I left the room, each step feeling heavier than the last, like I was walking away from everything that mattered. My heart twisted painfully, anger bubbling beneath my skin, not just at the king, but at myself for leaving her. She was alone now. I should be there beside her, not marching into some pretty summons.
As I reached the palace corridors, I suddenly spotted Ancillin approaching. His eyes were sharp, but there was a hint of something deeper, maybe concern. He stepped in front of me, blocking my path.
"Kairan," he started, his voice calm but urgent. "The king doesn't just want you back for politics. There's trouble near the Sea. A war has broken out, and he needs you to lead the troops there."
I nodded curtly, ready to move past him, but he didn't let me.
