Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 148

**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Evan Milesa Cade 148**

Chapter 148

In the heart of the kitchen stood Zahara Luna, a vision both fierce and tender. Valentin paused, his gaze fixated on her for a fleeting moment, captivated by the sight. Her long, straight red hair, beautifully arranged into a chignon, cascaded like a waterfall of flames, even as she busied herself over the stove. Time had etched lines of experience upon her face, a testament to the battles fought and the years endured. Yet, despite the hardness that war had wrought, her features remained softer than Victoria’s, though the sharpness of her jaw and nose spoke of her resilience, a stark contrast to the youthful defiance she had once exuded at the onset of their rebellion.

With a gentle grace, Zahara traced lazy circles above a pot, her finger moving rhythmically, as if conducting an unseen orchestra. A large wooden spoon mirrored her movements, stirring the contents within. Since her liberation, she had developed an affinity for the lower magiks, weaving them into her daily life whenever the opportunity arose. As she stirred, her head tilted slightly, and her honey-gold eyes met Valentin’s. A soft smile graced her lips, a beacon of warmth amidst the shadows of their reality.

“Hello, love,” she murmured, her voice a soothing balm.

Valentin remained silent, his heart swelling as he crossed the room. He enveloped her waist in his arms, burying his face in the comforting crook between her neck and shoulder. The familiar scent of honeysuckle mingled with basil enveloped him, a fragrant reminder of home that quelled the tumultuous fire ignited by the council meeting. As he inhaled deeply, his eyes fluttered shut, surrendering to the low, familiar rhythm that pulsed in his ears.

Lub-dub, lub-dub, lub-dub.

“Bad meeting?” Zahara’s voice broke through the haze, still stirring the pot with an effortless grace.

“Beyond bad,” Valentin replied, pressing a gentle kiss to the side of her neck before reluctantly releasing her. “We’re losing.”

Zahara’s response was laced with dry humor. “I’m shocked,” she deadpanned, her eyes glimmering with a hint of mischief. “As if our dwindling supplies haven’t been glaringly obvious.”

Valentin’s gaze drifted to the pot of stew bubbling away. “And yet, here we are, having lamb?” he remarked, a note of incredulity in his voice.

“Only because I hunted it myself,” she declared proudly, a hint of defiance in her tone.

A sigh escaped Valentin’s lips as he pinched the brim of his hose, frustration creeping into his voice. “Zahara, I told you I don’t like you going outside the castle—”

“I was only in the woods to the south. There were patrols the entire time I was outside—” she interjected, her tone firm yet understanding.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify