The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 183

The Truth 1-2

Caleb’s hand tightened on Iva’s back. “Mother-”

“You completed the bond!” The queen rushed toward them, her skirts swishing against the floor. She stopped in front of Iva, her gaze sweeping over her with an intensity that made Iva want to hide.

“I can feel it. The energy between you. It’s unmistakable.”

Iva opened her mouth to respond, but the queen was already pulling her into a warm embrace.

“My dear girl,” the queen murmured against her hair. “Welcome to the family. Truly.”

Iva stood frozen for a moment, stunned by the unexpected affection. Then, slowly, she hugged back.

The queen pulled away, her eyes glistening. She cupped Iva’s face’ in her hands and smiled-a genuine, radiant smile that transformed her elegant features into something almost girlish.

“We have so much to do,” she said. “The ceremony preparations-there’s so much to plan, and now that the bond is complete, everything changes-we need to hurry…”

“Mother.” Caleb’s voice was patient but firm. “Breakfast first.”

The queen waved a hand dismissively. “Breakfast can wait! Iva, come with me. We need to discuss colors, flowers, the guest list-”

“Rita” The king’s voice rumbled across the room, and the queen paused. He hadn’t risen from his chair, but his eyes-those eyes that Caleb had inherited-were fixed on his son with something that looked remarkably like pride.

“Let them eat first,” the king said. “The girl looks ready to bolt.”

Iva realized she had been edging toward the door. She forced herself to stop.

The king’s gaze shifted to her, and for a moment, she felt the full weight of his attention. It was heavy. Assessing. She braced herself for judgment.

Instead, he nodded once. A short, sharp motion.

“Good,” he said. And then, to Caleb: “Good job.”

Caleb’s ears turned pink. Iva had never seen him blush before.

“Father-”

The king held up a hand. “Don’t argue with me when I’m complimenting you. It’s unbecoming.”

The queen laughed-a bright, musical sound-and looped her arm through Iva’s.

“Forgive me… I just got carried away. Come. Sit. Eat. Then we plan.”

Breakfast was a blur of food and conversation and the strange, overwhelming sensation of being welcomed.

1/3

The Truth 12.

Claim

The king asked Iva pointed questions about her childhood, her family, her expectations. The queen chattered about the ceremony-the Messenger ceremony, not a wedding… yet. Iva clarified quickly, and the queen’s eyes sparkled as if she found that distinction amusing.

Caleb stayed close. His knee pressed against hers under the table. His hand found hers whenever the questions became too much.

And through it all, Iva felt the buzz of the bond between them, steady and reassuring.

By the time the meal ended, the queen had already swept Iva away to a sitting room filled with fabric swatches and sketchbooks. She talked endlessly about the ceremony-the dress, the flowers, the procession, the ancient traditions that had to be honored.

Iva nodded along, overwhelmed but touched by the queen’s obvious excitement.

Hours later, exhausted but happy, she found herself back in Caleb’s chambers. He was waiting for her by the window, his silhouette dark against the fading light.

“How was it?” he asked.

Iva collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.

“Surreal,” she said. “Your mother is… a lot.”

Caleb laughed-a real laugh, warm and unguarded. He crossed the room and lay down beside her, propping himself on one elbow so he could look down at her.

“She likes you,” he said. “She doesn’t like most people.”

“I’m honored.”

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