Shadows of Jealousy

After three grueling months of relentless battles, Edric had finally led the forces of Calarith to reclaim the vital strongholds of Stonehaven and Emberfall. Alongside him were his trusted companions, Aldrin and Neryssa, as well as Generals Halford and General Mirelda, whose combined strategies had turned the tide. Despite the victories, Edric’s mind was constantly preoccupied with thoughts of his wife, Lyraeth.

General Halford, a seasoned warrior with a sharp eye for emotions, noticed Edric’s restless energy as they rode toward the capital. “You’ve been quieter than usual, Edric. Your mind seems leagues away from the battlefield,” Halford remarked, breaking the silence.

Edric glanced at the older man, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You’re not wrong, General. I’ve been thinking of my wife.”

Halford chuckled warmly. “Ah, so the rumors were true. The mighty Edric Bearhold, defeated by love. Tell me, is she truly as remarkable as the stories suggest?”

A glimmer of pride lit Edric’s eyes. “More than remarkable. Lyraeth is… extraordinary. She is skilled beyond measure and courageous, and her beauty is unparalleled. She’s the kind of woman who walks into a room and commands attention without trying.”

“Sounds like you’re a fortunate man,” Halford replied with a knowing grin. “I can see why you’re eager to get back.”

Edric nodded, his voice softening. “I am. I’ve spent too long away.”

His heart was set on returning home, and now, with the campaign complete, he rode back to the capital with haste.

In the capital, life had not been kind to Lyraeth. Rumors spread by Baron Merrick had cast shadows on her reputation, whispering doubts about her loyalty and worthiness as Edric’s wife. Isolated by these whispers, Lyraeth often felt a deep ache of doubt and fear. She questioned her place in this world.

Her nights were sleepless, plagued by loneliness that seemed to grow louder in the silence. Would Edric still look at her with the same love, the same admiration, when he returned? Or would these rumors taint his perception of her? Yet, despite the storm in her heart, she found solace in caring for the royal children and secretly preparing for the arrival of her first child. Their laughter brought fleeting moments of peace, reminding her of the family she and Edric would soon have.

Only King Thorne’s unwavering support kept her from feeling completely adrift. “Pay no mind to lies,” the king had reassured her. “You have proven your loyalty time and again.” Lyraeth clung to his words, using them as a shield against the shadows of doubt, though the pain of the whispers lingered. She resolved to endure for the sake of her family, even as her heart longed for the day Edric’s presence would chase away her fears.

When Edric finally arrived at the palace gates, his heart pounded with anticipation. Despite his exhaustion, he immediately sought out King Thorne, who greeted him warmly in the throne room.

"You’ve done more than I could have asked for, General Bearhold," the king said, his voice filled with pride. "Tonight, we celebrate your victories. But first, you’ll find your wife waiting for you in the gardens."

Before Edric could leave, King Thorne raised a hand to stop him. "But not like this," he added, eyeing Edric’s travel-worn appearance. "You’re a hero returning home, and she deserves to see you at your best. Freshen up, change, and then go to her."

Edric hesitated for a moment but nodded. "As you wish, Your Majesty," he said, though his eagerness to see Lyraeth remained evident.

As Edric turned to leave, the king’s tone softened. "Edric," he said, causing the general to pause. "While you’ve been away, there have been whispers—cruel, baseless rumors aimed at your wife. She has endured much in your absence."

Edric’s expression darkened. "What kind of whispers?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

"The sort meant to undermine her worth and loyalty," the king replied. "But she’s held her head high, proving her strength. I trust you’ll handle this with the care it deserves."

Edric met the king’s gaze, his resolve clear. "Thank you for telling me, Your Majesty. I will address it. Lyraeth deserves nothing less than my unwavering support."

Meanwhile, someone else also returned to the palace. Princess Liora's heart fluttered with excitement. Having spent years abroad studying, she believed her reunion with Edric would rekindle their bond. She had always thought of him as her destined partner, the brave general who had been her closest companion growing up. Behind her walked Sir Alden, her ever-loyal knight, whose silent presence was both a comfort and a burden. Sir Alden’s eyes followed her every move, his devotion to her unwavering. He knew of her feelings for Edric but kept his own emotions buried, content to remain by her side as her shield and confidant.

As they arrived, Liora heard whispers among the palace staff of a mysterious woman who had "enthralled" her father. The rumors painted her as a seductress who had bewitched the king and endangered the royal family. Outraged and appalled, Liora's indignation grew. She saw herself as the defender of her family’s honor and was determined to confront this threat.

Edric found Lyraeth in the gardens, her figure framed by the soft glow of the setting sun and the vibrant blooms surrounding her. Despite her smile, he noticed the strain in her features. Without hesitation, he closed the distance between them.

“Edric!” she called, her voice trembling with emotion. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as if to erase the months of separation. Without hesitation, Edric lowered his head and kissed her deeply, pouring all his love and relief into that moment. Lyraeth clung to him, her doubts and fears momentarily melting away in the warmth of his embrace.

“Are you well?” he asked, his voice thick with relief. “I came as quickly as I could.”

Lyraeth offered a reassuring smile, her hand resting gently on his cheek. “I’m better now.”

Edric’s brow furrowed with concern, but before he could respond, an unexpected voice cut through the moment.

“What is the meaning of this?” Princess Liora stood at the edge of the garden, her expression a mix of shock and indignation. Startled, Edric and Lyraeth stepped apart instinctively, a blush rising to Lyraeth’s cheeks as she adjusted her stance. Edric cleared his throat, his hand lingering for a brief moment on Lyraeth’s before dropping to his side, his composure quickly returning to meet the sudden interruption.

“Princess Liora,” Edric greeted. “When did you return?”

Ignoring his question, Liora strode forward, glaring at Lyraeth. Her mind raced as she connected the dots: this woman was the one in the rumors, the supposed seductress who had bewitched her father. Appalled, she pointed an accusatory finger. “You… you’re the one they speak of. The one who has ensnared my father and shamed this palace!”

Edric stepped protectively beside Lyraeth, his mind flashing back to the king’s words about the cruel rumors. The absurdity of the accusations stung, but his resolve to defend his wife was unshaken. He straightened, his voice firm and unwavering. “Enough, Princess Liora,” he said. “You misunderstand. She is my wife, Lyraeth.”

Lyraeth, though her face remained calm, felt a knot tighten in her chest. She had been called many things before as a notorious rogue, but this accusation cut deeper than she expected.  Yet, she held her chin high, refusing to let the others see her pain.

Liora’s anger flared. “Misunderstand? This woman has no place here!”

At that moment, King Thorne arrived, his expression stern but calm. “Liora,” he said, his voice commanding attention. “You’ve returned at last. I missed you. But why are you accusing our guest?”

“Father!” Liora exclaimed. “You’re under her spell—”

“LIORA,” the king interrupted sharply. “Lyraeth is here because she has saved Elara and Daius more than once. I asked her to stay and protect them. The rumors you’ve heard are lies spread by those who seek to divide us.”

Liora hesitated, her resolve faltering under her father’s words, but her jealousy and disbelief remained. “If she’s so capable,” she said, her tone cold, “then she can prove it. I challenge her to a sparring match at dawn. Let us see if she’s truly worthy of protecting my siblings.”

The king’s expression darkened. “This is unnecessary.”

Lyraeth’s eyes widened briefly, but she quickly composed herself. “I accept,” she said, her voice steady. “If it will put an end to these doubts, so be it.”

The king leaned closer to Lyraeth and whispered, “Please show restraint. Do not hurt her pride more than necessary.”

Lyraeth nodded, her gaze unwavering. “I will, Your Majesty.”

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