with a silent nod-a ritual steeped in loyalty and unspoken reverence. Whispers drifted through the marble cor

re deep within his weary heart. As he moved toward her,

ith longing and unspoken promises. Her warmth wrapped arou

ghtly, her gown flowing like water around her feet. But the tender moment

he fatigue in his tone un

s voice cracking with uncontained ur

s son, Duke, who stood a few paces away. The young man's exp

r," Duke said,

wed. "You keep you

d and embraced him. The warmth of his t

the victory," D

his voice cool. But a deeper e

turn?" Torin pressed, his voice

y were peaceful people. They didn

ing Torin," Torin boomed, his voic

fear," Duke argued

rin began, but Duke's co

as given me," Duke said, his gaze drifting to the o

and sharp. "I love how my own s

ression unreadable. "Someday you'll be king

emies!" Duke cut in, pass

ttlefield of wills for

sentence," Torin said, his

meet his father's eyes. The disappointment rad

I raised you to be

her voice firm. "You do

s head. "I'm

commanded, gesturing wi

oice ringing out, "Present

es swung open.

nce chang

displaying a form both regal and rebellious. Her poi

hall, but did not bow. Her defia

tled, "Bow t

smile. At his signal, two guards se

est was undeniable. Her eyes, blazing wit

-

er's chamber, shadows dancing on the walls li

in,

ed, hear

" Torin observed. "

n," Duke s

an eyebrow. "

u brought i

urned sharp. "W

ant

le

my toy

e than that. She is not a possession. There is a spirit in

Power radiated from him

ther," he said,

-

the perfume of jasmine and night dew. Duke

ould think o

defi

fi

stre

friend, ran to him, eyes wide with u

ing a hand through his hair. "I coul

Your father won't forget

pped. "She's a person, n

"And what now? Will

g," Duke said firmly.

meant def

meant defyi

Just... be careful. He

I can't ignore this. Elara

ke lay awake, the weight of legacy and longing pr