Nicholas’s POV
Martha’s words hit me like a slap I didn’t see coming.
I stared at her for a long second, like she’d spoken a strange language.
“Are you serious?” My voice came out low, almost a whisper.
She nodded quickly, eyes still downcast but determined. “Yes, Your Majesty. It’s urgent. She asked me to bring you to her room immediately. These were her exact words: ‘Go bring the king to me immediately.’”
My gaze snapped to Marco.
He just shrugged one shoulder, brows raised in a silent what-are-you-waiting-for expression.
I didn’t think.
I couldn’t think.
My body moved before my brain caught up. I shoved past Martha, boots pounding the marble floor as I tore out of the office and down the corridor. The palace blurred around me—servants jumping out of my way, guards snapping to a
