Page 31 of Warrior Princess (Blood Weaver Trilogy #3)

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A s consciousness returned, it trickled in gently, a soft awakening surrounded by the faint rustle of leaves and distant bird calls. Lying still, I savored the fragrant blend of dried herbs and lavender filling the air, hints of healing and calm that soothed the senses. I didn’t open my eyes immediately, choosing instead to listen to the hushed murmurs and the occasional clink of pottery, confirming the presence of others nearby.

When I finally opened my eyes, dim morning light filtered through the room, casting a warm glow on the simple setup of Ronan’s home. Beside me, a small figure was perched quietly, his attention on a plate of fire berries.

“Miss Leila!” Henry’s voice was a hushed exclamation, the relief palpable as he noticed my awakening. I managed a weak smile and extended a hand, which he took in his small, warm ones. “Are you okay?”

I nodded and attempted to sit up from the bed. “H-How… How did we get here? How long has it been?”

Henry helped me sit up and then held me steady when I wobbled. “It’s been seven days, Miss Leila. Ronan hired a carriage to bring you back here to the Grasslands.”

I frowned. “Why not Valoria?” I wasn’t complaining, but since the battlefield was closer to Valoria, it seemed like the better option.

Henry cleared his throat and looked down at his booted feet. “I don’t know, Miss. Leila… maybe you should wait for Ronan to tell you,” he mumbled.

“I’m asking you , Henry,” I said gently.

He sighed and peered up at me. “Valoria is going through some difficulties at the moment. Queen Derinda attempted a coup, which was why Prince Marcellus almost didn’t make it to the battle in time. King Malik is still fairly sick, and Prince Marcellus is King Regent for now until the King is better.”

“Is he—”

“He’s fine,” Henry said quickly. “The poison was removed, but he’s still weak from the affects. The healer said King Malik should be better in the coming weeks.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank the goddess.” Then my eyes widened when I realized what he said. “What about Queen Derinda? Where is she?”

Henry shrugged. “She fled. They’re currently trying to find her, but her whereabouts are unknown.”

“What about—”

“Miss Leila, I really should inform Ronan you’re awake.” Henry stood and edged closer to the door. “He’s been waiting for days.”

I sighed, knowing the boy was itching to fetch Ronan. “Okay, Henry.”

As I waited, I lifted my shirt and looked at the scar on my abdomen where I’d been stitched up. The fact that I survived at all was a miracle in itself. Death kept knocking at my door, and I kept avoiding it. Eventually I would have to answer.

Ronan stormed inside the house, his face flushed. Henry hurried to keep pace behind him. “Leila!” He dropped to his knees beside the bed and rested his forehead on my hand. “Thank the gods. I thought…”

“I’m fine,” I whispered and brushed his hair back. “I’m sorry I frightened you.”

“Please, Leila, don’t ever do that again. I don’t think I can handle it,” Ronan murmured against my hand. “If I ever lose you…”

“You won’t… I promise.”

He nodded, then wiped the moisture from his eyes and looked up at me. “How are you feeling? Are you in pain?”

I shook my head. “No. Just a bit groggy from sleeping too much.”

“Henry?” Ronan peered over his shoulder at the boy. “Ask Silas to prepare a meal for Leila, please.”

“Yes sir!” Henry saluted Ronan and bounded out of the house.

Once he was gone, Ronan turned back to me. “Henry told me about what happened in Valoria… but what happened in Eldwain?” I asked.

“Avery is now queen,” Ronan said, “as the only living descendent of King Alwyn. The elders had no choice but to make her queen. First thing she did was to get rid of those Ellyndor elders.” He grinned.

My brows shot up to my hairline. “Really?” I gasped. “Can she do that?”

“I’m guessing she can,” he said with a shrug. “Because she did. Ellyndor is back to hiding and shutting their borders. I don’t think we’ll be seeing anyone from there anytime soon.”

“Good for Avery,” I murmured. “How is Selene? I said some hurtful things to her before the battle… I need to apologize.” I looked down at my hands, ashamed.

Ronan covered my hands with his. “She’s in Valoria,” he said. “And she left you a letter.” He pulled out an envelope from inside his leathers.

I quickly opened it and started to read.

My Dearest Leila,

When you read this, you might already be in the Grasslands, while I’ll be in Valoria. I decided to follow Prince Marcellus because that is where my heart lies, and I hope you can understand. Although, I know you do. You’ve always been very understanding, which is why I know you might feel guilty about our last conversation. I want to let you know that no apologies are needed. I know why you didn’t want me there. Like always, you were trying to protect me, which is why I did not take your words to heart. I love you dearly, Leila. I always will.

May our paths cross in the future. I hope to see you soon.

With much love,

Selene

I reread the letter several more times before I smiled and folded it up again. She knew me well, and fortunately Selene never held a grudge. I didn’t know whether that was a good thing or a bad thing. But I was glad she was with Marcel. He would keep her safe. And now with our mother gone, there was no one to oppose their relationship from progressing as it should.

“Everything okay?” Ronan asked, taking my attention back to him.

I smiled. “Yes, everything’s alright.”

“I hope you’re not upset I brought you back to the Grasslands,” Ronan murmured. “I wanted you to rest somewhere peaceful, and I wanted to be by your side when you woke.”

I grabbed his hand and looked around his modest home. “I’m not upset. If anything, I’m sort of glad to be back here.”

His brows shot up. “Really?”

I nodded. “Really. I’ve grown fond of the Grasslands. I hope we can establish a home here. Together.”

A smile spread so wide across Ronan’s face, I thought it would split him in half. “Truly?”

“Truly,” I repeated with a giggle. “I want forever with you, Ronan. Now that Asteria is at peace, I want to start our forever.”

Ronan nodded. “I’d like that very much, Leila.”

“I love you.” Somehow, the words felt more potent in the quiet of his home than they had anywhere else.

“And I love you,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion. He drew me into a gentle embrace, one that spoke of safety, love, and a future filled with possibilities.

As we sat there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the challenges we had faced seemed to melt away, replaced by the certainty of our shared tomorrows. The Grasslands, once a place I feared, had become my home—a foundation on which we would build our life together, filled with love, peace, and the promise of each new dawn.

For now I would say goodbye to Princess Lyanna of Valoria, and embrace Leila, the person I was always destined to be.