Chapter 226: Delay is death.
Ren and Kaisun were led swiftly to the King’s tent. There was no time to waste, they needed to carve out a decisive strategy before the clouds thickened or night claimed the sky. As soon as Ren caught sight of Gloria, she rushed forward and embraced her.
"Oh, my sister. Look at you," Ren whispered, clutching her tightly.
She had missed her more than words could shape. Days and nights had once been woven together in Gloria’s presence, waking to see her pull the curtains, trading thoughts, eating together, facing struggles, laughing, and learning lessons. Ren had taken her under her wing, passing on everything she knew. Then, without warning, fate had torn Gloria away, pulling her down a path none of them could follow. A soon-to-be Queen of the seven Kingdoms.
As they held each other, Gloria felt something unfamiliar, a rhythm, faint but steady, thudding softly from Ren’s belly. She froze, pulled back, and looked down, startled. The realization struck her before any greeting for Alpha King, Kaisun, could form on her lips.
"You’re pregnant!" Gloria gasped, tears welling in her eyes. "And I wasn’t there to take care of you..."
Her voice trembled on the edge of a sob when Kaisun cut in with a grin, trying to lighten the moment. "Ah, hey, Princess! I’m here too, you know!"
Gloria blinked and jolted back to the present. She turned toward him quickly, her expression softening. "Your Majesty, I’m glad to see you back," she said with heartfelt sincerity, though disbelief still flickered in her gaze. She could hardly fathom that Reneira had braved the void to rescue him... while carrying two lives inside her.
They exchanged warm greetings before gathering around the strategy table. The air inside the tent was heavy with purpose, but for a moment, it was pierced by something rare, joy.
King Benkin sat in silence, his gaze resting on Ren with awe. He was going to be a grandfather, before surrendering himself to the judgment of the Fae Court.