The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 224

Fated Pair 1-2

His secretary, a nervous young wolf with spectacles perched on his nose, looked up as she approached.

“Miss Iva” he asked, though he clearly already knew.

“Yes.”

He nodded, consulting a ledger on his desk. “You’re expected.” He pointed toward the massive wooden doors. “You may go in.”

Iva’s throat tightened.

She crossed the remaining distance, raised her hand, and knocked.

“Enter,” came the voice from within-deep, measured, unmistakably Attia.

She pushed open the door.

The office was exactly as she imagined-towering bookshelves, massive desk, the weight of authority pressing down from every corner. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, casting golden rectangles across the polished floor.

But Iva didn’t notice any of that.

Because he was there.

Caleb sat in one of the leather chairs before the desk, hís long legs crossed at the ankle, his eyes fixed on the door as if he had been waiting for this moment. When he saw her, his entire face transformed.

The stern future king melted away.

The man remained.

He rose from the chair in one fluid motion, crossing the space between them in three long strides. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her against his chest, and she felt the bond flare to life-bright and warm and home.

“I missed you,” he murmured against her hair, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Iva melted into him, her hands fisting in the fabric of his jacket. The familiar scent of pine and smoke filled her lungs, and for a moment, the world outside disappeared.

“I missed you too,” she whispered.

They stood like that for a moment-just holding each other, breathing each other in, letting the bond soothe the ache of days apart.

Then Iva remembered.

They were not alone.

Her eyes flew open.

1/3

Fated Pai

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She looked over Caleb’s shoulder and saw Headmaster Attia seated behind his massive desk, watching Them with an expression that was almost… amused. His dark eyes held a warmth she had never seen

before-a knowing glint that made her cheeks burn.

Iva pulled back from Caleb, her face flooding with heat.

“Headmaster Attia,” she said, her voice higher than usual. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to-we should have-”

Attia raised one hand, cutting off her stammering.

“Relax, Miss Iva.” His voice was calm, almost casual. “Prince Caleb has already informed me of your relationship. He mentioned that in just a few days, you will become the official Crown Princess of this kingdom.” He inclined his head slightly. “Please accept my congratulations on the occasion.”

Iva blinked.

She had expected coldness. Formality. The same intimidating authority he wielded in the classroom. Instead, she found something almost… gracious.

“Thank you,” she managed.

Caleb’s hand found hers, squeezing gently.

“Please, sit.” Attia gestured to the chair beside the one Caleb had occupied. “We have much to discuss.”

Iva settled into the leather chair beside Caleb, her heart still racing from the encounter at the door. The headmaster’s office felt different now-less intimidating, perhaps, or perhaps she was simply too focused on what was about to happen to notice the weight of the room.

Attia sat behind his massive desk, his dark eyes moving between them with sharp curiosity. His fingers rested on the polished wood, still and patient.

“Prince Caleb has told me that you need to speak with me on an important matter,” Attia said, his deep voice filling the space. “I must say that I am most intrigued. Especially with all the secrecy.”

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