softening just a bit as he shifted into a more serious tone. "Alright, alright, we'll stop... for now."

Y/n cautiously peeked between her fingers. "That doesn't sound very reassuring."

"Good," he said with a smirk before his expression settled into something more thoughtful. "Jokes aside, there's actually something important we need to discuss with you."

Y/n straightened, sensing the shift in atmosphere. Solana no longer wore her teasing smile, and Venali's eyes held a certain weight to them.

"The kingdom?" Y/n guessed.

Venali nodded. "Yes. There have been some... developments."

Solana folded her hands in her lap. "We received reports of unrest along the western borders. Nothing drastic yet, but it's enough to be a concern. It seems some noble houses are stirring trouble, questioning our decisions—particularly regarding you."

Y/n stiffened at that. "Me?"

Venali ran a hand through his dark hair, his expression unreadable. "You're not just some woman staying in the palace, Y/n. Everyone knows you hold a special place beside us. And while most of the court has accepted this... others are less pleased. Some are using it as an excuse to challenge our authority."

Y/n clenched her fists. "I never wanted to cause any problems for you both."

Solana reached out, gently placing a hand over Y/n's. "You are not the problem, love. Small-minded people are. They will always find something to complain about."

Venali exhaled. "We just want you to be prepared. There may come a time when you'll need to stand your ground—not just with us, but in front of others who will seek to undermine you."

Y/n swallowed, taking in their words. It wasn't fear that settled in her chest, but a quiet determination. She had been given a place here—something she had never expected but had come to cherish. And if others sought to take it away, she would not back down so easily.