I returned to the castle that night, slipping through the shadows of the courtyard, my body sore and my mind racing. The confrontation with Seraphina still played in my head—her speed, her determination, the way she fought for her father's cause even when doubt flickered in her eyes. But it wasn't her that lingered on my thoughts as much as what she said. I couldn't shake the image of Raelis, his ambition, and the inevitable bloodshed that would come if this spiraled any further. It was a disaster waiting to happen.
The cold night air brushed against my face as I walked toward the side gate, careful to avoid being seen by any of the guards. In the old days, sneaking out of the castle was easy—no one expected much from the arrogant prince. But now, things were different. I was a king, and my presence, or rather, my absence, could send the entire kingdom into a panic. I grimaced at the thought, knowing what was waiting for me when I finally stepped inside.
