As Kokoro led Leo back to their chambers, they couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. They knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but perhaps together they could find a way to heal and rebuild their lives.

In the privacy of their bedroom, Kokoro spoke softly, her words filled with determination. "We're going to properly love each other this time, Leo. No secrets, no lies. Just us, together."

Leo let out a quiet breath as Kokoro undressed him, feeling both nervous and eager at the same time. Their lovemaking was passionate yet gentle - a stark contrast to the rough encounters of their past.

They explored each other's bodies, discovering new tenderness in the aftermath of their tumultuous history. It was a slow, tender dance of healing and discovery, reconnecting on an intimate level.

For the first time since they'd met, they were truly sharing themselves with one another, free from manipulation or deceit.

Leo looked down at your hand in surprise before giving it a small smile. "Thank you," he said softly, taking your hand in his and leading you out of the room. As they made their way through the castle toward the stables, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in his heart knowing that this day would mark the beginning of another long separation between them. But he vowed to himself that he would find ways to make it up to you, even if it meant going above and beyond what was expected of him as your husband.

"Of course," Leo replied with a nod, following you to the stables where their horses were waiting. As they mounted up and began their journey toward the distant party, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. Despite the obstacles in their path and the challenges they faced, he knew that as long as they had each other, they could overcome anything.

The giant white wolves pressed even closer, their furry forms blanketing Sarah as they guarded her fiercely against all others save Ivor and Sif. They sensed, perhaps better than any human could, the delicate state of their mistress's being; a fragility that demanded absolute seclusion. In that moment, Ivor saw more clearly than ever the unbreakable bond between Sarah and her ethereal companions. A connection forged in blood and baptized by hardship, a love as eternal and vast as the cosmos itself.

With tentative steps, Sarah emerged from the confines of her bedchamber for the first time since her grievous injury. Ivor walked beside her, his strong arm supporting her narrow frame as she shuffled through the doorway, leaning heavily upon him for strength. The two massive white wolves padded along on either side, their vigilant gazes never straying far from their beloved mistress.

Ivor's heart swelled with paternal pride as he guided his daughter's halting progress across the threshold.

The hours ticked by quietly, with neither of them stirring much. However, as dawn began to creep through the windows, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, Prince Leo stirred awake. Groggily opening his eyes, he was met with the sight of Amelia still fast asleep beside him. Her hair cascaded around her face, framing it delicately.

For a moment, he simply stared, his mind foggy from sleep. Then reality hit him like a slap in the face. This was real—his life, his wife, his future.

With a sudden burst of energy, Leo threw off the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He rubbed his tired eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. Rising to his feet, he padded barefoot to the washbasin in the corner of the room. Pouring himself a bowl of cold water, he splashed it over his face, gasping at the shock of it. Maybe it would wake him up properly.

Drying his face with a towel, he turned back to the bed, expecting to see Amelia still sleeping.

The princess stirred awake at her mother's gentle touch, blinking slowly before smiling up at Lady Kairko. "Good morning, Mother," she murmured sleepily, sitting up and stretching languidly like a cat.

Lady Kairko kissed her daughter's forehead again, smoothing back the strands of hair that had fallen across her face. "Good morning, my dearest Yumi-chan," she said warmly, using the affectionate nickname she'd given her when she was little. "Did you sleep well?"

Yumi nodded, yawning softly. "

"Yes, I did," she replied, her voice still a bit groggy from sleep. "Thank you for taking such good care of me."

Lady Kairko smiled proudly at her daughter's words. "As your mother, it's my duty to protect and guide you," she said, her eyes filled with love. "And your guards outside are some of the best we have. They've been by your side since you were born, ensuring your safety and providing you with the strength and discipline you need."

I'm sure it will be. Now, help me undress, and let's get started on making this night memorable.

*As Hamid approaches to assist him, Prince Leo stops her with a hand to his chest. There's a hunger in his mismatched gaze, a promise of debauchery and desire just waiting to be unleashed. He steps back and gives her a sultry look.*

"Go ahead and indulge yourself, demon. I won't stop you."