the timid bride

**Chapter 46 – The Throne Between Us**

The storm had passed, but the palace still wore its scars.

Every hallway echoed with hushed voices. Every glance lingered too long. Every shadow seemed deeper than before.

And yet, Zara walked through it all like a woman untouched by fear.

She wore black today.

Not for mourning — but for dominance.

The same black Kael wore as he stood beside her in the throne room. Their fingers brushed. Not quite holding hands, not quite apart.

Their bond had grown into something deeper. Something sharper.

Something that could not be undone.

---

Thorne stood behind them, arms crossed, his jaw tense.

"We've silenced Elric," he said. "But the Order hasn't moved. They're quiet."

Kael narrowed his eyes. "That's never a good sign."

"They're waiting," Zara said. "Waiting to see if we'll fall apart now that we've removed one of their spies."

Thorne nodded. "And when we don't… they'll strike again."

Zara turned to Kael. "It's time."

He met her gaze. "For what?"

She stepped closer. "For us to stop reacting. And start ruling."

---

By midday, a summons was sent to every noble house in the kingdom.

A royal decree.

The council would no longer rule from behind closed doors. The people deserved to see who stood beside the crown — and who plotted behind it.

It was Zara's idea.

Kael made it law.

---

The palace hall was transformed by nightfall.

Torches lit the marble walls. Velvet banners hung from the ceiling. And in the center, two thrones had been placed.

Not one.

Two.

Zara stood just behind the right-hand throne, her heart beating hard beneath her ribs.

Kael stepped in beside her.

"You're nervous," he said.

She smiled faintly. "I'm about to sit where no woman has sat before. Not as a consort. Not as decoration. But as equal."

He reached for her hand.

And this time — he held it.

---

The court gathered in waves.

Nobles. Generals. Diplomats. Enemies in silk.

Lord Merek stood among them, his face a mask of calm fury.

He hadn't dared move openly since Elric's execution.

But Zara knew men like him.

They didn't need blades.

They had words.

Kael guided Zara to her throne — and together, they sat.

Side by side.

Gasps filled the chamber.

But neither of them flinched.

Kael raised his voice. "From this day forward, Lady Zara will rule beside me. Not as wife. Not as ornament. But as sovereign."

Zara stood.

"Anyone who speaks against this union… speaks against the crown."

Her words rang out like steel.

And no one dared reply.

---

Later, when the chamber emptied, Kael and Zara remained seated in the torchlight.

He looked over at her. "You didn't tremble once."

"I'm too tired to tremble."

He chuckled. "That's the spirit."

She turned to face him. "What now?"

Kael leaned forward. "Now… we break the Order."

---

That night, their chamber felt different.

Not just warmer. Not just safer.

More intimate.

Zara removed her cloak slowly. Her gown slipped off her shoulder, revealing bruises from the carriage ambush.

Kael crossed the room, stopping behind her.

He touched one mark gently. "Does it hurt?"

"Yes," she whispered.

"Let me help you forget."

He wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing his lips to her neck.

She melted into him.

Their kiss was slow — deep, aching, filled with everything they hadn't said that day.

No one else saw the king and queen like this. No one else knew that beneath all the armor, all the power… they were still just two people desperate to be each other's home.

---

The next morning, a report arrived.

Kael scanned it, frowning.

"There was a fire at the western border outpost."

Zara sat up. "Sabotage?"

"Looks like it. No survivors."

Her jaw tightened. "They're not hiding anymore."

Kael looked up. "Then neither will we."

He handed her a scroll. "This is the full list of council members who voted to block your elevation weeks ago. Even the ones who smiled at you in the hall."

Zara read the names.

One by one.

"Let's begin with Lord Daven," she said coldly. "He's the loudest in public and the most cowardly in private."

Kael smirked. "You want to confront him?"

"No," she said. "I want to crush him."

---

That afternoon, Lord Daven received an invitation.

He entered the private court expecting Kael — but found Zara alone.

She wore crimson. A color of blood. And command.

"My lady," he said carefully. "I expected the King."

Zara smiled. "You got the Queen."

He hesitated. "This is… unusual."

"Get used to it."

Daven stepped forward. "Is there something I can help you with?"

Zara stood. "Yes. You can start by confessing."

His face hardened. "Confessing to what?"

"Collusion. Treason. Supporting the Order."

"You have no proof—"

"I have enough," she said, cutting him off. "And if I don't, I will. You see, Lord Daven, I have something more dangerous than proof. I have power. And I'm not afraid to use it."

He sneered. "You're bluffing."

She stepped closer.

"You tried to kill me. You failed. But next time — I won't give you the chance."

Daven opened his mouth—

And then the door opened.

Kael entered with two guards.

"Escort Lord Daven to the lower court," Kael said. "We'll see how strong his lies are after three days without wine and whores."

Daven paled.

The guards seized him.

As he was dragged out, Zara whispered to Kael, "One down."

Kael's eyes gleamed.

"Nine more to go."

---

The hunt had begun.

And this time, the timid bride didn't wear white.

She wore war.