DISCLAIMER: The author's imagination and passion are the only sources of inspiration for this novel, which is a work of dedication. Parallels between these pages and the past or present may be apparent to some readers, but they are completely coincidental. You are free to interpret this art anyway you see fit, and it is meant for your enjoyment.
After the "Dreamer's Curse" was eventually lifted, the Hylde manor ought to have resumed its peaceful recuperation. Rather, it turned into a real battleground of love. Once driven by political conflict and childhood resentment, Giywon and Dyierrean's enmity had developed into a high-stakes quest for the woman who had completely transformed herself in front of them.
When two of the most powerful men in the empire determined that her attention was the ultimate reward, Reinn discovered that "retirement" was not an option.
A logistical problem greeted Reinn on her first morning back on her feet.
"My Lady, the hallway is... impassable," Beth said, becoming agitated.
When Reinn opened the door to her bedroom, she stumbled across a golden dragon-lily forest. A message from Giywon was nestled in the middle: "I bought the entire imperial greenhouse because I couldn't decide which flower matched your eyes when you wake up." I'll see you at the "mandatory" royal lunch at noon.
Squeezing past the lilies, she discovered a somber, gloomy shadow in the dining room. At the head of the table, Dyierrean was polishing a set of silver armor he had brought especially for her.
"The Prince sends weeds," Dyierrean uttered in a low rumble without raising his gaze. "I send protection. This breastplate is reinforced with Mydril steel. It will stop a crossbow bolt at twenty paces."
Reinn grumbled, "Dyierrean, I'm going to the library, not the front lines of the border war," despite her admiration for the metal's elaborate wolf-engravings.
He retorted, "In this palace, there is no difference," and got to his feet. With his spark magic sizzling in the air, he entered her area."He wants to decorate you, Reinn. I want to keep you standing."
The "mandatory" brunch turned into a conflict between three parties. Giywon had a private musician and a sumptuous picnic put up under the Great Oak. In an attempt to outdo Giywon, Dyierrean had set up shop ten feet away. He seemed to be "training" with a practice sword, but in reality, all he did was glare every time the Prince attempted to give Reinn a grape.
"You're hovering, Dyierrean," Giywon said, leaning back on a silk pillow. "It's very un-Duke-like. Shouldn't you be off scowling at a map?"
"And shouldn't you be off signing decrees you don't read?" Dyierrean retaliated with needless vigor, his sword whistling through the air.
With a platter of scones in her lap, Reinn sat between them. "If either of you says another word about duty or décor, I am going to throw this jam at both of you."
The two men fell silent. Dyierrean sheathed his sword and sat on the grass, appearing like a chastened wolf, while Giywon instantly changed his position to appear more endearing.
Giywon said, "I just want to know," in a tone that was uncommon and genuine. "When did you stop being the girl who looked for us, and start being the woman we can't stop looking for?"
Reinn glanced first at the Prince and then at the Duke. There was no more teasing. It was replaced by an unadulterated, frantic curiosity. They were both using all of their resources—their hearts, their magic, and their status—to pursue her.
The chase peaked that night. Seeking a glimpse of the "quiet life" she had first transmigrated for, Reinn had withdrawn to the balcony to observe the stars.
On her left was a flash of gold, while on her right was a shadow of violet.
Giywon extended his arm and placed his hand over hers on the chilly stone railing. "I spent my life thinking I was the sun, Reinn. But since you woke up from that curse, I realized I'm just a planet orbiting you. Choose the crown. Choose me. I'll make the empire your playground."
With his hand over her other hand, Dyierrean emerged from the shadows. His touch was certain, steady, and warm. "The crown is a cage, Reinn. I offer you a home. I offer you a blade that will never break and a heart that has never belonged to anyone else. Choose the Wolf."
Reinn glanced at the wolf and the dragon. For the first time, she didn't want to get away from the two most attractive men in the land.
Her heart pounding, she muttered, "You both are making this very difficult."
Giywon smiled, "Good," but his eyes were perplexed. "We don't intend to make it easy for the other to win."
"The hunt has just begun, Reinn," Dyierrean continued, slowly circling the back of her hand with his thumb.
Reinn peered out over the Hylde estate's nighttime grounds. She had entered the world supposedly as a spoiled daughter, a lady destined to cause trouble. She was now at the epicenter of an imperial struggle.
That evening, she didn't respond to them. Rather, she leaned into them both, experiencing the power of the shadow and the warmth of the fire. The "Quiet Lioness" understood that being hunted by a dragon and a wolf was the most thrilling life she could have ever imagined as the silver moonlight enveloped them all. The pursuit was unrelenting.
The tale of Reinn Hylde goes on... But the chase is on for the time being.