ourtyard teemed with guards, servants, nobles, and commoners alike, a

an orphan n

is knees scraped, and his eyes weary from the night's escape. But he didn't flinch when armored

calm. As she passed Kael, she turned her head just enough to meet his e

ve palace doors swung op

ks. His eyes, once fierce, now brimmed with unshed tears. When he saw Liora, his composure broke.

he whispered.

him. "Father... it was hi

sharply, eyes na

e asked, step

ened. "Yes, Y

found

d

men who t

ave. I escaped befo

. Nobles leaned in, whispering.

closer. "What i

ae

of w

't know. I'm just Kael.

a beat o

der of the Guard. "Prepare a rewar

, raised her voice. "

rowd

er gown gliding like flowing silk. Regal and reser

she aske

id. "He risked everything. Alone.

steadier now. "You said-whoever br

nodded slo

word. Make him more than a gue

urs turn

a long moment. Then his voi

ward, Kael shall b

rippled throu

ed. "What do yo

shall be trained in the ways of court, sword, and wisdom. And if

heart s

flushed. She

turned to objections-He's not of blo

ised a hand

o Kael. "Do you

is mouth. Wor

d meat. He'd never imagined setting foot insid

t," he w

king declared, "Kael of Nowh

ter than clouds, in a room lit by golde

hardly

ats. No cold wi

sil

mage of Liora-gagged, bound, frightened. He could still feel her shallo

feel lik

had stumbled into somethi

came at

t up.

ned sl

iora stepp

ose and flowing. She looked stronger now, tho

disturbing you,"

aid quickly.

the window. The moonlight

y. I don't think I've ever been that afraid in

to help," Kael said

ed. "And I heard what my father sa

ed. "You don

minded," she int

at in

stay. Not just because of the crown or the court. But

el felt seen. Not as a boy from no

I will,

promises. But within the palace walls, s

contin