Devotion

Chapter 49

Azra

It's been two days since we returned to the Moon Kingdom. Fortunately, King Eden let us off the hook. He didn't pry much—probably because I overpowered him before running off to find Princess Xylvie.

Now, I stood in my room with my arms extended, allowing Lydia to take my measurements for my wedding suit. My wedding with Xylvie was only a few days away, yet I hadn't heard a word from my sister.

"Prince, please keep your arms up," Lydia scolded, adjusting the fabric around my shoulders.

I sighed and let her boss me around as she scribbled notes on her notepad. My mind wandered, and my gaze drifted toward the curtain by my bed. A shadow flickered behind it. Instinctively, my body tensed, ready to attack—until I caught a glimpse of purple hair and piercing violet eyes.

Caz Monroe.

He stood behind the curtain, signaling discreetly that he needed to speak with me.

"Lydia, how much longer?" I asked, trying to sound casual while hoping she hadn't noticed my distraction.

She measured my waist, her expression unreadable. Then, after a final adjustment, she stepped back, looking toward the curtain. My heart pounded. Did she see him? Did she know?

Without giving anything away, she placed a hand on my shoulder.

"I believe in you, Your Highness," she said simply before exiting the room.

I stood frozen for a moment, watching the door close behind her. Believe in me? I shook the thought from my mind and turned toward Caz, who had made himself comfortable, lounging on my bed as if he owned the place.

"Can you not act improper?" I muttered, irritated.

He smirked, clearly enjoying my discomfort. I understood that he was part of the mafia, but some basic respect wouldn't kill him.

I sat beside him, bracing myself. "Report."

His smirk didn't waver. "Prince Azra, your sister has requested an alliance between you and Princess Xylvie for the upcoming war."

My body went rigid. "War?"

Xylvie had mentioned something about an impending war, but I hadn't imagined it would be so soon.

Seeing my confusion, Caz continued, his voice disturbingly calm. "King Taric has reawakened. He never died, Azra. He's coming to take back Kuata."

My blood ran cold. Taric. The tyrant who nearly destroyed Kuata.

Caz didn't stop there. "And that's not all. Your ancestors—King Xenos and Queen Katrina—have also returned. They're aiding Aurora in preparation for the war. But she can't do this without you."

I turned toward the window, inhaling sharply.

Xylvie's vision was coming true.

She told me to prepare for war, but how? What army could I possibly gather in such a short time? My gaze fell upon the gardens below, where Xylvie stood beside Lazarus, gently plucking roses. Her cheeks were flushed as she presented a small bouquet to him. He smiled at her warmly—until she noticed me watching from the window.

Her smile vanished.

Her expression hardened, and she immediately signaled Lazarus before the two of them hurried inside.

She understood. She knew.

Caz shifted beside me, moving toward the window. But by the time he glanced outside, they were gone.

He sat back down. "She caught on fast," he remarked, amused.

Before I could respond, the door swung open, and Xylvie strode in unannounced, her golden eyes locked onto Caz.

"I figured the mafia's messenger was here, judging by the way you looked at me," she said, crossing her arms as she perched on the edge of my dresser.

My face heated. Was I really that easy to read?

Caz grinned at her lazily. "Princess, Aurora requests an alliance. The war begins in a week."

Xylvie's face paled. It was just as she had foreseen, but it was happening far sooner than expected.

Her voice was barely above a whisper. "How do we prepare an army in a week?"

Caz, as always, remained unfazed. Instead of answering, he turned toward the far wall and ran his hand along the stone. A faint click echoed through the room as a hidden passageway creaked open.

Lazarus stepped through.

I stiffened. He knew about the passageways? I had always believed I was careful, but clearly, I had been mistaken.

Lazarus met my gaze, his expression unwavering. Then, without hesitation, he dropped to one knee.

"Your Highness, we will follow you until the very end. If an army is what you need, an army is what you'll have," he vowed.

I stared at him, my breath catching in my throat.

Lazarus continued, "I have been working in secret with Lilly. We have been gathering forces, waiting for this moment. We are under your command."

Xylvie and I exchanged a glance. Then, in silent agreement, we nodded.

If King Taric was alive, his target would be Aurora. My parents would side with him and the Lumar Kingdom, seizing the opportunity to expand their power. I had no doubt that they would do anything—sacrifice anyone—to claim absolute rule.

Before this war began, my people needed to know the truth about their king and queen.

I turned back to Lazarus and Caz, a smirk tugging at my lips. Then I reached for Xylvie's hand, squeezing it firmly.

"Expose my parents' crimes to the kingdom," I commanded. "Let hell break loose before my wedding."

Xylvie smiled, her grip tightening around mine.

Devoted to our cause.Devoted to our people.Devoted to my sister.

We would win.

Even if it cost me my last breath