Chapter 60

On a cold veranda after the battle, Jovie leans against Acker as they talk about returning to Maile and finding a place of their own rather than staying at the palace. The conversation underscores Jovie’s fragile recovery, her intermittent numbness and guilt, and Acker’s steady care.

Inside by the fire, they joke about Beau’s resolve to manage Kenta, with Hallis watching over her, and Greta staying to overhaul the library before leaving. Jovie notes Kai and Aurora will serve as Alaha liaisons to the new council, though she still distrusts them. The unresolved absence of Messer weighs on her; exhaustive searches failed, and she grieves not being able to give him a sea burial.

Acker nudges Jovie toward resuming drawing, revealing Zion and Fredrich packed her art supplies for departure. They mention Irina’s happy return home, a small sign of normalcy. Playful intimacy follows, easing Jovie’s lingering cold and grief.

Turning serious, Acker asks whether Jovie loves him and then proposes, arguing their marriage would soothe public uncertainty and unite Maile and Kenta after his father’s rule. Jovie hesitates, missing Messer, but moved by Acker’s need to be chosen beyond their Match, she accepts. They resume intimacy, with Acker asking her to glow as she yields to the moment.