Eric
The palace had not felt this alive in a long time.
As I stood at the balcony overlooking the great courtyard, watching servants hurry back and forth with renewed purpose, I felt something unfamiliar settle in my chest, not the weight of duty, not the sharp edge of grief that had followed Alan’s death.
Sophia stood inside, laughing softly with Mrs. Ross, her joy lighting up the room in a way no torch or chandelier ever could.
Max sat nearby, still trying to look composed, though I could sense his unease.
He was a man used to simplicity, not marble halls and royal customs.
And yet, here they were, people who had sheltered my Luna when she had nothing, when the world had turned its back on her.
That alone made them worthy of honor.
I turned sharply to the nearest guard.
“Send
